Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS vs Tamron 150-500mm F5-6.7 Di III VC VXD
Sony E-Mount
Two full-frame telephoto zooms for Sony E that play very different roles. The FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS (April 2017) belongs to the G Master line, is dust and moisture resistant and can be combined with Sony's 1.4x and 2x teleconverters (up to 800 mm). The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD (April 2021) was, according to Tamron, the first ultra-telephoto zoom for full-frame mirrorless cameras to reach 500 mm, with VC stabilization and a VXD linear motor. It offers 100 mm more reach and starts only at 150 mm. At about 1725 g it weighs roughly 330 g more than the Sony (1395 g).
Which one suits whom?
- Sony 100-400mm: You want to start at 100 mm and keep the option of going further with teleconverters.
- Tamron 150-500mm: You need the maximum reach of 500 mm and accept more weight and a start at 150 mm.
Key differences
- Focal length: 100-400 mm on the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS, 150-500 mm on the Tamron 150-500mm F5-6.7 Di III VC VXD.
- The Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS is faster: f/4.5 instead of f/5, about 0.3 stops more light.
- The Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS is 329 g lighter (1,395 g vs 1,724 g).
- The Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS is 5 mm shorter.
- The Tamron 150-500mm F5-6.7 Di III VC VXD focuses closer: from 60 cm instead of 98 cm.
- Filter thread: 77 mm on the Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS, 82 mm on the Tamron 150-500mm F5-6.7 Di III VC VXD.
Specs side by side
The key specs of both lenses side by side.
| Lens | Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS | Tamron 150-500mm F5-6.7 Di III VC VXD |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 100-400 mm | 150-500 mm |
| Max. aperture | f/4.5-5.6 | f/5-6.7 |
| Weight | 1,395 g | 1,724 g |
| Filter diameter | 77 mm | 82 mm |
| Min. focus distance | 98 cm | 60 cm |
| Length | 205 mm | 210 mm |
| Autofocus | yes | yes |
| Image stabilization | yes | yes |
Size comparison
- Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS: 205 × 94 mm
- Tamron 150-500mm F5-6.7 Di III VC VXD: 210 × 93 mm
Side view to the same scale, length × diameter (without lens hood).