TAMRON 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Full-Frame for Sony E-mount Announced

Lens News

by Francesco AndreolaAugust 30^th, 2022

Tamron Co., Ltd. has just announced a new telephoto zoom with an impressive 8x zoom ratio, the TAMRON 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD. Designed specifically for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras equipped with a full-frame sensor, it is available for pre-order for $1,299.

Just a few days ago, Japanese lens manufacturer TAMRON released a one-of-a-kind fast zoom lens for Sony E-mount full-frame cameras, the 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD.

Now, they are introducing another zoom lens that extends into the standard focal length range, this time from the telephoto end of the spectrum.

So let’s take a closer look at this new 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD, which seems to be an even more flexible option than the existing TAMRON 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD.

TAMRON 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD: features

What’s spectacular about the new TAMRON 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD ultra-telephoto lens (product code: A067) is its 8x zoom ratio. With focal lengths varying from a standard 50mm up to 400mm, this product proves to be an extremely versatile tool, especially for sports and wildlife applications.

The 9-bladed aperture is not constant across this large zoom range, but varies between f/4.5 (50mm) and f/6.3 (400mm). The close focus distance of the lens also changes according to the focal length. At 50mm, this telephoto zoom can focus as close as 0.25m/9.8” with a 1:2 magnification ratio, which makes it a half-macro lens.

The lens features TAMRON’s proprietary VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) autofocus system, which should be a good match for the Fast Hybrid AF of Sony cameras, as well as image stabilization (VC – Vibration Compensation). What’s interesting here is that TAMRON claims that, under 100mm, the lens relies on AI-based technologies to pick up the best level of stabilization.

Optical design

The optical design of the lens consists of 24 elements arranged in 18 groups. According to the company, optical and chromatic aberrations are kept under control by the use of two XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion), one GM (Glass Molded Aspherical), and one Hybrid Aspherical lens element. Moreover, the BBAR-G2 coating (Broad Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) should help with handling ghosting and flares.

Size, weight, and physical design

Considering the nature of this telephoto zoom, the company did an excellent job in trying to keep its size and weight down to a minimum. Indeed, the lens measures 183.4/7.2” in length at 50mm, and extends up to 258mm/10.2” at the maximum level of zoom. Furthermore, it only weighs 1,155g/40.7oz.

The lens barrel can withstand moisture and scratches, while the front element has a fluorine coating. The front of the lens can accommodate 67mm screw-on filters, which is a pretty standard measure for TAMRON zooms. Finally, the lens firmware is upgradable using TAMRON Lens Utility, which also enables users to limit the focusing range of the lens to achieve faster performance when focusing on distant subjects.

Price and availability

The new TAMRON 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is now available to pre-order from B&H for $1,299. It should be available starting September 22, but the launch date is subject to change due to potential supply chain issues. 

The lens comes with a flower-style hood as well as front and rear lens caps. Also, the company offers an optional Arca-Swiss style tripod mount for additional support.

For more information, please visit TAMRON’s website here.

Do you often use telephoto lenses for your video work? What do you think of the new TAMRON 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!