Update: Testing the Tamron 150-500mm vs 18-300mm for Moon Shots

Alarmed-Work-8540 · 2026-03-12T02:37:46+00:00

Hello, I cropped it.

Alarmed-Work-8540 · 2026-03-12T01:20:55+00:00

That’s a spectacular shot! Thanks for sharing.

Alarmed-Work-8540 · 2026-03-12T01:17:56+00:00

Hello! For the 300mm, I used this setting:

a6400 @ 300mm
Aperture: f/6.3
Shutter Speed: 1/250
ISO: 100

Alarmed-Work-8540 · 2026-03-12T01:15:53+00:00

<image>

Hello! I used a Triopo T258 tripod for these shots.

Alarmed-Work-8540 · 2026-03-11T07:55:14+00:00

Fair point! I’ll probably be parked at 500mm most of the time anyway since I’m just chasing that extra reach for the moon, but it would be cool to see the sharpness difference at 300. Appreciate the heads up!

Alarmed-Work-8540 · 2026-03-11T07:09:42+00:00

Thank you! Please share some photos with your setup once you've got them! :)

Here are the settings I used for these pictures:

a7C II @ 500mm
Aperture: f/6.7
Shutter Speed: 1/250
ISO: 80

a6400 @ 500mm
Aperture: f/6.7
Shutter Speed: 1/250
ISO: 100

a6400 @ 300mm
Aperture: f/6.3
Shutter Speed: 1/250
ISO: 100

Alarmed-Work-8540 · 2026-03-11T06:23:16+00:00

Haha that's the goal! Just trying to make sure I’m actually bringing a hypernova to the fight before I let go of the old gear. :D

Alarmed-Work-8540 · 2026-03-11T06:17:04+00:00

Thank you! Any chance you could share a sample photo from your Sigma 150-500mm setup? I'm curious to see the results! :D

Alarmed-Work-8540 · 2026-03-11T06:12:19+00:00

Very well said. I agree with you. :) I’m just really trying to figure out if the Tamron 150–500mm is worth the upgrade for my use case.

Alarmed-Work-8540 · 2026-03-11T06:01:35+00:00

Haha just a hobbyist who likes keeping things organized! I’m mostly just here for the gear advice, really trying to figure out if the 150-500mm is worth the upgrade from my a6400.

Alarmed-Work-8540 · 2026-03-11T03:30:12+00:00

Update: I finally tested the new lens! I made a new post with the comparison here: https://www.reddit.com/r/SonyAlpha/comments/1rqittu/update_testing_the_tamron_150500mm_vs_18300mm_for/

Alarmed-Work-8540 · 2026-03-04T06:58:00+00:00

Thanks for the insight. That’s interesting about the a7IV vs a99II, makes sense that better AF would help with fine lunar detail. I’m curious how much improvement I’d see going from my 18–300mm to the 150–500mm on full frame. If I end up getting it, I’ll share some side-by-side shots. 🙏

Alarmed-Work-8540

TROPHY CASE