Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS vs Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD

Pick the Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS if

• You need ⅓ stop more light for low light or background blur (f/4.5 vs f/5)
• You want the lighter lens to carry: 1380 g lighter (345 g vs 1725 g)
• You want a wider view: 55mm vs 150mm at the wide end
• You want a compact lens: 108 mm vs 209.6 mm long
• Our notes say it suits: Telephoto on APS-C, kids' sports, zoo and travel shots

Pick the Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD if

• You need more reach: 500mm vs 210mm at the long end
• You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.6 m vs 1 m
• You want bigger close-ups: 0.32× vs 0.23× maximum magnification
• You shoot full frame: the Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS is made for APS-C
• You prefer a newer design: released 2021 vs 2011
• Our notes say it suits: Wildlife, birds, motorsports

Our notes

Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS

A stabilized APS-C telephoto zoom for E-mount, light at about 345 g with a 49mm filter size. It focuses as close as 1.0 m.

Pros

• Optical SteadyShot
• Light at 345 g
• Wide telephoto range
• Close focus of 1.0 m

Cons

• Slow aperture
• Basic build quality
• Soft at 210mm wide open

Our notes

Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD

A telephoto zoom for Sony full-frame with VC stabilization and VXD linear motors, covering 150-500mm. It reaches further than most 100-400mm lenses.

Pros

• Long reach
• VC stabilization
• VXD linear-motor focus

Cons

• Slow variable aperture
• Large for handholding