What’s the Best 150-600mm Superzoom for Sony a7RII?

UPDATED: June 11, 2019 / ORIGINAL: September 18, 20156

Since there is currently no native FE lens longer than the Sony FE 24-240mm F3.5-6.3 OSS, I’ve been getting lots of questions about what’s the best third-party 150-600mm super-telephoto zoom to adapt to E-mount for Sony a7RII. To answer that question, I headed to B&H Photo to put a trio of Canon EF-mount Super-zooms to the test:

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens for Canon EF-mount
Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens for Canon EF-mount
Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens for Canon EF-mount

UPDATE JUNE 11, 2019: With today’s announcement of the Sony FE 200-600mm lens there is finally a native superzoom that outperforms all the lenses on this list

 
Here’s what I found:

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens for Canon EF-mount


Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports Lens for Canon EF-mount ($1,999)

Metabones Smart Adapter IV (FW 0.41) Slow PDAF AF-C + AF-S to about 275mm but misfocuses beyond 275mm
Fotodiox Canon AF Adapter Slow PDAF AF-C + AF-S at 150mm but misfocuses beyond 150mm
Viltrox Canon AF Adapter II Slow PDAF AF-C + AF-S to 200mm but misfocuses beyond 200mm
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII. This lens was not available to test with Metabones FW 0.46


Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens for Canon EF-mount


Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens for Canon EF-mount ($1,089)

Metabones Smart Adapter IV (FW 0.46) Good PDAF AF-C + AF-S to 250mm but misfocuses beyond 250mm
Fotodiox Canon AF Adapter Slow PDAF AF-C + AF-S to 200mm but misfocuses beyond 200mm
Viltrox Canon AF Adapter II Slow PDAF AF-C + AF-S to 200mm but misfocuses beyond 200mm
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.


Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens for Canon EF-mount

Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens for Canon EF-mount ($1,069)

Metabones Smart Adapter IV (FW 0.46) Fast an Accurate AF from 150mm-450mm. Manual Focus only above 450mm
Fotodiox Canon AF Adapter Manual Focus Only – No AF
Viltrox Canon AF Adapter II Manual Focus Only – No AF
NOTES: Image Stabilization functions best with Metabones (with fw 0.41 or later) on a7RII.

In all cases the AF performance those lenses was disappointing at best and often simply non-existent. My results were actually a touch better than what several readers experienced, so your performance might vary – just don’t expect good results with these three EF-mount lenses.

Metabones Smart Adapter IV and Metabones T Smart Adapter IV were both tested with identical AF performance.

What about Sony A-Mount?

While Sigma does not yet make a Sony A-mount version of their 150-600mm super-zoom, Tamrom does and here’s the good news – Tamron’s Sony A-mount 150-600mm ROCKS the AF!!!

Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di Lens for Sony A-mount

Tamron-150-600mm-5-6-6-3-Sony-A
Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di Lens for Sony A-mount ($1,069)

Sony LA-EA3 offers fast and accurate PDAF AF-C and AF-S with Wide, Center and Flexible Spot Focus Areas. Even though it lacks lock-on AF, I prefer this adapter, because it’s 399-PDAF focus points offer smoother PDAF tracking as the subject moves throughout the frame.

Sony LA-EA4 can also be used but it uses it’s own PDAF focus system that does not take advantage of a7RII’s 399 Phase Detection and 25 Contrast AF points. LA-EA4 offers lock-on AF – but it has fewer AF focus points that are concentrated in the center of the screen so it performs best when tracking action that’s fairly centered in the frame. The SLT mirror in LA-EA4 reduces exposure by roughly 1/2 stop.

NOTES: In-camera Image Stabilization functions properly with both adapters and both adapters enable Face Detection.

The Bottom Line

If you’re seeking fast and accurate PDAF with a 150-600mm super-zoom lens on Sony a7RII cameras, Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di Lens for Sony A-mount is the clear choice. It performs much better than any of the Tamron or Sigma’s 150-600mm Canon EF-mount offerings.

READ MORE: SONY a7RII CANON SMART ADAPTER TEST


Sony-a7-Snapshots-bookFor more tips and tricks about getting the most out of your Sony a7 series camera, check out my book ‘Sony a7-Series: From Snapshots to Great Shots’. It’s your guide to all of the Sony a7 Series I & II cameras. While the camera manual explains what the camera can do, it doesn’t show how to use the camera to create great images! Starting with the Top Ten things users need to know about the cameras, author Brian Smith, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer and Sony Artisan of Imagery, carefully guides you through the operating features of Sony a7, a7R, a7S, a7II and a7RII and how to use them. Get practical advice from a pro on which settings to use when, great shooting tips, and assignments at end of chapter to practice what you’ve just learned.

‘Sony A7 Series: From Snapshots to Great Shots’ is available NOW from Amazon

ORDER NOW

Apply for B&H Photo Payboo Card

Cine-D-Sony-Alpha-9-III-Dynamic-Range-Tests

Sony Alpha 9 III Excels in CineD Video Dynamic Range Tests

Published: March 7, 2024 Global shutter sensors are notorious for having less dynamic range, yet CineD Tests reveal Alpha 9 III offers the best Video

Read More »

Monster Adapter LA-FE2 Nikon F to Sony E Lens Adapter available in USA!

Published: February 29, 2024 MonsterAdapter LA-FE2 Nikon F to Sony E-Mount Adapter ($439) is in stock now in the USA. It’s the best adapter yet

Read More »
Sony-Play-Memories-Online-Discontinued

Final Notice: Sony ‘PlayMemories Online’ Will Shut Down February 29, 2024

Published: February 25, 2024 Sony posts Final Notice that ‘PlayMemories Online’ will shut down on February 29, 2024. Users should download any online content before

Read More »

68 thoughts on “What’s the Best 150-600mm Superzoom for Sony a7RII?”

  1. You show at these do work with AF-C, yet slow to the point of being worthless. On the Metabones website, they still report “Continuous AF is not supported.”

      1. Hi Brian,
        planning to buy Zoom lens 150-600 either Tamron or Sigma. Does these lens support my DSLR Sony A7s with sony adaptor for auto focus features?, if yes which adaptor should i buy and which lens is best for video shoot for sports.
        I am having metabones adaptor Nikon G to E mount Speed Booster ULTRA, any suitable lens with auto focus for this adaptor please advice.

          1. Thanks.. if I buy LA-EA4 lens mount adapter will the auto focus work fine with Tamron lense? Please advise.

          2. Hi Brian,

            Just want to understand from you that if i use SIGMA 150-600MM F/5-6.3 DG OS HSM SPORTS LENS with metabones adapter “Nikon G to E mount Speed Booster ULTRA” using my Sony A7S body with the auto focus/full frame work? Please advice.

  2. Brian Drinkwater (flbrit on DPR)

    Brian

    Thank you for your comprehensive tests. I own a a6000, A7II and now a A7RII and am considering the Tamron 150-600. Now that the latest Metabones IV has updated software, will this change your view about the Sony Alpha mount version on the EF’s compared to the Canon via Metabones?

    I’m interested because I want to do birds in flight again and if the combos do not work well, I’ll buy a 7DII body for that application but also want double duty on that lens with EF/E current cameras in less demanding situations. Because of this, I’m inclined towards the Canon Mount version. If I do go this route, I’m also considering the Canon 100-400 Mk2 lens.

    Any thoughts to help guide me here. In the end I realize its up to me! If the Sony cameras work well enough, I know I’ll sacrifice frame rates on the A7RII.

    Thanks for any advice.

    Brian

    1. I won’t know what if any lenses are improved until I test, however realize that this latest update will in no way affect AF performance on a6000 and a7II – only a7RII.

  3. I’ve learned to come here first for cutting edge info on the A7Rii.
    I also want longer reach on this camera body and hope someday Sony will give a native
    400mm for the A7x platform. So in the meantime I tried my 100-400ii, the 400DOii via
    MB T IV on the A7Rii and was just not happy.
    Read your tests on the 150-600mm zooms so rented (thanks LensRentals) the A-mount
    Tamron. Brian you are spot on! The Tam 150-600mm performed wonderfully on the Sony A7Rii via the LAEA3 adapter. In fact I got my first BBIF with it-
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/medicineman4040/21604955705/in/dateposted/
    I actually experience very decent auto-focus tracking with this combo.
    Thanks again for your blog and the insight into the Tamron. Post my rental experience
    I plan to purchase this lens via B&H.

          1. Which lens is best for BIF on an A7ii with next weeks theoretical improvement of PDAF with LAEA3? Would you get an Alpha lens such as the 70-400 or go for the fe 70-200? Hard to judge as I’m not rich enough to get multiple lenses. Need one that’s just right. I currently only have the Zeiss 35mm, 55mm and the kit zoom.

            Thanks for your kind advice

  4. Pingback: Sony a7II Firmware Update 2.00 Adds AF System Selection

  5. I have an A7sII and am thinking about the Tamron 150-600 lens. Since the A7sII only has CDAF but a lot more points than the A7rII would I be better off with the LAEA3 or LAEA4?

  6. I’m thinking about buying the Tamron SP 150-600mm for my NEX-7. Which Sony adapter would work best? If I understand the NEX-7 correctly, it only has contrast auto focus and not phase detection.

      1. Thanks for the reply. I am considering buying a new body but I’m torn between the high price of the A7RII and its lenses or getting the A6300 which doesn’t feel like as much of an upgrade.

  7. It will be interesting to see how the Sigma 150-600mm lenses work on Sony bodies with their newly released MC-11 (CanonEF -> Sony FE) adapter. Both the Sigma 150-600mm versions were on the short list of supported lenses for that adapter. Maybe that could be added to the comparison if you have a chance to try that out?

    Thanks for this article, this was very helpful and I ended up with the Tamron 150-600mm and LA-EA3.

  8. Excellent post , thank you.

    So now that we know a little more, so you recommend the bit get released G master 70-200 plus x2 for 400 native FE and crop to 600 vs the tamron 150-600 with the adaptor your recommended for a7RII?

    If it was you, which way would you go?

    Tx

  9. Dear Brian,

    What do you think instead of using the temron 150-600 with my a7RII, I use the Sony 70-400 G2 and a Kenko 1.4x converter? I’ll loose about one lbs and be maxed out at 560mm but have be option of 70-400 if needed (and get rid of my 70-200 FE perhaps also).

    Not sure if the extra $1k for the Sony 70-400 is worth it. Maybe if the focusing is faster?

    As always, appreciate your insight!

    Maz

      1. Follow up question. I know we are speculating, but would the 2x sony teleconverter have the same focus setting passed to the body from the lens? I had read the older x2 tele convert for the 70-400 didn’t do a great job with AF.

        Also, do you foresee drop in IQ / sharpness with the native x2 teleconverter on the 70-200 GMaster?

        Again I know we don’t have the product yet but curious to know what you think.

        Thank you

    1. Understood. I think I’m coming around to what you said re G master 70-200. I got to play with the Temron 150-600 and I really REALLY want to like it, but the sharpness just isn’t there. I think there’s a learning curve but I’m just not getting that wow factor I got with my 90mm Macro, 55mm FE, 70-200 F4 FE.

      Or maybe I’m looking for the excuse to give more money to Sony for the G master 70-200 🙂

  10. Brian, thank you for all the good work in testing and communicating. I really think your site is the best A7/A7r source of information.
    Now coming to the zoom issue. I am thinking of the Sigma 50-500 with A-mount and LA-EA3 adapter. AF should work similar to Tamron A-mount. Sure, I loose 100 at the long end (which I may have to reach via crop) but I gain 100 at the front end which may help to avoid having to change lenses in awkward weather conditions. (A 2.0 Sigma Apo teleconverter could also give me 1000 reach but of course only MF).
    Do you see anything wrong with that thinking? What about the new Sigma adapter MC 11? Will this be a game changer?

  11. thanks Brian,
    i will wait for your assessment of the MC-11 and depending on the outcome decide on my next long lens. If ok than Sigma 100-600 could also be a candidate with eye focus etc.

  12. Hey brain,

    You said that the Tamron 150-600 needs a contrast AF to get the AF working?(a7rii, a7s2) So the AF will not work on a A7r?

    Great side by the way!

    Greetings Dominic

  13. Thanks for the info. Debating whether to go for the Tamron 150-600 A-mount with LA-EA3 for my A7II or wait until the Sony 70-200 2.8 E-mount with teleconverters comes out. Dark horse is the Sony 70-400 G II A-mount with LA-EA3. Interested in image quality as well as AF. Since I’m not wealthy initial cost and resale value are also considerations.

      1. Thanks for the reply. Yes, that does help. How fast is focusing on the Sony 70-400 G II compared to the Tamron 150-600 A-mount?

          1. Sounds like the Sony 70-400 G II with LA-EA3 is the lens for me. But, I’m also interested in the new Sony 70-200 2.8 E-mount with teleconverters. Thanks.

  14. I use Sigma 150-600mm on Canon body, but consider an upgrade to SonyA7Rii. For most of my existing lens I can use Metabone IV adapter but just for the Sigma 150-600 Canon mount on Sony7R, what is you suggestion? Will the Metabone IV work?

  15. Brian – Have you heard of any new on a native E-mount lens coming soon? I would think someone would.

  16. Hi Brian,
    Thanks for your insights and advice, I found them really informative.
    I’m thinking of using a Tamron 150-600 on my Sony A7s but I’m not sure which adapter would be better- the LA-EA3 or the -EA4, mainly because the A7s does not have PDAF. Could you please help me out? Thanks.

  17. Hi Brian,

    Thanks a lot for all your efforts in making this and other interesting reviews. I was wondering as I was reading the comments if you are still replying to comments in 2020 (and glad to see you are).

    I am looking to invest in a Tamron 150-60mm (gen 1) or sigma 150-600 Contemporary and adapt it to my sony a6400 using the viltrox ef-e ii speedbooster (whatever works best). I wanted to ask if you ever tested this combination with the latest firmware upgrade (0.2) for the speedbooster.

    Thanks,
    Atef

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *