Tamron 150-500mm
Score: 86/100
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8
Score: 82/100Rankings
The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD offers superb sharpness and effective 3-mode vibration compensation in a relatively portable super-telephoto package. Its drawbacks include a variable aperture that hampers low-light AF and a heavy build that benefits from tripod use. Best suited for wildlife and sports photographers who need long reach without the bulk of native lenses.
The Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary is a compact, constant-aperture standard zoom for APS-C mirrorless cameras, offering sharp optics and close-focus capability. Its lack of image stabilization and reduced corner performance on very high-resolution sensors are notable trade-offs. Ideal for travel and street photographers who value portability.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 2.8best | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.6 m | 0.121 mbest |
| ↓ lower better | 1,879 g | 290 gbest |
3.3best | 2.8 | |
9best | 7 | |
— | 0.4best | |
— | 13best | |
— | 10best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(2) | ||
Lens Mount | Sony E-mount | Sony E |
Mount Compatibility | Sony E-mount | L-Mount, Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon RF |
Features(2) | ||
Image Stabilization | true | false |
Autofocus Type | VXD | Autofocus |
Optics(5) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 150-500 mm | 18-50 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 5-6.7 | 2.8 |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 0.6 m | 0.121 m |
Zoom Ratio | 3.33 | 2.78 |
Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 7 |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Filter Thread Size (mm) | 82 mm | 55 mm |
Weight (g) | 1879 g | 290 g |
Length (mm) | 211 mm | 74.5 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 94 mm | 65.4 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consistently praise the Tamron 150-500mm for its excellent sharpness throughout the zoom range, especially when stopped down, and for its 2-3 stop VC system that makes handheld shooting at 500mm viable. The VXD autofocus is lauded for speed, quietness and reliable bird-tracking, while the weather-sealed build and Arca-Swiss tripod collar add rugged appeal. Critics note the extending barrel's exposure to elements, the slower variable aperture that hampers low-light AF, and the reduced 15 fps burst on Sony A1 compared with native lenses.
Everyday users echo the pros highlighted by experts, valuing the lens's sharp handheld wildlife results, close-focus flexibility and strong price-to-performance ratio. Recurring complaints focus on the lens's weight during extended handheld use, occasional low-light autofocus hesitation, and concerns about the extending barrel in dusty or rainy environments.
Professional reviewers commend the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN for its revolutionary compactness, sharp optics and bright constant aperture, calling it an "ultimate workhorse" that delivers excellent image quality in a tiny package. They also note its strong close-focus capability, but point out the lack of image stabilization, corner softness on very high-resolution sensors, and a slightly limited 18 mm wide-end compared with competing lenses.
Everyday users love the lens's pocketable size, sharpness for street and travel shooting, and the value it provides as a daily driver. Common praise centers on its lightweight feel, macro-style close-ups, and affordable price, while recurring themes of criticism include edge distortion, autofocus noise in video, and the missing stabilization feature.
“excellent throughout focal range”
“very capable super-tele zoom”
“brilliant AF/VC for f/5-6.7 and image quality”
