The first preference almost always seems to be Sony Alpha camera users, but Tamron doesn’t forget Nikon fans, either. Their versatile 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 lens, which has been available for E-mount cameras for nearly two years, is finally coming to the Nikon Z mount as well. But is it a little too late for this release, given that the Z mount lineup of lenses is steadily growing?
Tamron is the one contemporary lens manufacturer that seems to produce a wide variety of zoom lenses. For a while now, their focus seemed to be more on Sony E-mount and Fujifilm X-mount users. Nikon fans however will be pleased to know that their Z-mount Tamron options are on the rise as well. Today marks the announcement of the Tamron 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD lens for Nikon Z-mount cameras.
Highlights of the Tamron 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 Lens
A Little Extra Wide Angle Coverage
By opening up the wider end of the lens to 50mm, Tamron aims to break the norms of the traditional 100-400mm lens segment. They have essentially doubled the zoom capabilities from 4x to 8x this way. Tamron claims that even though this lens offers a wider focal range, it is “both smaller and lighter than conventional 100-400mm zoom lenses.” It measures 7.3in (185.8mm) and weighs just 41.6 oz (1,180g).
This Lens Can Do Macro Too
Most all-in-one-zooms are generally meant for peak performance at the longer ends of their focal range, but Tamron has added macro capabilities as well to the Tamron 50-400mm F4.5-6.3. Shooting at a minimum focal distance of 8.8in (0.25m) while zoomed out between 50mm and 70mm, you can get a reproduction ratio of 1:2 for your macro shots.
Quiet and Fast Autofocus
Tamron’s VXD linear motor focus mechanism ensures super-fast autofocus across all focal lengths. Coupled with Nikon’s subject-tracking autofocus modes, you can be sure your camera won’t miss a beat while tracking fast-moving objects and creatures. The silent motor means you won’t be disturbing animals and birds while trying to carefully photograph them without disturbance.
VC image stabilization
No more worries about getting blurry photos, as Tamron’s vibration reduction VC technology will ensure your images remain tack sharp, whether at 50mm or 400mm. Also, using AI algorithms, the lens chooses the appropriate compensation characteristics for videography at focal lengths of 100mm or less.
Support For Tamron’s Lens Utility Software
The Tamron 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 can be connected to the Tamron TAP-in Console for personalization tweaks and firmware updates in the future.
We Really Liked The Sony Version
Taking home four out of five stars in our in-depth review, the Sony version of this lens received high praise from my colleague Hillary Grigonis. We’re hopeful that the Nikon version can perform just as well too, but it could face stiff competition from another newly released Nikon lens.
Using this lens was almost as pleasant as looking at the images. The 50-400mm range allows for getting up close on some wildlife, but then backing off and showing that animal on a backdrop of fall colors. It’s light enough to hike with, and the stabilization means this lens rarely needs a tripod. The wide zoom range makes it a great lens for photo walks; you are ready for almost anything.
– Hillary on the Sony version of the Tamron 50-400mm F4.5-6.3
Great Specs, But It’s Not Without Competition From Nikon
Granted, the lenses made by Tamron for the Nikon Z-mount are done with a formal handshake from Nikon. But I do have to wonder if the release of this lens is a little too late. This is especially because the new Nikon Z 28-400mm f4-8 was announced just a few months ago and features a much wider focal range starting at 28mm and a 14.3x magnification capability. At just 5.6in(141.5mm) long, Nikon’s lens isn’t just smaller than the Tamron; it also weighs much less at 25.59 oz(725 g). And it probably could be faster to autofocus, given that it’s Nikon’s in-house technology, but we’ll have to wait to verify that.
Tech Specs
| Model | : A067 |
| Focal Length | : 50-400mm |
| Maximum Aperture | : F4.5-6.3 |
| Angle of View (diagonal) | : 46゜48′- 6゜11′ (for full-frame mirrorless format) |
| Optical Construction | : 24 elements in 18 groups |
| Minimum Object Distance | : 0.25m / 9.8in (WIDE), 1.5m / 59.1in (TELE) |
| Maximum Magnification Ratio | : 1:2 (WIDE)/ 1:4 (TELE) |
| VC (Vibration Compensation) | : Yes |
| Filter Size | : Ø67mm |
| Maximum Diameter | : Ø88.5mm |
| Length* | : 7.3“ (185.8mm) |
| Weight | : 41.6oz (1,180g) |
| Aperture Blades** | : 9 (circular diaphragm) |
| Minimum Aperture | : F22-32 |
| Standard Accessories | : Flower-shaped hood, Front cap, Rear cap |
| Mount | : Nikon Z mount[1] |
* Length is the distance from the front end of the lens to the lens mount face.
** The circular diaphragm stays almost perfectly circular up to two stops down from maximum aperture.
Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. are subject to change without prior notice.
This product is developed, manufactured, and sold under the license agreement with Nikon Corporation.
[1] The lens for Sony E-mount previously launched on September 22, 2022.