A Review of the Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VXD Lens

A supertelephoto zoom lens is tremendously useful in a wide variety of genres, and in recent years, we have seen an influx of affordable, high-quality third-party options from companies like Sigma and Tamron. Tamron’s latest is the 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VXD, and this excellent video review takes a look at the lens and how it compares to a native Sony option, the FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS.

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A Resource for Astrophotographers: ‘The Backyard Astronomer’s Guide’

In a previous article (Easing into Astrophotography with a Telescope), I listed a few resources for stepping up to telescopic astrophotography. Beyond learning the basics of sky navigation and learning to extend your photographic equipment knowledge into long exposures, an introductory overview of astronomy is a good idea so that you are aware of the photographic possibilities available to you and the wide array of equipment that may be needed.

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Rocket Launch Photography Challenges

Two successful SpaceX missions last week, one on each coast, prompted me to review my rocket launch photo procedures, particularly since the Monday (Sept. 13) launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base was the first after a long hiatus. For those of us in southern California, it was a photo op we were eagerly awaiting since it was scheduled for after sunset.

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