Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Lens Announced, Price $799
Tamron unveiled an exciting new addition to their lineup – the 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD lens (B&H Photo/Adorama). This versatile all-in-one zoom is designed with travel photographers in mind, particularly those who prefer the telephoto end of the spectrum. With a unique focal range, compact design, image stabilization, and rugged build, this lens is set to become a go-to choice for adventurous shooters.
One of the most striking features of the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is its wide telephoto zoom range. Covering focal lengths from normal to super-telephoto, this lens offers an interesting alternative to the traditional wide-angle to super-tele lenses and pure telephoto zooms. With a 50-300mm range, photographers can capture everything from portraits to sports and wildlife, making it an incredibly versatile tool for a variety of situations.
The lens is designed specifically for Sony E-mount cameras, catering to both full-frame and APS-C sensor sizes. When used on an APS-C camera, the lens provides an impressive 75-450mm equivalent focal length range, further expanding its flexibility. This makes it an enticing option for landscape and nature photographers who want the ability to zoom in on distant subjects without the need to carry multiple lenses.
Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Lens (Sony E): $799 at B&H Photo/Adorama.
Key Features:
- Unique telephoto lens with 50mm at the wide end
- Uncompromised optical performance throughout the entire 50-300mm zoom range
- High-speed and high-precision AF with superb subject tracking performance
- Amazing half-macro shooting with an MOD of 8.7″ (0.22m) at the 50mm wide end and a magnification ratio of 1:2
- Equipped with TAMRON’s proprietary VC mechanism
- Proprietary software tool TAMRON Lens Utility for lens function customization and firmware updates
- Focus Set Button for lens function customization via the TAMRON Lens Utility
- Zoom Lock Mechanism
- Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating
- 67mm filter diameter for system convenience
While the f/4.5-6.3 maximum aperture may not be the fastest available, it is more than sufficient for shooting in daylight conditions. Additionally, the lens features Tamron’s VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization technology, which helps to minimize camera shake and allows for slower shutter speeds when shooting handheld. This is particularly useful when working in low-light situations or when using the lens at its longer focal lengths.
The modest aperture speed also has its advantages, contributing to the lens’s compact size and lightweight design. Measuring just 3″ x 5.9″ and weighing approximately 1.5 lbs, the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is remarkably portable, making it an ideal companion for travel photographers who value gear that is easy to carry and pack.
Another standout feature of this lens is its impressive close-focusing capabilities. At the 50mm focal length, the lens can focus down to just 8.7″, providing a 1:2 maximum magnification ratio for half life-size shooting. When zoomed in to 300mm, the lens maintains a close focusing distance of just under 3′ with a 1:3.1 magnification ratio. This allows photographers to capture stunning close-up details and macro-style shots, adding even more creative possibilities to their arsenal.
Tamron has equipped the 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD with their VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor, ensuring fast, quiet, and precise autofocus performance. This advanced focusing system also enables excellent subject tracking capabilities, making it easier to capture sharp images of moving subjects, such as athletes or wildlife.
The lens boasts a durable, moisture-resistant construction, providing peace of mind when shooting in challenging environments. A fluorine coating on the front element helps to repel moisture, oil, and fingerprints, making it easier to clean and maintain. Other practical features include a zoom lock mechanism to prevent lens creep and an assignable Focus Set button for added customization.
Tamron has also made it easy for users to keep the lens up to date, thanks to the Tamron Lens Utility software. This tool allows photographers to adjust various lens settings and even update the lens’s firmware, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility with the latest camera bodies.
With a price tag of $799, the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD offers excellent value for money, considering its impressive range, image stabilization, close-focusing capabilities, and overall versatility. For travel photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a high-quality all-in-one zoom lens for their Sony E-mount camera, this new offering from Tamron is definitely worth considering.