The Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 is a versatile telephoto zoom for Sony E-mount cameras. Can it hold up in real-world usage?
Coming to you from Stefan Malloch, this comprehensive video breaks down the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD lens in detail. The video highlights the lens's performance, autofocus capabilities, and versatility. Malloch notes the autofocus is fast and reliable, handling most subjects with ease. However, there are minor hiccups with closer subjects, which may be addressed in future firmware updates.
Malloch compares the 50-300mm lens to its bigger sibling, the Tamron 50-400mm, and the older 70-300mm model. He also includes a comparison with the Sony 70-350mm APS-C lens. The 50-300mm lens stands out due to its compact size and weight, making it easier to carry around. Despite its slower aperture range of f/4.5 to f/6.3, it performs well in various lighting conditions. The nine aperture blades create beautiful bokeh.
At 50mm, the lens performs decently in the center but struggles a bit in the corners. However, as you zoom in, the performance improves, with 200mm and 300mm showing good sharpness and detail. The lens also handles distortion and vignetting well, with minimal issues that can be easily corrected in post-processing.
One of the standout features of this lens is its minimum focus distance, allowing for half-macro capabilities at 50mm. This feature lets you get up close to your subjects, capturing intricate details. The lens also has image stabilization, which performs admirably, reducing shake and ensuring sharp images.
Malloch also touches on the physical characteristics of the lens. It features a customizable focus hold button and a lock switch, enhancing its usability. The build quality is solid, with weather-sealing that protects it from dust and moisture. The 67mm filter thread is standard across many Tamron lenses, making it easy to swap filters between lenses. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Malloch.
No. Not wide enough.
Yeah kinda.. 35mm would do it, for me. But there's so much out there right now, I'm sure this lens fits a certain photographers niche.
Exactly! I actually think something more like the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR might be the ultimate travel lens. I have one and it takes fabulous photos, sharp even in the corners! It spends a lot of time mounted on my camera. I also carry an AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR for wider shots, and three ultra wide primes (14mm, 12mm, and 11mm) because I take a lot of landscapes and seascapes.
For travel, their 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 would probably suit me best.
The 28-200mm Tamron is the lens I use the most. The A7Riii offers 19 megagpixels in APS-c mode to take it up to 300mm when needed. I have wider lenses when needed, but 28mm is fine for most situations.
The 0.5x magnification is what makes this really stand apart from any and all similar lenses. 0.5x magnification and a 6x zoom in the same lens? What amazingly useful specs! I dare say it would be even more versatile than my 10x zoom is, as the 60-600mm Sigma that I use does not have such good magnification or MFD, so even though it is 10x zoom, it isn't as versatile as this 50-300mm.