Tamron has announced the release of its new 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Model A067z), a versatile ultra-telephoto zoom lens designed for full-frame Nikon Z mirrorless cameras. Distributed by Transcontinenta UK Ltd., the lens is set to provide photographers with unprecedented zoom range and flexibility, starting at a standard 50mm and extending all the way to 400mm, all in a compact and lightweight form factor.
Unlike conventional 100-400mm lenses, the Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 VC starts at 50mm, offering a wider angle of view at the short end, which greatly enhances its versatility for a range of shooting scenarios, from portraits to wildlife photography. This innovation marks Tamron’s commitment to expanding the creative possibilities for Nikon Z mount users, allowing them to seamlessly switch between standard and ultra-telephoto perspectives without needing multiple lenses.
Measuring just 185.8mm in length and weighing only 1,180g, the Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 VC is significantly smaller and lighter than most lenses in its class. This compactness, combined with its extensive zoom range, makes it an ideal choice for photographers who need to travel light without compromising on versatility or performance. The lens also incorporates Tamron’s Vibration Compensation (VC) technology to ensure steady shots, even at the maximum 400mm focal length.
The optical construction of the lens includes 24 elements in 18 groups, featuring advanced materials such as XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion), LD (Low Dispersion), GM (Glass Molded Aspherical), and Hybrid Aspherical lens elements. These components work together to minimize chromatic aberrations and other optical distortions, delivering sharp, clear images across the entire zoom range. Tamron’s BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) Coating further enhances image quality by reducing ghosting and flare, making the lens well-suited for shooting in challenging lighting conditions.
In addition to its versatile zoom range, the Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 VC excels in close-up photography. It offers a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 at the 50mm to 70mm focal lengths, allowing for half-macro photography with a minimum object distance (MOD) of just 0.25m. At the 400mm telephoto end, the lens achieves a MOD of 1.5m with a magnification ratio of 1:4, enabling detailed shots of distant subjects.
The lens also features Tamron’s VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism, which provides fast, precise autofocus and excellent focus tracking, ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects in sports or wildlife photography. Its quiet operation makes it equally suitable for video recording, allowing for smooth and silent focusing transitions.
For enhanced usability, the lens includes several ergonomic features such as a focus limiter function and a connector port compatible with the Tamron Lens Utility software, which allows users to customize lens functions and update firmware. The lens’s exterior design has been refined for a better tactile feel, and its construction is moisture-resistant, making it durable enough for use in various environments. An optional Arca-Swiss compatible tripod mount is also available for those who require additional stability during long shoots.
The Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD for Nikon Z mount will be available in the UK and Ireland by the end of September 2024, with a recommended retail price of £1,249.00 in the UK and €1,479.00 in Ireland, including VAT. This lens is expected to become a favourite among photographers seeking a high-performance, compact zoom lens that covers a broad range of photographic needs.
Availability: End of September 2024
Price: £1,249.00 (UK), €1,479.00 (Ireland)