Flexible Super-Telephoto Zoom. The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD’s super-telephoto zoom range makes it great for shooting a broad array of subjects, including landscapes, sporting events, wildlife, and birds (which for the purposes of this description totally don’t fall under “wildlife”). Its f/4.8-6.7 aperture is fairly limiting, so you’ll probably want to stick with shooting in daylight conditions. Using an APS-C camera? This lens will give you 225-750mm equivalent focal length.

Advanced Optical Design. The 16-group/25-element optical formula includes one XLD element, five low-dispersion elements, and two hybrid aspherical elements to give you high-contrast, color-accurate images across the image plane while reducing color fringing, chromatic aberrations, and distortion throughout the zoom range. Each lens element has a BBAR-G2 coating that combats ghosting, internal reflections, and flare while helping maintain sharpness and color fidelity even in strong light.

VC Image Stabilization. Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization helps to offset the effects of camera shake for more effective handheld and low-light shooting. You get three image-stabilization modes: a standard single-shot mode, a panning-optimized mode, and a framing priority mode.

VXD Linear-Motor Autofocus System. The 150-500mm’s VXD linear-motor autofocus system tracks even the most fast-moving subjects quickly, accurately, and smoothly, making it ideal for still and video use. This lens is compatible with Sony’s Direct Manual Focus function and Eye AF on cameras with those features, and there’s also full-time manual-focus override for even greater precision.

Durable Construction. You can use this lens in inclement conditions thanks to its moisture-resistant build. The front element’s fluorine coating protects against smearing and debris.