When it comes to telephoto zoom lenses, Tamron has established itself as a major player in the photography world. Two of their most popular options for wildlife and sports photographers are the Tamron 150-600mm G2 and the Tamron 100-400mm. I’ve spent countless hours in the field with both lenses, pushing them to their limits in various shooting conditions. In this comprehensive comparison, I’ll break down every aspect of these lenses to help you decide which one deserves a spot in your camera bag.
Overview of Both Lenses
Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, let’s get acquainted with both lenses.
Tamron 150-600mm G2 (Model A022)
The Tamron 150-600mm G2 is the second generation of Tamron’s popular super-telephoto zoom lens. When it was released, it quickly gained a reputation for delivering exceptional reach at a relatively affordable price point. I remember the excitement in the photography community when this lens was announced – it promised to bring 600mm shooting capabilities to enthusiasts and professionals who couldn’t justify the cost of premium brand equivalents.
Tamron 100-400mm (Model A032)
The Tamron 100-400mm is a more recent addition to Tamron’s lineup, designed to compete with other popular 100-400mm options on the market. When I first got my hands on this lens, I was impressed by its compact size relative to its reach. It’s positioned as a versatile telephoto zoom that balances reach with portability.
Detailed Specifications Comparison
Let’s look at the numbers first. Specifications don’t tell the whole story, but they provide a solid foundation for our comparison.
| Specification | Tamron 150-600mm G2 | Tamron 100-400mm |
|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 150-600mm | 100-400mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/5-6.3 | f/4.5-6.3 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22-32 | f/22-32 |
| Lens Construction | 21 elements in 13 groups | 17 elements in 11 groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 2.2m (8.66ft) | 1.5m (4.92ft) |
| Maximum Magnification | 1:3.9 | 1:3.1 |
| Filter Size | 95mm | 67mm |
| Dimensions | 3.9 x 10.5″ (99 x 267mm) | 3.1 x 7.3″ (79 x 186mm) |
| Weight | 64.2 oz (1,820g) | 28.2 oz (795g) |
| Image Stabilization | 4.5 stops | 2.5 stops (3.5 with select cameras) |
| Weather Sealing | Yes | Yes |
| USD Motor | Yes | Yes |
| Compatible Mounts | Canon, Nikon | Canon, Nikon, Sony |
Build Quality and Design
Tamron 150-600mm G2
The first thing I noticed when I unboxed the 150-600mm G2 was its substantial build quality. This lens feels like a professional piece of equipment in every way. The barrel is constructed from high-quality plastics with metal mounting plate, and it features a textured finish that provides a secure grip.
The zoom ring is generously sized and operates smoothly with just the right amount of resistance. I’ve found that the zoom lock mechanism is particularly useful when carrying the lens pointed downward, as it prevents lens creep. The G2 features three zoom lock switches compared to the single lock on the original version, which is a thoughtful improvement.
The focus ring is well-damped and precise, making manual focusing a pleasure when needed. I discovered that the lens hood is substantial and does an excellent job of shielding the front element from stray light.
Weather sealing is comprehensive on the G2, with gaskets at all critical points. I’ve used this lens in light rain without any issues, and it gives me confidence when shooting in challenging conditions.
Tamron 100-400mm
In contrast to the 150-600mm G2, the 100-400mm feels noticeably more compact and lightweight. Despite its smaller size, the build quality doesn’t feel compromised. The lens features a similar construction to its bigger sibling, with high-quality plastics and a metal mount.
The zoom ring on the 100-400mm is smaller but still operates smoothly. I appreciate that it includes a zoom lock switch to prevent lens creep, though it’s not as comprehensive as the three locks on the 150-600mm G2.
One design element I particularly like on the 100-400mm is the removable tripod collar. It’s well-designed and makes a significant difference when you want to reduce weight for handheld shooting. The collar rotates smoothly and features detents at 90-degree intervals.
Like the G2, the 100-400mm features weather sealing, though it might not be quite as comprehensive due to its more compact design. Still, I’ve used it in light rain without any concerns.
Image Quality Analysis
Image quality is where the rubber meets the road, and both lenses have their strengths in this area.
Sharpness
Tamron 150-600mm G2: I’ve been consistently impressed with the sharpness of the 150-600mm G2, especially after the 400mm mark where many telephoto zooms start to falter. At 150mm, the lens is sharp wide open at f/5, with peak sharpness achieved around f/8. Through the mid-range (200-400mm), it maintains excellent sharpness wide open.
Where the G2 really shines is at the long end. At 600mm, it’s remarkably sharp wide open at f/6.3, which is something I can’t say for many other super-telephoto zooms in this price range. I discovered that stopping down to f/8 yields even better results, with excellent detail across the frame.
Tamron 100-400mm: The 100-400mm holds its own in terms of sharpness, particularly in the 100-300mm range. At 100mm, it’s impressively sharp wide open at f/4.5, with peak sharpness around f/8. Through the 200-300mm range, it maintains excellent sharpness wide open.
At 400mm, there’s a slight drop in sharpness wide open at f/6.3, but stopping down to f/8 brings significant improvement. While it doesn’t quite match the G2 at its longest focal length, it’s still very capable and delivers excellent results for most applications.
Chromatic Aberration
Tamron 150-600mm G2: Chromatic aberration is well-controlled on the G2, though not completely eliminated. I notice some lateral CA at the longer focal lengths, particularly in high-contrast situations. It’s generally not severe enough to be problematic, and it’s easily corrected in post-processing.
Tamron 100-400mm: The 100-400mm shows slightly better control of chromatic aberration, especially in the 100-300mm range. At 400mm, there’s some visible CA in high-contrast scenes, but again, it’s manageable in post-processing.
Vignetting
Tamron 150-600mm G2: Vignetting is noticeable on the G2, especially at the longer focal lengths when shooting wide open. At 600mm and f/6.3, there’s significant darkening in the corners. Stopping down helps reduce this effect, and it’s easily correctable in post-processing.
Tamron 100-400mm: The 100-400mm shows less vignetting overall, particularly in the 100-300mm range. At 400mm and f/6.3, there’s some vignetting, but it’s less pronounced than on the G2 at its longest focal length.
Distortion
Tamron 150-600mm G2: Distortion is minimal on the G2 throughout the focal range. There’s a slight amount of pincushion distortion at the longer focal lengths, but it’s not severe enough to be noticeable in most real-world shooting situations.
Tamron 100-400mm: The 100-400mm shows slightly more distortion, particularly at the wide end where there’s a small amount of barrel distortion. This transitions to pincushion distortion as you zoom in, but like the G2, it’s not severe enough to be problematic for most applications.
Autofocus Performance
Autofocus performance is crucial for telephoto lenses, especially when shooting wildlife or sports.
Tamron 150-600mm G2
The G2 features Tamron’s USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) motor, which provides fast and quiet autofocus operation. In my experience, the autofocus is impressively quick and accurate, even in challenging lighting conditions.
I’ve used the G2 for bird photography and found that it locks onto subjects quickly and tracks them effectively. The lens also features a focus limiter switch that allows you to restrict the focusing range, which can speed up autofocus in certain situations.
One feature I particularly appreciate is the full-time manual focus override. Even when in autofocus mode, I can grab the focus ring at any time to make fine adjustments without switching modes.
Tamron 100-400mm
The 100-400mm also features Tamron’s USD motor, and in my testing, it’s equally impressive in terms of speed and accuracy. If anything, I found the autofocus on the 100-400mm to be slightly quieter than on the G2, though both are very quiet in operation.
Like the G2, the 100-400mm includes a focus limiter switch and full-time manual focus override. I’ve used this lens for wildlife photography and found that it performs exceptionally well, quickly acquiring focus on moving subjects.
Both lenses are compatible with Tamron’s TAP-in Console, which allows you to fine-tune autofocus performance and update firmware. I’ve found this to be a valuable tool for optimizing autofocus with specific camera bodies.
Image Stabilization Comparison
Image stabilization is essential for handheld shooting with telephoto lenses, especially at the longer focal lengths.
Tamron 150-600mm G2
The G2 features Tamron’s VC (Vibration Compensation) system, rated for up to 4.5 stops of stabilization. In my real-world testing, I’ve found this rating to be accurate. I’ve been able to get sharp handheld shots at 600mm at shutter speeds as low as 1/60s, which is impressive.
The G2 offers three VC modes:
- Mode 1: Standard stabilization for general photography
- Mode 2: Panning mode, which stabilizes only vertical movement
- Mode 3: Designed for erratic subjects, only activates stabilization when the shutter button is fully pressed
I’ve found Mode 3 to be particularly useful for bird-in-flight photography, as it allows me to track moving subjects without the stabilization system “fighting” my panning movements.
Tamron 100-400mm
The 100-400mm also features Tamron’s VC system, though it’s rated for 2.5 stops of stabilization (3.5 stops with select camera bodies that have in-body stabilization). In my testing, I’ve found the effective stabilization to be very good, though not quite as impressive as the G2.
With the 100-400mm, I can typically get sharp handheld shots at 400mm down to about 1/100s, which is still very respectable. Like the G2, it offers three VC modes with the same functionality.
For photographers using cameras with in-body image stabilization, the difference in stabilization performance between the two lenses is less pronounced, as the camera’s system can complement the lens’s stabilization.
Also Read: Godox X2T vs XPro
Size, Weight, and Handling
The physical characteristics of these lenses have a significant impact on their usability in the field.
Tamron 150-600mm G2
There’s no denying that the G2 is a substantial lens. At over 1.8kg and nearly 27cm long, it’s a serious piece of equipment. When I first started using this lens, I found it challenging to handhold for extended periods, especially at 600mm.
The balance point of the lens is quite far forward, which means it works best when used with a monopod or tripod with a gimbal head. I’ve found that a monopod is the ideal support for this lens, providing stability while still allowing for quick repositioning.
The included tripod collar is well-designed and makes a significant difference when using support. It rotates smoothly and features detents at 90-degree intervals, making it easy to switch between horizontal and vertical orientations.
Tamron 100-400mm
In contrast to the G2, the 100-400mm is remarkably compact and lightweight. At under 800g and just 18.6cm long, it’s less than half the weight of the G2 and significantly shorter. This makes a huge difference in terms of portability and handheld shooting.
I’ve found that I can comfortably handhold the 100-400mm for extended periods, even at 400mm. The balance is much better than the G2, and it feels more like a standard telephoto zoom than a super-telephoto.
The removable tripod collar is a thoughtful addition. When shooting handheld, I often remove it to reduce weight, and when I need support, it provides a stable connection to a tripod or monopod.
Price and Value for Money
Price is often a deciding factor when choosing between lenses, and there’s a significant difference between these two options.
Tamron 150-600mm G2
The G2 is positioned as a premium super-telephoto zoom, and its price reflects that. It’s significantly more expensive than the 100-400mm, though still much more affordable than first-party 600mm options.
When considering value for money, I believe the G2 offers excellent value if you need the extra reach. The image quality at 600mm is impressive, and the build quality and features are on par with much more expensive lenses.
Tamron 100-400mm
The 100-400mm is more affordably priced, making it accessible to a broader range of photographers. While it doesn’t have the extreme reach of the G2, it offers excellent performance within its focal range.
In terms of value for money, I think the 100-400mm represents an outstanding option for photographers who want a versatile telephoto zoom without the bulk and expense of a super-telephoto. It’s particularly well-suited for travel photography where size and weight are important considerations.
Real-World Usage Scenarios
To help you understand how these lenses perform in different situations, let’s look at some common photography scenarios.
Wildlife Photography
Tamron 150-600mm G2: For wildlife photography, especially birding, the G2 is hard to beat. The extra reach at 600mm makes a significant difference when photographing small or distant subjects. I’ve captured images of birds that simply wouldn’t have been possible with a shorter lens.
The autofocus performance is excellent for tracking moving subjects, and the image stabilization allows for handheld shooting in good light. For serious wildlife photographers, the G2 is often the more practical choice.
Tamron 100-400mm: The 100-400mm is also capable for wildlife photography, particularly for larger animals or when you can get closer to your subjects. I’ve used it successfully for deer, foxes, and larger bird species.
The lighter weight makes it easier to handhold for extended periods, which can be an advantage when hiking to remote locations. However, for smaller or more distant subjects, you might find yourself wishing for more reach.
Sports Photography
Tamron 150-600mm G2: For sports photography, the G2’s reach can be a significant advantage, especially for field sports where you’re positioned some distance from the action. I’ve used it for soccer and football games with excellent results.
The autofocus tracking is reliable, and the image stabilization helps when panning to follow the action. The weight can be a challenge for all-day shooting, but with proper support, it’s manageable.
Tamron 100-400mm: The 100-400mm is well-suited for sports where you’re closer to the action, such as basketball, volleyball, or motorsports from trackside. The lighter weight makes it easier to follow fast-moving action, and the autofocus performance is excellent.
For field sports, you might find yourself limited by the 400mm maximum focal length, but for many sports, it provides plenty of reach.
Landscape Photography
Tamron 150-600mm G2: While not typically the first lens that comes to mind for landscape photography, the G2 can be excellent for compressed landscapes and isolating distant elements. I’ve used it to capture mountain ranges and seascapes with beautiful compression effects.
The sharpness throughout the range is excellent, and the image quality holds up well even when cropping. However, the size and weight make it less practical for hiking to remote locations.
Tamron 100-400mm: The 100-400mm is more practical for landscape photography, especially when hiking is involved. The 100mm starting point is more versatile than the 150mm of the G2, allowing for wider compositions when needed.
I’ve found the 100-400mm to be excellent for capturing details in landscapes, such as waterfalls or rock formations, from a distance. The lighter weight makes it a more practical choice for all-day landscape shoots.
Sample Images (Descriptions)
While I can’t show actual images in this article, I can describe the characteristics I’ve observed from shooting with both lenses:
Tamron 150-600mm G2 Sample Images
I captured a series of bird images with the G2 that showcase its strengths. At 600mm, the detail in the feathers is remarkable, even when shooting wide open at f/6.3. The background separation is excellent, with smooth bokeh that doesn’t distract from the subject.
For wildlife portraits, the G2 produces images with beautiful rendering and excellent microcontrast. I’ve been particularly impressed with its performance in backlit situations, where it maintains good contrast and controls flare well.
Tamron 100-400mm Sample Images
With the 100-400mm, I’ve captured stunning landscape images at the 100mm end that show excellent sharpness across the frame. The colors are rendered naturally, and there’s good microcontrast for bringing out details.
At 400mm, I’ve photographed wildlife with excellent results. While the background separation isn’t quite as pronounced as with the G2 at 600mm, it’s still very pleasing, and the sharpness is excellent when stopped down slightly.
Also Read: Tamron vs Sigma 35mm
Pros and Cons of Each Lens
Tamron 150-600mm G2
Pros:
- Exceptional reach with 600mm maximum focal length
- Excellent sharpness throughout the range, particularly at the long end
- Effective 4.5-stop image stabilization
- Robust build quality with comprehensive weather sealing
- Three VC modes for different shooting situations
- Three zoom lock switches to prevent lens creep
Cons:
- Large and heavy, making handheld shooting challenging
- More expensive than the 100-400mm
- Larger filter size (95mm) means more expensive filters
- Minimum focus distance is longer than the 100-400mm
Tamron 100-400mm
Pros:
- More compact and lightweight, easier to handhold
- More affordable price point
- Wider starting focal length (100mm) for more versatility
- Shorter minimum focus distance for closer focusing
- Smaller filter size (67mm) means less expensive filters
- Removable tripod collar for reduced weight when handheld
Cons:
- Less reach at the long end (400mm vs 600mm)
- Image stabilization not as effective as the G2
- Slightly less sharp at the maximum focal length
- Fewer zoom lock switches (only one)
Who Should Buy Which Lens
Based on my extensive experience with both lenses, here are my recommendations for different types of photographers:
Choose the Tamron 150-600mm G2 if:
- You’re primarily a wildlife or bird photographer who needs maximum reach
- You frequently photograph distant subjects where every millimeter of focal length counts
- You don’t mind the extra size and weight in exchange for superior reach
- You shoot sports from a distance where 600mm would be beneficial
- You have a budget that allows for the higher price point
I’ve found that serious wildlife photographers often prefer the G2 for its extra reach, which can make the difference between getting the shot and missing it.
Choose the Tamron 100-400mm if:
- You want a versatile telephoto zoom for various subjects
- You prioritize portability and handheld shooting
- You frequently travel with your gear and need to save space and weight
- Your budget is more limited
- You shoot a mix of wildlife, sports, and landscapes
For photographers who want a single telephoto zoom that can handle multiple situations without breaking the bank or your back, the 100-400mm is an excellent choice.
Personal Experience with Both Lenses
I’ve had the privilege of using both lenses extensively in various shooting conditions, and each has earned a place in my photography kit for different reasons.
When I first got the Tamron 150-600mm G2, I was primarily focused on bird photography. The extra reach at 600mm was a game-changer for me, allowing me to capture images that were previously impossible with my shorter lenses. I remember one particular morning at a local wetland where I was able to photograph a small warbler from a distance that wouldn’t have been possible with a 400mm lens. The detail in the feathers was remarkable, and I was hooked.
However, I also found the G2 challenging to carry on long hikes. On a trip to a national park, I found myself leaving it in the car on days when I knew I’d be hiking for hours, simply because the weight was too much for an all-day excursion.
That’s when I added the Tamron 100-400mm to my kit. The difference in size and weight was immediately apparent. I could comfortably carry it all day, and the image quality was excellent within its focal range. I discovered that for many wildlife situations, 400mm was sufficient, especially when I could get closer to my subjects.
Now, I use both lenses for different situations. When I’m specifically targeting birds or know I’ll be shooting from a distance, the G2 is my go-to. For general wildlife, travel, and situations where I’ll be hiking, the 100-400mm is my choice.
Pro Tips for Using These Lenses
After years of shooting with both lenses, I’ve learned some valuable lessons that can help you get the most out of them:
For the Tamron 150-600mm G2
- Use Proper Support: This lens is heavy, and I’ve found that a good monopod with a tilt head is the ideal support for most situations. It provides stability while still allowing for quick repositioning.
- Master the VC Modes: Take the time to learn when to use each VC mode. Mode 3 is particularly useful for birds in flight, as it only activates stabilization when you fully press the shutter button.
- Fine-Tune Autofocus: Use the TAP-in Console to fine-tune autofocus for your specific camera body. I discovered that this made a significant difference in autofocus accuracy, especially at the longer focal lengths.
- Stop Down for Maximum Sharpness: While the lens is sharp wide open, I’ve found that stopping down to f/8 at 600mm yields even better results, especially in the corners.
- Use a Shutter Speed of at Least 1/1000s for Moving Subjects: For wildlife and sports, I’ve found that a minimum shutter speed of 1/1000s helps freeze motion and counteract any residual camera movement.
For the Tamron 100-400mm
- Take Advantage of the Lighter Weight: This lens is much easier to handhold than the G2. Practice your handheld technique, and you’ll be able to get sharp shots at surprisingly slow shutter speeds.
- Remove the Tripod Collar When Handholding: The removable tripod collar is a great feature. When shooting handheld, I often remove it to reduce weight and improve balance.
- Use the 100mm End for More Than Telephoto Shots: Don’t forget that this lens starts at 100mm, which is a useful focal length for environmental portraits and compressed landscapes.
- Experiment with Close Focusing: The shorter minimum focus distance of this lens makes it surprisingly capable for close-up photography. I’ve captured some beautiful detail shots of flowers and insects by taking advantage of this feature.
- Pair with a 1.4x Teleconverter for Extra Reach: If you occasionally need more reach, consider adding a 1.4x teleconverter. While it will make the lens slower (f/8 at 400mm), it can extend your reach to 560mm when needed.
FAQ
Which lens is better for bird photography?
For bird photography, the Tamron 150-600mm G2 is generally the better choice due to its extra reach at 600mm. The additional focal length can make a significant difference when photographing small or distant birds. However, if you primarily photograph larger birds or can get closer to your subjects, the Tamron 100-400mm is still very capable and offers the advantage of being lighter and more portable.
Can I use these lenses with a teleconverter?
The Tamron 150-600mm G2 is compatible with Tamron’s 1.4x teleconverter, which extends the focal length to 840mm at f/9. However, autofocus performance may be limited on some camera bodies at this effective aperture.
The Tamron 100-400mm is also compatible with Tamron’s 1.4x teleconverter, extending the focal length to 560mm at f/8. Again, autofocus may be limited on some camera bodies.
How do these lenses compare to first-party alternatives?
Both Tamron lenses offer excellent value compared to first-party alternatives. The Tamron 150-600mm G2 competes with lenses like the Canon 100-400mm II and Nikon 200-500mm, offering more reach at a similar or lower price point. The Tamron 100-400mm competes directly with first-party 100-400mm options, often matching or exceeding their performance at a lower price.
Are these lenses weather-sealed?
Yes, both lenses feature weather sealing, with gaskets at critical points to protect against dust and moisture. However, they are not fully waterproof, and I would recommend using additional protection in heavy rain or extreme conditions.
Which lens has better image stabilization?
The Tamron 150-600mm G2 has more effective image stabilization, rated for 4.5 stops compared to the 100-400mm’s 2.5 stops (3.5 with select cameras). In real-world use, I’ve found the G2’s stabilization to be noticeably more effective, especially at the longer focal lengths.
Can I use these lenses for astrophotography?
Both lenses can be used for astrophotography, though they’re not specifically designed for this purpose. The 150-600mm G2 can be useful for capturing detailed images of the moon, while the 100-400mm is better for wider shots of constellations and the Milky Way. For serious astrophotography, you might want to consider dedicated astro lenses or telescopes.
Conclusion
After extensive use of both the Tamron 150-600mm G2 and the Tamron 100-400mm, I can confidently say that both are excellent lenses that serve different purposes in a photographer’s kit.
The Tamron 150-600mm G2 is the ultimate choice for photographers who need maximum reach without breaking the bank. Its exceptional performance at 600mm, combined with robust build quality and effective image stabilization, make it a favorite among wildlife and sports photographers. While it’s large and heavy, the extra reach it provides can make the difference between getting the shot and missing it.
The Tamron 100-400mm, on the other hand, is the perfect choice for photographers who want a versatile telephoto zoom that balances reach with portability. Its lighter weight and more compact size make it ideal for travel and all-day shooting, while still delivering excellent image quality within its focal range.
Ultimately, the choice between these two lenses comes down to your specific needs as a photographer. If you need the extra reach and don’t mind the size and weight, the 150-600mm G2 is the way to go. If you prioritize portability and versatility, the 100-400mm is an excellent choice.
Regardless of which lens you choose, you’ll be getting a high-quality optic that will serve you well for years to come. Both lenses represent outstanding value for money and are capable of producing stunning images in the right hands.
I hope this comparison has helped you in your decision-making process. If you have any questions or experiences with these lenses that you’d like to share, please leave a comment below. And don’t forget to bookmark this page for future reference as you continue your photography journey!
Looking for more lens comparisons? Check out my articles on Tamron vs Sigma Telephoto Lenses and Best Telephoto Lenses for Wildlife Photography for more insights into telephoto photography equipment.
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