Tamron has announced its newest lens, the 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD ($1,299 USD / $1,749 CAD), the next level in the ultra-telephoto room for the Nikon Z mount. This lens is Tamron’s challenge to the 100-400mm lens currently on the market. This lens will be smaller and lighter with a wider angle of view, allowing for more versatility, coming in at a length of 7.3 inches and a light weight of 41.6 oz. It is equipped with Tamron’s VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) Linear motor, which allows for excellent quietness and responsiveness. It is paired with Tamron’s proprietary VC (vibration compensation). This lens will offer all photographers a unique choice and versatility for almost all shooting scenarios.
This new lens breaks the common misconception that telephotos are only for shooting distant subjects. The 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 VC provides up to one-half life-size (1:2) magnification during close focus, allowing users to enjoy the world of half-macro photography with excellent performance, allowing for a MOD (Minimum Focusing Distance) of 8.8” (0.25m) at 50mm.
This lens also sports ergonomic features for comfortable operation, an enhanced design with a tactile feel, and The Connector Port for the dedicated Tamron Lens Utility. The 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 VC Tamron Lens Utility offers a “Focus Limiter” function. An optional Arca-Swiss compatible mount will be available, allowing the user to use a tripod for convenience. Overall, this lens will enable Nikon users to use a very portable lens and a unique opportunity, from the standard focal length of 50mm up to 400mm ultra-telephoto to even macro photography at a magnification of 1:2.
Product Features
Expansive 8X Zoom Ratio Starts at 50mm “Standard” and Extends to 400mm Ultra-Telephoto
The Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 VC will be a game-changing ultra-telephoto zoom lens with an 8x zoom ratio covering an impressive focal range from 50mm to 400mm. This will allow users to create images from macro, landscape, wildlife, portraits, sports, and small group photos in one lens.
Superb Image Quality Across the Entire Zoom Range
The lens is constructed with 24 elements in 18 groups with the use of special lens elements, which include two XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion), three LD (Low Dispersion), one GM (Glass Molded Aspherical), and one Hybrid Aspherical lens element, thoroughly controlling aberrations including axial chromatic aberrations. This lens will also sport Tamron’s well-known BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) Coating. This will minimize ghosting and flares even with backlit subjects. All this will allow for crisp photographs no matter what you’re shooting.
VXD Produces High-Speed, High-Precision AF and Excellent Focus Tracking
Tamron utilizes the VXD linear motor focus mechanism in the 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 VC, which is capable of high-level autofocus speed and accuracy from minimum focusing distance to infinity. Auto-focusing with moving subjects will allow photographers to capture sharp images, enabling them to shoot images of birds and sports. The lens will be suited for shooting videos and stills due to its extreme quietness where silence is necessary.
Compact Ultra-Telephoto Zoom
At just 7.3” (185.8 mm) in length and 41.6 oz (1,180 g) in weight, the 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 VC is light and compact. With an extensive focal range from 50mm to 400mm, the lens is smaller and lighter than conventional 100-400mm lenses on the market. This will allow photographers and videographers to carry a lens that allows them to shoot just about anything they encounter.
VC Image Stabilization
The 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 VC is equipped with Tamron’s proprietary VC, which allows for sharp, shake-free images throughout the focal range, including 400mm. Additionally, AI algorithms are used where the lens chooses appropriate compensation characteristics for videography at focal lengths of 100mm or less.
Half-Macro Photography With 1:2 Magnification Ratio From 50mm to 70mm Focal Length
The Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 VC will be capable of extremely high performance when creating close-up images. You can make these images due to a minimum focusing distance of 9.8” (0.25m) at 50mm and half-macro photos with its max magnification ratio of 1:2 at focal lengths from 50mm to 70mm. At 400mm, the minimum focus distance is 59.1” (1.5m), allowing for a max magnification ratio of 1:4.
Additional Features
- Proprietary software tool Tamron Lens Utility for lens function customization and firmware updates
- BBAR-G2 Coating
- Moisture-Resistant Construction
- Fluorine Coating
- Switchboxes (AF/MF, Custom)
- Focus Set Button
- Zoom Lock switch
- 75° of zoom ring rotation arc
- Optional tripod mount (Model A035TM) with Arca-Swiss compatible quick shoe
Specifications
- Focal Length: 50-400mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/4.5-6.3
- Optical Construction: 24 elements in 18 groups
- Minimum Object Distance:
- 0.25 m / 9.8 in (wide)
- 1.5 m / 59.1 in (tele)
- Maximum Magnification Ratio:
- 1:2 (wide)
- 1:4 (tele)
- VC (Vibration Compensation): Yes
- Filter Size: Ø67mm
- Length: 7.3" (185.8 mm)
- Weight: 41.6 oz (1,180 g)
- Aperture Blades: 9 (circular diaphragm)
- Standard Accessories:
- Flower-shaped hood
- Front cap
- Rear cap
- Mount: Nikon Z mount
