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Tamron's bringing its 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 lens to Nikon Z mount
DPReview News |
| Image: Tamron |
Tamron has announced that it's bringing its full frame 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD lens to the Nikon Z mount. The lens has previously been available on the Sony E-mount, and when we reviewed it in 2022, the images it produced were surprisingly sharp given its focal range.
The 50-400 uses a linear motor for autofocus and includes Tamron's Vibration Compensation image stabilization. You can also plug it into a computer via an adapter and use it with the company's lens utility, which lets you update its firmware and customize how the lens works.
The lens is made up of 24 elements in 18 groups, and Tamron says its construction is "moisture-resistant." It has a minimum focus distance of 25cm (9.8") at 50mm, which allows for 1:2 reproduction. At 400mm, the minimum focus distance is 1.5m (59.1").
There aren't any other full-frame lenses for Z mount that go from the standard 50mm focal length to such a tight telephoto. There is Nikon's own 28-400mm F4-8 lens, but its extra wide angle coverage puts it in a different category of lens. For many users the extra 22mm will make it a more versatile all-arounder at the expense of a slower apperature on the long end, but the Tamron makes it easier to find the 50mm focal length for those who are devoted to it.
Despite weighing in at a relatively hefty 1,180 g (41.6 oz), the lens doesn't come with a tripod collar. Tamron does sell one separately, but at a price of $91, it may be worth seeing how you fare without it first.
The lens will be available starting September 19th and will retail at $1,299.
$1,299 at B&HPress Release:
Groundbreaking ultra-telephoto zoom starts at 50mm
50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Model A067) for “Nikon Z mount system”
August 28, 2024, 9pm ET / 6PM PT, Commack, NY – TAMRON announces the launch of the 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Model A067), a next level ultra-telephoto zoom lens for Nikon Z mount system full-frame mirrorless cameras on September 19, 2024, at $1299 USD / $1749 CAD.
Presenting compactness that pairs well with Nikon Z mount full-frame mirrorless cameras, the TAMRON 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC is an ultra-telephoto zoom lens that covers from the 50mm standard focal length up to 400mm ultra telephoto. This is TAMRON’s challenge to the standard 100-400mm. Featuring an 8x zoom ratio that begins at an unprecedented 50mm (commonly called the “standard” focal length for full-frame cameras), this ultra-telephoto zoom lens is both smaller and lighter than conventional 100-400mm zoom lenses yet offers a wider angle of view on the wide end for excellent versatility. The 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC is amazingly compact with a length of just 7.3” (185.8mm) and a light weight of 41.6 oz (1,180g). In addition to its small size, it provides unparalleled high performance at all focal lengths. Despite the very high zoom ratio, superb image quality is delivered across the entire standard to ultra telephoto range through the effective arrangement of special lens elements. Equipped with TAMRON’s VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism that offers excellent quietness and responsiveness, plus TAMRON's proprietary image stabilization mechanism VC (Vibration Compensation), the lens delivers incomparable versatility for all shooting scenarios.
Telephoto lenses are usually considered tools for photographing distant subjects only, but the 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC breaks that rule. It provides up to one-half life-size (1:2) magnification during close focus, so users can enjoy the exciting world of half-macro photography with excellent close-up shooting performance and an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 8.8” (0.25m) at 50mm.
The lens also offers ergonomic features that support comfortable operation, such as an enhanced lens design with improved texture and tactile feel, and a Connector Port for the dedicated TAMRON Lens UtilityTM originally and uniquely developed by TAMRON. In addition, for this 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC, TAMRON Lens Utility offers a "Focus Limiter” function. An optional Arca-Swiss compatible accessory tripod mount is available for convenience when using a tripod. All in all, the 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC is a highly portable, versatile zoom lens that ensures users never miss a shooting opportunity, from the 50mm standard focal length up to the 400mm ultra-telephoto—and even closeups. This is truly a breakthrough product that creates an entirely new category of ultra-telephoto mirrorless zoom lenses, another first for TAMRON.
Product Features
1. Expansive 8x zoom ratio starts at 50mm "standard" and extends to 400mm ultra-telephoto
The TAMRON 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC is a game-changing ultra-telephoto zoom lens with an unprecedented 8x zoom ratio that covers focal lengths from 50mm to 400mm. The 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC has an unprecedented wide-end focal length of 50mm, so users can create images that not only capture a subject close up, but also utilize the background. Leveraging the versatility of this revolutionary new lens configuration, users can enjoy shooting a broad range of subjects from landscapes and wild birds to animals, portraits, sports, and small group photos, all with one single compact lens.
2. Absolutely superb image quality across the entire zoom range
The optical construction features 24 elements in 18 groups. The generous and effective use of special lens elements, including two XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion), three LD (Low Dispersion), one GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) and one Hybrid Aspherical lens elements, thoroughly controls aberrations including axial chromatic aberrations. The TAMRON 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC also features TAMRON's legendary BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) Coating that minimizes ghosting and flares and expresses the minute details of subjects even under backlit conditions. No matter what circumstances you find yourself in, the 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC delivers clear and crisp images shot after shot.
3. VXD produces high-speed, high-precision AF and excellent focus tracking
The TAMRON 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC utilizes VXD linear motor focus mechanism. It combines high-level AF speed and precision, enabling fast and accurate focusing from MOD to infinity. The excellent focus tracking performance of moving objects makes it possible to capture sharp images even when shooting wild birds and action sports. Plus, the lens is extremely quiet, so it’s perfectly suited for both still and video shooting in conditions that demand silent operation.
4. Compact ultra-telephoto zoom lens you'll take everywhere
Boasting a length of just 7.3” (185.8mm) and a light weight of 41.6 oz (1,180g), the 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC is extraordinarily compact and easy to carry. Despite covering focal lengths from 50mm to 400mm, this lens is both smaller and lighter than conventional 100-400mm lenses. It's ideal for those photo explorations when you don't know what you'll encounter. This compact ultra-telephoto zoom lens unlocks your potential to capture brilliant images of the world around you with ease and precision.
5. Equipped with TAMRON’s proprietary VC image stabilization
For sharp, shake-free images even at 400mm, the 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC is equipped with TAMRON's proprietary VC. This potent image stabilization technology effectively reduces image blurring due to camera shake. Additionally, using AI algorithms, the lens chooses the appropriate compensation characteristics for videography at focal lengths of 100mm or less.
6. Half-macro photography with 1:2 magnification ratio from 50mm to 70mm focal length
Opening an exciting new world of photo possibilities, the TAMRON 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 VC is capable of extremely high performance when shooting close-ups, particularly for an ultra-telephoto zoom lens. You can enjoy shooting with an MOD of 9.8” (0.25m) at 50mm, and half macro photography with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 at focal lengths from 50mm to 70mm. Moreover, at the 400mm telephoto end, the MOD is 59.1” (1.5m), providing a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4 for dynamic shots. This lens allows you to get as close to your subject as you want and increase your photographic expression.
7. Proprietary software tool TAMRON Lens Utility for lens function customization and firmware updates
8. Additional Features
- 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
Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD specifications
| Principal specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens type | Zoom lens |
| Max Format size | 35mm FF |
| Focal length | 50–400 mm |
| Image stabilization | Yes |
| Lens mount | Nikon Z, Sony E, Sony FE |
| Aperture | |
| Maximum aperture | F4.5–6.3 |
| Minimum aperture | F22–32 |
| Aperture ring | No |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 9 |
| Aperture notes | rounded aperture blades |
| Optics | |
| Elements | 24 |
| Groups | 18 |
| Focus | |
| Minimum focus | 0.25 m (9.84″) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.5× |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Motor type | Linear Motor |
| Full time manual | Yes |
| Focus method | Internal |
| Distance scale | No |
| DoF scale | No |
| Physical | |
| Weight | 1155 g (2.55 lb) |
| Diameter | 89 mm (3.5″) |
| Length | 183 mm (7.2″) |
| Sealing | Yes |
| Colour | Black |
| Zoom method | Rotary (internal) |
| Power zoom | No |
| Zoom lock | Yes |
| Filter thread | 67 mm |
| Hood supplied | Yes |
| Tripod collar | No |
| Optional accessories | Tripod collar |
