Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2

£1349, $1399 www.tamron.com

Tamron has updated its SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD ultra-telephoto with this new G2 revision, with many enhancements. An improved optical design consists of 21 elements in 13 groups, including three LD (Low Dispersion) elements for reduced chromatic aberration and boosted sharpness. Tamron’s eBAND glass coating is used to reduce ghosting, flare and reflections, and it’s touted as doing so while maintaining increased light transmission.

Focusing characteristics have also been tweaked, as the G2’s closest focusing distance is now 2.2 metres, down from 2.7 metres in the original optic. The lens’s new USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) autofocus motor gets a speed boost to help increase responsiveness when shooting fast-moving subjects. And to ensure your shots stay sharp, Vibration Compensation is now capable of 4.5 stops of stabilisation.

Three VC modes are available, with Mode 1 simultaneously stabilising the viewfinder image and captured image, while Mode 2 is designed for use when panning. The third VC mode sacrifices stabilisation of the viewfinder image in favour of maximum captured image stabilisation.

A new zoom ring enables the focal length to be locked to any position to prevent zoom creep, and Nikon users now benefit from an electromagnetic diaphragm for more precise aperture control.

Weighing 1990g with its tripod mount, the Nikon-fit G2 lens is a shade heavier than the lens it replaces, but it still undercuts the 2300g Nikon AF-S 200–500mm f/5.6E ED VR. A water and oil-repellent fluorine coating on the front lens element, along with full weather sealing, seal the deal. First impressions_

Tamron’s latest super telephoto lens seems set to offer even better value for sports and wildlife photographers after top optical quality and AF performance.