Tamron has introduced an exciting new piece of equipment for Nikon Z mount full-frame mirrorless cameras: the 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD ultra-telephoto zoom lens. With its compact design and remarkable 8x zoom range, this lens promises to be a versatile tool for a variety of photographic endeavors.

Key Features of the Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD

The Tamron 50-400mm lens delivers a robust set of features that make it a strong contender in the ultra-telephoto zoom market.

Focal Range

This lens boasts a versatile focal range that spans from 50mm to 400mm. Such an extensive range allows photographers to capture both standard and telephoto shots with a single lens.

Aperture

The lens offers an aperture range from F/4.5 to F/6.3, with a maximum aperture of F/22-32. This range provides ample flexibility for shooting in various lighting conditions while still achieving desirable depth-of-field effects.

Optical Design

It features an intricate optical design comprising 24 elements in 18 groups. This sophisticated arrangement ensures premium image quality while reducing aberrations and distortions.

Minimum Focus Distance

One of the standout elements of this lens is the minimum focus distance of 25cm at the wide end. This feature allows for close-up shots, making it well-suited for macro photography and intricate detail work.

Dimensions and Weight

Despite its extensive zoom range, the lens remains relatively compact. It measures 183.4mm (7.2 inches) in length when retracted and 258mm (10.2 inches) when extended. With a diameter of 88.5mm (3.5 inches) and a weight of 1155g (40.7oz), it is both portable and manageable for handheld shooting.

Weather-Sealing

The lens is designed to withstand challenging environmental conditions, featuring drip-proof weather-sealing. This is an essential quality for photographers who shoot outdoors in unpredictable weather.

Filter Thread

For added convenience, the lens includes a 67mm filter thread. This allows for the attachment of various filters to enhance image quality further.

Performance and Versatility

The lens is not only compact and lightweight but also delivers impressive image quality. Its design makes it suitable for various photography needs, from wildlife and sports to portraits and landscapes. Additionally, the lens is corrected for full-frame sensors and includes optical image stabilization (VC), a critical feature for long telephoto lenses. This stabilization minimizes camera shake, ensuring sharper images even at the highest zoom levels.

Comparison with Other Lenses

The Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD finds its place between the Nikon Z 28-400mm F/4-8 VR and the Nikon Z 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 VR S. It offers a full range of customizable functions, making it stand out with unique features that can be tailored to the photographer’s needs. Additionally, the lens is thoroughly sealed against the elements, ensuring durability in various shooting conditions. It also offers an Arca-Swiss style interface tripod mount, which is available separately for those needing added stability for long shooting sessions.

Price and Availability

The Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is set to hit the market on September 19, 2024, at a price of £1249 (GBP). Photographers keen on acquiring this versatile lens can place their pre-orders now, ensuring they receive it as soon as it becomes available.

Conclusion

In summary, the Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is a noteworthy addition to the Nikon Z mount ecosystem. Its compact and versatile design, paired with robust weather-sealing and impressive image quality, makes it a compelling choice for a wide range of photographers. Whether you’re capturing the intricate details of a flower or the majesty of wildlife from afar, this lens offers the flexibility and performance required to get the shot.

Source: Camera Jabber/Tamron unveils 50-400mm ultra-telephoto zoom lens for Nikon Z

What Others Say About the 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Zoom Lens

Image Quality

The Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 VC VXD lens is praised for its exceptional image quality, particularly at the wider end of the zoom range. It is noted for being very sharp even when used wide open up to 300mm.

“The A067 can go from this angle of view at 50mm to this at 400mm. Move in closer, and that goes from this to this. That gives you a tremendous amount of versatility in framing your subject, and will make this lens a great option for landscape photography along with the more typical telephoto subjects.”

– Dustin Abbott

This lens is designed to deliver high-quality images across its extensive zoom range, making it suitable for various photography styles, including landscape and telephoto shots.

Zoom Range and Versatility

The 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 lens offers an impressive 8x zoom ratio, covering a wide range from 50mm to 400mm. This makes it a versatile option for various photography subjects, including macro, landscape, wildlife, portraits, sports, and small group photos.

“This lens blurs the lines on the other side, giving that additional 50mm of width on the wide end relative to the competitors. That means that the A067 is much more likely to be the kind of lens that you can carry as a single lens option.”

– Dustin Abbott

This lens’s extensive zoom range allows photographers to capture a wide variety of subjects with a single lens, making it a valuable addition to any camera bag.

Build and Design

The Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 VC VXD is designed to be compact and lightweight, weighing 41.6 oz (1,180 g) and measuring 7.3 inches (185.8 mm) in length. It is also weather-sealed and features Tamron’s VXD linear motor for high-speed and high-precision autofocus.

“The lens is pretty lightweight at 1155g (without tripod-collar or lens hood) and only 183mm long (without lens hood) but – like many other long telephoto designs – extends when zoomed in.”

– Cameralabs

This lens’s compact design and weather-sealing make it suitable for various shooting environments and conditions.

Autofocus and Stabilization

The lens features Tamron’s VXD linear motor for high-speed and high-precision autofocus, which is essential for capturing sharp images of moving subjects. It also includes Tamron’s proprietary VC (vibration compensation) for image stabilization.

“The VXD linear motor focus mechanism in the 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 VC is capable of high-level autofocus speed and accuracy from minimum focusing distance to infinity.”

– Fstoppers

This lens’s autofocus and stabilization capabilities make it suitable for capturing sharp images of moving subjects, such as birds and sports.

Price and Value

The Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 VC VXD is priced at $1,299 USD, making it a budget-friendly option compared to other lenses in its class. It is noted for offering similar performance to higher-end lenses at a lower price point.

“Certainly a lot of photographers on a budget, who may have had their eye on the Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6, will be interested in the new Tamron.”

– Photography Life

This lens’s competitive pricing makes it an attractive option for photographers looking for a high-quality lens without breaking the bank.

50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Zoom Lens Tech Specs

Specification	Value
Product Name	Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD
Manufacturer	Tamron
Mount Type	Nikon Z
Focal Range	50-400mm
Aperture	F/4.5-6.3 (Max: F/22-32)
Optical Design	24 elements in 18 groups
Minimum Focus Distance	25cm
Dimensions (Length)	183.4mm retracted, 258mm extended
Diameter	88.5mm
Weight	1155g
Weather-Sealing	Yes, drip-proof
Filter Thread	67mm
Image Stabilization	VC (Vibration Compensation)
Price	£1249
Availability	September 19, 2024