Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Lens for Sony FE

The Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is an incredibly versatile zoom lens designed for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras. Spanning from 50mm to 300mm, this lens delivers outstanding performance in a remarkably lightweight and compact package. Perfect for capturing everything from wildlife and sports to small groups, it combines high-end capabilities with unmatched convenience.

Design and Features

Despite its impressive zoom range, the 50-300mm remains compact, mirroring the size of traditional 70-300mm lenses while offering a broader angle at the 50mm end. Weighing in at just 23.5 ounces, it’s significantly lighter than comparable models, making it easy to carry and handle. The lens features a 67mm filter diameter, a sleek 78mm physical diameter, and a convenient 5.9-inch length, ensuring it’s always ready for your next shot.

Equipped with Tamron's cutting-edge VXD autofocus system, this lens ensures rapid and precise focusing, ideal for both stills and video. The Tamron Lens Utility software offers incredible customization, allowing you to tailor lens functions and update firmware via a USB-C connection. With the customizable Focus Set button, you have full control, enabling presets such as A-B Focus, Focus Preset, and Focus Limiter to enhance your shooting experience.

Optical Performance

Featuring 19 elements in 14 groups, including 2 XLD and 2 LD elements, the lens delivers superior optical performance, effectively minimizing chromatic aberrations and other distortions. The advanced BBAR-G2 coating reduces ghosting and flare, ensuring your images are sharp, clear, and vibrant. Camera body correction capabilities further enhance resolution, making every shot stunningly detailed.

Aperture and Focusing

The aperture range spans from f/4.5 at 50-69mm to f/6.3 at 150-300mm, providing excellent flexibility across the zoom range. The VXD focusing system, driven by a linear motor, offers lightning-fast and precise autofocus with minimal noise, perfect for capturing the decisive moment in both stills and video. The electro-control floating focus system ensures consistent performance and compensates for various aberrations, delivering crisp and clear images.

Close Focusing and Macro Capability

This lens excels at close focusing, with a minimum object distance of just 8.7 inches at 50mm and 35.4 inches at 300mm. The maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 at 50-70mm and 1:3.1 at 300mm enables stunning half life-size macro photography, making it perfect for capturing intricate details and tiny subjects.

Durability and Convenience

Built to withstand the elements, the lens features moisture-resistant construction with seals and gaskets throughout, including a fully sealed USB-C connector port. The fluorine coating on the front element repels water and oil, making it easy to clean and resistant to fingerprints. The redesigned lens barrel boasts improved abrasion resistance and a glossy black finish for a sleek, modern look.

Compatibility and Additional Features

This lens is fully compatible with Sony’s camera-specific features such as Fast Hybrid AF, Eye AF, Direct Manual Focus (DMF), and in-camera lens correction. Additionally, it supports camera-based lens unit firmware updates, ensuring your lens remains up-to-date with the latest advancements. The zoom lock switch adds further convenience, keeping the lens secure during transport.