Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Development Announcement

This new ultra-telephoto zoom lens built for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras is currently in development at Tamron and planned to release sometime during autumn 2022. It offers an unprecedented zoom range of 50-400mm and a load of new features for quick, high-quality shots, putting it in an “entirely new category” according to the Japanese company.

Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (1)

Stand-out features

Expansive 8x zoom ratio giving unfaltering high image quality across the entire 50mm to 400mm range
High-speed and high-precision AF due to the VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism
VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilisation unique to Tamron
Compatibility with many camera-specific features and functions, including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF
Rapid zooming (zoom ring rotation arc is just 75°)
Super-compact with a length of only 18.3cm and a weight of 1,155g
Half-macro photography with a magnification ratio of 1:2 at the 50mm setting
67mm filter size, same as most other Tamron lenses for mirrorless cameras

Extra quality-of-life features

Connector Port for the Tamron Lens Utility with New ‘Focus Limiter’ function added
User-friendly features such as Moisture-Resistant Construction, Fluorine Coating, Zoom Lock switch, etc.
Improved texture and scratch-resistant design
Optional tripod mount (Arca-Swiss compatible)

Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (2)

Highly versatile

Covering many bases the Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is the same size as a conventional 100-400mm zoom lens, but with a wide angle of view, 8x zoom ratio, and MOD (minimum object distance) of 25cm at its 50mm end. Promising rapid zooming and a high-quality image across its 50-400mm zoom spectrum, this lens should offer great versatility for wide landscape shots, portraits, and near-macro images.

The only fall down may be its ability in low-light situations due to having an f-stop of 4.5 at 50mm. So if you're planning on taking any low-light photos, it may be beneficial to bring along a secondary lens.

Compact and compatible

At just 18.3cm and 1,155g, this will be an amazingly compact and lightweight telephoto lens. The filter size is set to be 67mm, like other popular Tamron mirrorless camera lenses, making it easy to switch out if needed, without requiring you to carry a number of extra filters or adapter rings around.

In addition to the new user-friendly features, this lens aims to be incredibly convenient, being compatible with the versatile ‘Tamron Lens Utility’ software. This allows connection to your PC via the connector port on the lens so you can customise the functions and update the firmware for maximum shooting flexibility. Tamron’s unique software includes features such as focus presets, AF/MF select focus, a switch focus/aperture ring function, and the new focus limiter.

Excellent image quality and user ease

The lens further provides the image stabilisation of Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) and fast, silent auto-focus thanks to VXD focusing motors, making it suited for capturing images at a moment's notice.

Intended use

Seemingly tailored to hobbyists as a well-rounded lens for wildlife, street photography, and travel; this jack of all trades could easily become your main landscaping lens. If coordinated well with environmental lighting or additional kit this lens is sure to deliver crisp images for a diverse range of distance and close-up shots, perfect for dynamic shooting environments like hiking or sports photography.

While its variety of features and broad zoom range make it adaptable for any situation, professionals among you may prefer having an assortment of lenses to hand, favouring switching between more specialist lenses for each shot.

Final thoughts

Overall the Tamron 50-400mm seems like an excellent multi-purpose lens that may easily become your default variety lens for shooting anywhere. Tamron says the lens’ “improved texture and operability” will support comfortable shooting and with the newly added features to their software, the lens is sure to be superb in terms of its versatility and user-friendly operation.

The new Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Model A067) will be available in the UK and Ireland sometime during autumn 2022. Further details, pricing, product and sample photos will be available in due course.

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By James Spires
8 Aug 2022