Transitioning from a DSLR to a mirrorless camera had been on my mind for quite a while. Like many photographers, I hesitated—mainly because I wasn’t sure how my trusted Tamron lenses would perform with an adapter. Would autofocus work well? Would image sharpness suffer, especially when photographing eagles or other fast-moving wildlife?
After two months and nearly 28,000 images, I can confidently say those concerns were unfounded. In fact, my Tamron lenses are performing better than ever.
Lo que aprenderá en este artículo:
- Why mirrorless cameras can improve lens performance, especially with adapted glass
- How the Tamron 150-600mm performs for bird photography on a mirrorless system
- Benefits of advanced autofocus technologies when using Tamron lenses
- Insights into photographing bald eagles in Alaska — gear, settings, and tips
- Real-world results: 18,000+ eagle photos and how many came out tack-sharp
Imágenes y texto de Lewis Kemper
Photographing Eagles in Alaska with the Tamron 150-600mm
On a recent trip to Alaska for photographing eagles, I put the Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 (Model A022) through its paces. I mounted it on a Nikon Z9 using the FTZ II adapter—and the results were nothing short of exceptional.
Over five days, I captured more than 18,000 images, 90% of which were eagles. I also photographed sea otters and moose, but photographing eagles remained my main objective. This trip yielded more sharp images than my last three eagle photography outings combined.
Why Tamron Lenses Shine on Mirrorless Systems
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One of the key reasons the lenses perform better on a mirrorless system is the direct-to-sensor focusing. Unlike DSLRs, mirrorless cameras eliminate the need for micro-adjustments since focus no longer bounces off a mirror to reach a focusing chip.
I used to spend a lot of time calibrating lenses on my DSLR, and while it helped, my results were never this sharp. With mirrorless, there’s no guesswork—the lens focuses directly on the sensor, resulting in tack-sharp detail, even in action shots.
Autofocus Advancements That Matter for Wildlife Photography
Modern mirrorless cameras—like my Nikon Z9—offer powerful autofocus systems. Even when using an adapter, Tamron lenses take full advantage of these enhancements. Focusing is now faster and more precise, aided by expanded focus points, subject tracking, and eye detection for animals.
Whether you’re photographing eagles, moose, or fast-moving birds in flight, the system locks on and stays with your subject. Canon shooters can expect similar results using the appropriate adapter.
If you’ve been putting off moving to mirrorless because you didn’t want to reinvest in lenses, fear not—your Tamron glass is ready to deliver.
Choosing the Right Tamron Lens for Photographing Eagles
The Power of the Tamron 150-600mm for Eagle Photography
En Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 (Modelo A022) is a favorite among wildlife photographers for good reason. Its versatile focal length allows you to zoom in tight on distant subjects like bald eagles perched in trees or soaring through the sky. The Vibration Compensation (VC) system helps stabilize shots even when fully extended, which is especially useful when tracking fast-moving birds in challenging light. Its rugged build and weather-resistant construction make it an ideal choice for demanding environments like coastal Alaska. For photographers committed to photographing eagles, this lens delivers reach, clarity, and speed—qualities essential for wildlife success.
For Mirrorless Shooters: The Compact 150-500mm Alternative
For photographers using mirrorless cameras who prefer not to use an adapter, the Tamron 150-500 mm F/5-6,7 Di III VC VXD offers a native mirrorless solution with excellent image quality and portability. Available for Sony E-mount, Nikon Z mount, and Fujifilm X-mount, this lens is compact yet powerful, making it perfect for handheld shooting and travel. Its fast VXD linear motor ensures responsive autofocus, and the close minimum focusing distance lets you capture more than just birds in flight. If you’re photographing eagles on a mirrorless system and want a native fit with no adapter fuss, the 150-500mm is a stellar choice. Consider using on an APS-C camera model for additional tele reach to 750mm!
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Your Gear Hold You Back
Photographing eagles in Alaska reaffirmed my confidence in both the mirrorless transition and my Tamron lenses. The combination of lightweight, high-performance optics and a cutting-edge autofocus system makes it easier than ever to capture sharp, dynamic wildlife images.
¿Listo para saber más sobre lo que hace que nuestros objetivos sean perfectos para capturar imágenes de nuestros amigos los plumíferos? distribuidores autorizados Tamron en su zona o visite la Tienda TAMRON hoy.