Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art Lens vs Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art Lens is 17-40mm, the Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD is 150-500mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art Lens for standard, the Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD for super-telephoto.
Choose the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art Lens if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 150mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 560g (1.23 lb) it's lighter than the 1725g (3.80 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Choose the Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 500mm vs 40mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.33x magnification vs 0.21x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art Lens opens to f/1.8 vs the Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD's f/5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art Lens is 17-40mm, Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD is 150-500mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art Lens is 560g (1.23 lb) vs 1725g (3.80 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art Lens or the Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art Lens is 17-40mm, the Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD is 150-500mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art Lens for standard, the Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD for super-telephoto.
Who should choose the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art Lens?
Choose the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art Lens if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 150mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 560g (1.23 lb) it's lighter than the 1725g (3.80 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Who should choose the Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD?
Choose the Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD if you need more reach — it goes to 500mm vs 40mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.33x magnification vs 0.21x.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art Lens and the Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD?
Aperture: the Sigma 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Art Lens opens to f/1.8 vs the Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD's f/5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 17-40mm | 150-500mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 25 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 18 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 76.5° – 37.1° | 16° – 5° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 25-60mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 28 cm | 180 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 0.33x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $919 | $849 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 82mm |
| Diameter | 72.9mm | 101.6mm |
| Length | 115.9mm | 209.6mm |
| Weight | 560g (1.23 lb) | 1725g (3.80 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | Yes |
