Another worthy candidate entered the ring. Tamron just released 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD. With this lens in my pocket, I’ve just returned from a whirlwind trip to Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. Check out what I’ve seen and my thoughts on how the lens works.
As a full-time nature photographer, I love the zoom mode. The drawbacks to large telephoto lenses, however, tend to be their overwhelming size and weight, aperture, and image quality. With the new 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD lens, Tamron has hit the sweet spot of sharpness in a lightweight (40.7 oz/1.2 kg) lens you can carry around without a hassle. broken back. Let’s take a look at the specs and features, then I’ll show you why I love using this lens.
main function
- E-mount lenses (Full-Frame0 . Format)
- 1:2 Magnification, 9.8″ Min Focus Distance
- Quick zoom ring
- Zoom lock switch
- Linear AF motor VXD eXtreme-Torque Drive
- Focus limiter function
- VC . Image Stabilization
- Moisture resistant construction
- Front filter size 67mm
- Connection port for Tamron Lens Utility
Design and Features
The Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD has a few unique aspects that set it apart from many other telephoto lenses. The first thing that I will mention is that it is capable of macro shooting in a telephoto. Yes, you heard that right. The Tamron 50-400mm has a minimum focusing distance of 9.8″/24.9cm and a macro reproduction ratio of 1:2. This means you can stay less than a foot away from your subject and shoot. details are sharp. The lens feels light but not cheap, solid and the zoom ring is solid and rotates smoothly. Feels like quality in your hand. One aspect that I would like to mention is the ability to compensate for shake and how quiet the focus is, which I appreciate as a wildlife photographer.
Another useful feature is the USB Type-C connector, which allows you to use the Tamron Lens Utility software to customize the lens to your needs and keep the firmware up to date. The main customization that I find useful is the New Focus Button. This allows you to set a limit on the range of AF’s focus search to enable with that Focus Button. This way, if you lose focus on an object, you can enable limited scope to speed up your subject. This can really make a difference for birds in flight, cars, sports and any time when your lens has to work hard for your subject.
In the field
So, how did the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD perform in the field? I’m really impressed with how such a petite lens can be so powerful. I ran across more than four states in two and a half weeks, capturing everything from fall colors to wild horses and elk on the red rocks of the Southwest United States. This tiny tempered lens is so nimble and quick to focus that I want to buy myself one right away!
My travels began in Colorado, where I experimented with the landscape and the famous golden autumn poplars and wildlife. Then I ventured to Utah to see the luxurious red rocks, a stark contrast to the forests of Colorado. I spent some time in New Mexico, went a few laps, and ended up in Arizona, where the northern rim of the Grand Canyon is also dripping yellow. The Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is a steadfast companion and captures it all without missing a beat. With stormy skies during parts of the trip, I was also able to test the lens in a variety of lighting, especially low light. At f/6.3, even on overcast days, it captures powerful photos. During times of glare or glare, it was at its best, capturing details and vibrant colors far beyond what I could have expected.
What I like best about the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD
As a traveling photographer, this lens is a delight. I hate to miss a moment because I have to change lenses. Even with two bodies, that’s still possible. For a sharp lens at both 50mm and 400mm and everything in between is great. My friends, we are living in the future. I have taken landscape photos with this lens and they are very sharp. I captured wild horses in the beautiful Navajo lands with perfect clouds in the sky, the color and clarity just popping out of the screen. Not tired of carrying around a giant lens, I honestly think I made more pictures. It’s easy to go hiking. Sometimes, I would see the bright light shining on the mountains in the distance and wonder how it would look up close. Zoom in and just take a photo. Or I’m photographing a moose moose and notice the back part is glowing in the light, so I can zoom out to take a quick snapshot of those elk and then go right back to the moose. plate. That’s the ability of 50mm and 400mm in one lens.
What doesn’t work for me
While the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is such a small lens that it doesn’t need a tripod, I have to say I missed owning one. When holding by hand, I prefer the grip under my feet for more stability. Also, of course, a tripod holds slightly better balance on top of the ball. Tamron’s website lists Tamron Tripod A035TM as an optional accessory, so it could be a great choice to pair with this lens.
The only other nitpick I can give this lens is probably actually a good thing. The lens mount to the camera body is screwed tight. Possibly due to moisture-proof engineering, but fit the lens properly. I was almost nervous for a second the first time I put the lens in, but it worked smoothly and firmly once it was attached. All in all, there’s a lot to like and very little to dislike about this lens.
Learn more at Tamron’s website.
