Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD vs Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD opens to f/4.5 versus the Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD's f/5 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 150mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 1130g (2.49 lb) it's lighter than the 1725g (3.80 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD opens to f/4.5 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: Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD is 150-500mm, Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is 50-400mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is 1130g (2.49 lb) vs 1725g (3.80 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD or the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD opens to f/4.5 versus the Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD's f/5 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD?
Choose the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD if you shoot wide — it starts at 50mm vs 150mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 1130g (2.49 lb) it's lighter than the 1725g (3.80 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD and the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD?
Aperture: the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD opens to f/4.5 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 | 150-500mm | 50-400mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 25 | 22 |
| Optical Groups | 18 | 16 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/5 | f/4.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 16° – 5° | 47° – 6° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | VXD | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 180 cm | 72 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.33x | 0.28x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $849 | $849 |
| Filter Size | 82mm | 82mm |
| Diameter | 101.6mm | 88.2mm |
| Length | 209.6mm | 183.4mm |
| Weight | 1725g (3.80 lb) | 1130g (2.49 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | Yes |
