Tamron’s upcoming telephoto zoom doesn’t simply pack in additional zoom than the competitors — it’s additionally smaller and lighter. The Tamron 50-400mm f4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is an 8x zoom telephoto made for Sony E-Mount shooters. The lens is each smaller and lighter than the Sony 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 GM OSS, regardless of packing in a wider view. And, if previous lenses are any indication, it is also cheaper. Tamron has solely introduced the event of the lens, with a full launch anticipated this fall and pricing particulars haven’t but been launched.
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Tamron 50-400mm f4.5-6.3 Key Options
Whereas Tamron’s announcement is just for the event of the lens, right here’s what the third-party lens model has shared to date:
- The lens is as compact as many 100-400mm lenses, measuring 7.2 inches lengthy and weighing 40.7 ounces.
- With the flexibility to focus shut sufficient for a 1:20 half-macro shot, the lens makes use of a Voice-coil Excessive Torque Drive autofocus motor for quieter efficiency.
- It’s stabilized.
- The design features a focus limiter change and moisture-resistant building. Tamron says the design has additionally been up to date for higher scratch resistance. A tripod collar might be added, however Tamron doesn’t say if it’s included or offered individually.
- It takes 67mm filters.
- Tamron hasn’t but introduced pricing particulars. It’s anticipated to be absolutely launched within the fall of 2022, however that would change.
A Extra Versatile Zoom, in a Compact Physique
The 100-400mm is a extra commonplace focal size, however Tamron is pushing that on the broad finish. The brand new lens encompasses not simply telephoto however the usual 50mm focal size as effectively. With a equipment lens masking the broad angles, photographers may cowl a variety of focal lengths with simply two lenses.
Regardless of providing extra zoom, the lens remains to be pretty compact. It’s smaller than Sony’s 100-400mm by virtually a full inch and lighter by roughly eight ounces. Telephoto lenses are inclined to get heavy quick, so that would make a distinction in how lengthy photographers can haul the lens round.
A Narrower Aperture
The sacrifice right here is the aperture. Sony’s G Grasp 100-400mm has a 4.5-5.6 aperture on the widest. Whereas 50mm on the 50-400mm shall be simply as shiny, 100mm will probably be someplace in the course of these two numbers. 400mm has a 1/3 cease much less of sunshine coming in. Whereas 1/3 of a cease isn’t enormous, telephoto lenses are inclined to require quicker shutter speeds for topics like sports activities and wildlife. That third of sunshine can push the ISO up even greater.
What’s extra budget-friendly than an reasonably priced lens? One lens that covers the identical vary as two lenses.
Narrower apertures on telephoto lenses can typically additionally scale back the hit charge of the autofocus system. However, Tamron tends to have a fairly good autofocus system for a 3rd occasion.
Sony’s lens can be a part of the G Grasp household — these lenses are usually ultra-sharp, technically excellent optics. It’s unimaginable to simply take a look at the specs and know these two lenses’ actual variations. If I needed to guess, I’d count on Sony’s G Grasp to be sharper however Tamron to have extra character-building flare.
Tamron is constant to innovate with extra versatile lenses.
The 50-400mm lens isn’t the one oddball focal size Tamron has launched recently. Actually, a number of of their newest lenses are extra versatile than the usual zoom ranges, like Tamron’s 28-75 or the 17-70mm. Tamron appears to be specializing in providing extra versatility with out swapping lenses. And, as Tamron lenses are usually a extra budget-friendly possibility for lovers, it’s not a foul thought. What’s extra budget-friendly than an reasonably priced lens? One lens that covers the identical vary as two lenses.
For now, Sony E-Mount shooters must wait till the total launch to see what worth level Tamron’s newest versatile zoom will sit at.
