Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Lens for Nikon Z-mount Officially Announced

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Tamron has officially announced the 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD lens for Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras, marking an exciting expansion in Tamron’s lineup of versatile ultra-telephoto zoom lenses. Known for its sleek design, portability, and impressive zoom range, this lens is set to become a go-to choice for photographers specializing in landscapes, wildlife, sports, and portraiture. Its 8x zoom ratio, starting at 50mm, positions it uniquely among other telephoto zoom lenses, offering both versatility and performance in a remarkably compact package.

Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Lens (Nikon Z): $1,299 at B&H, Adorama.

The Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD lens, originally released for Sony E-mount in 2022, now finds its way to Nikon Z-series mirrorless cameras, catering to full-frame and APS-C formats. On full-frame cameras, the lens covers a focal length range from 50mm to 400mm, making it suitable for a wide variety of shooting scenarios, from close portraits to distant wildlife and sports action. On APS-C cameras, the lens delivers an equivalent focal length of 75-600mm, further enhancing its long-range capabilities.

One of the standout features of this lens is its compact and lightweight design. Measuring only 7.2 inches in length and weighing about 2.6 pounds, it offers the same level of portability as conventional 100-400mm zoom lenses. This makes it an excellent companion for travel, wildlife, and outdoor photographers who need a powerful zoom lens without the bulk traditionally associated with such focal ranges.

Optically, the lens excels with a sophisticated design that includes 24 elements in 18 groups, utilizing XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion), LD (Low Dispersion), and Hybrid Aspherical elements to minimize chromatic aberrations and other optical distortions. The BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) Coating further enhances image quality by reducing ghosting and flare, ensuring sharp, clear resolution even in challenging lighting conditions. This combination of advanced optics enables photographers to capture detailed images across the entire zoom range with excellent sharpness and beautiful bokeh effects.

The lens is also equipped with Tamron’s VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism, which delivers fast, quiet, and precise autofocus performance. This advanced AF system excels in tracking moving subjects, making it ideal for capturing fast-paced sports or unpredictable wildlife. Additionally, the built-in VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization system helps to reduce camera shake, ensuring sharp results even when shooting handheld at slower shutter speeds or longer focal lengths.

A notable feature of the Tamron 50-400mm is its impressive close-focusing capability. At the 50mm end, the lens can focus as close as 9.8 inches, offering a 1:2 maximum magnification ratio that enables half-macro photography. This makes it possible to capture detailed shots of small subjects, adding another layer of versatility to this already impressive zoom lens.

Tamron has also enhanced the user experience with a range of customizable functions accessible via the dedicated Tamron Lens Utility. This software allows users to update firmware, adjust the lens’s focus settings, and even enable a Focus Limiter function that restricts the autofocus range to prevent focusing on unwanted objects. The lens’s physical design includes a zoom lock mechanism, a Focus Set button, and moisture-resistant construction with a fluorine coating on the front element to protect against dust, water, and smudges.

In summary, the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD lens for Nikon Z-mount cameras is a remarkable addition to any photographer’s kit, offering an unprecedented combination of range, portability, and optical performance. Its versatility from 50mm to 400mm allows photographers to seamlessly transition between different shooting scenarios without changing lenses, making it an ideal all-in-one solution for capturing landscapes, wildlife, sports, and more. With its advanced autofocus, image stabilization, and exceptional close-up capabilities, this lens is poised to redefine the possibilities of ultra-telephoto zoom photography.