Compatibility Issues with Tamron 150-600 G2 with R5?

[y1ifan]

Hi All,

Recently upgraded to the R5 for birding, and have really enjoyed having a more advanced autofocus system than my old 7DMkII. However, I've noticed that the autofocus can often freeze up, and on review of my photos, it seems like there is often issues with locking the autofocus on a bird.

I've heard that upgrading the firmware on the Tamron lens helps fix this issue, but wanted to see what the experience has been for people in the community. Is it worth getting the Tamron firmware update station just to update the firmware once? Are there places where I could go to just use such a device to update the firmware?

Thanks!

[Waddizzle]

Buying a Sigma or Tamron docking station is a good investment, IMHO.  In addition to performing firmware updates, you can tweak the performance of the lens focus and image stabilization.systems.  

[ebiggs1]

" Is it worth getting the Tamron firmware update station just to update the firmware once? "

Your only other choice if you don't know someone with one is to send it to Tamron. Tamron used to update FW for free. I don't know if that is still their practice or not. The dock isn't expensive at all about $60 bucks for the Tamron TAP-in Console.

[shadowsports]

@y1ifan,

You may want to grab the Tap-In console for your G2 as Waddizzle recommended.  I have the Sigma USB-Dock which I've used with those lenses over the years.  For your Tamron, FW v2 was released in 2018.  The lens itself A022 was released in 2016, so its possible you are running an earlier FW.  Please note however, v2 was released to address issues with the R/RP.  v2 may not solve your AF issues with a newer R body 100%.

This might also help.  If your lens serial number is 040336 or later, you might already have FW v2

I am not a Tamron user, so I suggest you verify this for yourself.  Hope this helps.