The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD was initially released in 2021 for Sony, followed by a Fujifilm X mount version in 2022. Now, the budget lens maker is expanding even more with a Nikon Z mount version of this impressive super-telephoto zoom lens. The lens keeps the same compact form factor of the Sony and Fujifilm versions, weighing 3.79 pounds and measuring only 8.4 inches when zoomed out. It also comes at the same budget-friendly $1,199.00 price. The existing versions of this lens punch way above the price, and we fully expect the Nikon Z mount version to do the same.

Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD at a glance

• 3.79 pounds
• 8.4 inches long at 150mm, 11.3 inches long at 500mm
• 25 elements in 16 groups
• VXD autofocus motor for fast, precise, and quiet autofocus
• Three image stabilization modes (standard, panning, and framing priority)
• Arca-type tripod mount with strap attachment loops
• Moisture-resistant
• Rounded 7-blade diaghragm
• 82mm filter thread

Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD build

One of the best features of Tamron’s 150-500mm f/5-6.7 lens is how incredibly compact it is for the lens class. At just 8.4 inches long when zoomed out (11.3 inches at 500mm) and 3.79 pounds, the lens is much easier to shoot with handheld and to keep in your bag than the alternatives. The closest comparison is Nikon’s Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens, which is 12.4 inches long and weighs 4.3 pounds.

On top of the compact size, the Tamron 150-500mm is also highly durable. It features moisture-resistant construction and a fluorine coating to keep the front element clean and clear of debris. Additionally, Tamron built the removable lens hood with a flexible, shock-absorbing front rim to protect against cracks and damage should you drop the lens.

In terms of lens controls, you’ll have access to an AF on/off switch and a focus limiter switch. A linear/non-linear AF switch allows you to change whether rotation speed or rotation angle changes the amount of focus movement. This switch lets you fine-tune your focus when focusing manually. There is also a Flex Zoom Lock mechanism to hold the lens at a certain focal length. The Arca-type tripod mount rotates so that you can shoot in any position, and it features strap attachment loops as well.

Optical design

Tamron designed its 150-500mm lens with 25 elements in 16 groups. That includes plenty of special lens elements, such as one XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion), five LD (Low Dispersion), one GM (Glass-Molded Aspherical) element, and two Hybrid Aspherical lens elements. All of these elements work to control aberrations, resulting in excellent image quality from edge to edge. Tamron coated the lens elements with a BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) coating to reduce internal reflections, flare, and ghosting, resulting in improved clarity and color accuracy.

Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD autofocus & image stabilization

A VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism powers focus in the Tamron 150-500mm lens. The result is extremely fast and accurate autofocus, able to keep up with the Eye AF of Nikon cameras. It can focus as close as 23.6 inches at 150mm. That distance adds to its versatility as a portrait lens, as you won’t have to stay too far away from your subject. And it allows for close-up images as well, with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.1. When you zoom in, the minimum object distance expands to 70.9 inches.

As we would expect of a super-telephoto lens, it features image stabilization to help obtain sharp images when handholding the camera. Tamron calls its stabilization VC (Vibration Compensation), and although it doesn’t specify how many stops of stabilization it provides, the system is effective at reducing camera shake.

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Pricing & availability

The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD is available for pre-order now for $1,199.00. It will begin shipping on October 31 as a perfect little treat for your Halloween.

The post Tamron announces the 150-500mm F/5-6.7 telephoto zoom lens for Nikon Z mount appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Best overall		Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2		SEE IT	Tamron’s take on a standard zoom is versatile and built to last.
Best all-in-one		Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD		SEE IT	This zoom lens covers just about every focal length you may need.
Best prime		Tamron SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD		SEE IT	With excellent sharpness and a fast f/1.4 aperture, this prime lens has a lot to offer.

Tamron lenses have been excellent third-party options for photographers for decades. The brand currently manufactures a wide variety of zooms and primes for Sony, Fujifilm, Nikon, and Canon camera systems. Many photographers opt to use lenses from a third-party manufacturer (rather than the camera manufacturer) as a cost-effective way to save money while building out their camera kit. In this guide, we will explore some of the best Tamron lenses currently on the market to help you select the best one for your needs. 

• Best overall: Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2
• Best all-in-one: Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
• Best ultra-wide: Tamron 11-20MM F/2.8 DI III-A RXD
• Best for wildlife: Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2
• Best prime: Tamron SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD

How we chose the best Tamron lenses

When selecting the products that appear in this buying guide, it was important to consider choices that fit a variety of budgets and shooting styles. Tamron currently makes lenses that are compatible with Fujifilm, Sony, Canon, and Nikon cameras, and it was important to include options that covered all of these systems. 

Rather than categorizing our top picks by the cameras that they were compatible with, we chose to select the best from each of the lens styles that Tamron offers: All-on-one, standard zoom, wide-angle zoom, ultra-telephoto zoom, and prime. In making our selections, we considered features such as image quality, image stabilization, aperture range, size, and weight. 

The best Tamron lenses: Reviews & recommendations

Tamron currently offers lenses that are compatible with Sony, Fujifilm X, Canon EF-mount, and Nikon F and Z-mount cameras. The lenses that appear in this buying guide specify which mounts they are currently available in so that you can select an option that works with your camera. While these lenses lack some of the high-end features that are found in first-party lenses, they still offer excellent image quality and are a great choice for budget-conscious photographers.  

Best overall: Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2

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Specs

• Lens mount: Sony E, full-frame 
• Aperture range: f/2.8 – f/22
• Image stabilization: No
• Filter size: 67mm 
• Minimum focus distance: 7.1 inches
• Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Dimensions: 3 x 4.6 inches

Pros

• Fast aperture 
• Moisture resistant 
• Faster focus motor
• USB port for firmware updates

Cons

• Only available for Sony cameras
• Not as wide as most standard zoom lenses 

A follow-up to Tamron’s well-loved 28-75mm F2.8 Di III RXD, the G2 features a faster linear focus motor and a more pleasing bokeh when shooting wide. The inclusion of a USB port on the barrel makes it easy for photographers to update the firmware as it becomes available. 

The lens is made up of 17 elements in 15 groups, including a low dispersion and a glass-molded aspherical element. It features a standard 67mm filter, which other lenses in the series also share, making it more affordable to invest in filters. It also offers a moisture-resistant build to protect it from the elements. 

This particular lens is only available for Sony cameras but will work with both full-frame and APS-C models. Although it lacks the 24mm field of view available on most standard zooms, its fast aperture and fast focus capabilities make it an extremely appealing choice for budget-conscious Sony shooters. 

Best all-in-one: Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD

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Specs

• Lens mount: Fujifilm X or Sony E, APS-C
• Aperture range: f/3.5-6.3 to f/22-40
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Filter size: 67mm 
• Minimum focus distance: 5.9 inches
• Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Dimensions: Fujifilm: 3 x 5 inches Sony: 3 x 4.9 inches

Pros

• Impressive field of zoom coverage 
• Quick and quiet auto-focus
• Moisture-resistant build
• Features optical stabilization 

Cons

• Not great in low light 

Tamron’s 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD is one of the best all-in-one lenses currently on the market. It is a great choice for photographers who want a variety of focal lengths without carrying around a ton of lenses. This particular model is made for Fujifilm and Sony mirrorless APS-C cameras. Its impressive zoom range covers an equivalent focal length range of 27 to 450mm. 

This all-in-one can focus as close as 5.9 inches and offers a 1:2 maximum magnification ratio. That makes it a great tool for macro photography, adding to its versatility. It is also built to withstand your adventures. The plastic lens barrel offers a moisture-resistant build and an anti-smudge fluorine coating on the front of the lens, which will help keep it clear of fingerprints. Despite the wide zoom range, it only weighs 1.4 pounds, making it a surprisingly compact lens for what it offers.

The impressive zoom capabilities of this lens do mean you are sacrificing a fast aperture. The minimum aperture of f/3.5-6.3 doesn’t make this an ideal choice for shooting late at night. But if you are primarily a daytime shooter or using artificial lighting, this is an excellent budget-friendly all-in-one zoom. 

Best ultra-wide: Tamron 11-20MM F/2.8 DI III-A RXD

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Specs

• Lens mount: Fujifilm X or Sony E, APS-C 
• Aperture range: f/2.8 – f/16
• Image stabilization: No
• Filter size: 67mm 
• Minimum focus distance: 5.9 inches
• Weight: 11.8 ounces
• Dimensions: 2.9 x 3.4 inches

Pros

• Super wide field of view
• Splash and dust-resistant
• Fast aperture 
• Quick and quiet autofocus 

Cons

• No stabilization

The Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD offers a wide field of view in a surprisingly small package. Tamron designed the lens for Sony and Fujifilm APS-C mirrorless cameras, and it provides a full-frame equivalent focal length of 16.5 to 30mm. Although you can technically mount this to a full-frame Sony camera, because it was designed to be used with APS-C cameras, it won’t cover a full-frame sensor and will produce a black ring around your image. If you are an APS-C shooter and looking for that super wide field of view, this lens is a winner. 

The lens is constructed of 12 elements in 10 groups, including special elements that reduce chromatic aberrations—a common issue when shooting with ultra-wide lenses. Its autofocus is quick and quiet, although this lens does have some issues with focus breathing when used for shooting video. It also happens to offer better weather protection and brighter optics than the comparable lenses made by Sony and Fujifilm. It does lack any stabilization, but that’s typical of an ultra-wide-angle zoom lens. 

Best for wildlife: Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2

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Specs

• Lens mount: Canon EF or Nikon F, full-frame
• Aperture range: f/5-6.3 to f/32-40
• Image stabilization: Yes, 4.5 stops
• Filter size: 95mm 
• Minimum focus distance: 7.22 feet
• Weight: Canon: 4.42 pounds, Nikon: 4.38 pounds
• Dimensions: Canon: 4.27 x 10.24-13.33 inches, Nikon: 4.27 x 10.15-13.25 inches 

Pros

• Impressive stabilization
• Lockable zoom controls
• Weather sealed build 
• Quick autofocus 
• Integrated Arca-Swiss quick-release system 

Cons

• Unsatisfactory edge performance at extreme ends 

This ultra-telephoto zoom is designed with wildlife and sports shooters in mind. Although this particular model is over five years old now, it remains one of Tamron’s most capable telephoto zooms. It features 21 elements in 13 groups and includes antireflection coatings to remove ghosting and flare from reflected light. 

The Tamron 150-600mm features an ultrasonic silent drive for autofocus that is both quick and quiet, plus three levels of vibration control. The rotating collar and Acra-Swiss quick-release system make it easy to mount this massive lens to a tripod or monopod—which is the best way to use such a large telephoto lens. Unfortunately, the edge performance is unsatisfactory when the lens is used at its widest or tightest focal lengths. But it remains a solidly performing piece of glass at all other focal lengths. 

Best prime: Tamron SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD

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Specs

• Lens mount: Canon EF or Nikon F, full-frame
• Aperture range: f/1.4 – f/16
• Image stabilization: No 
• Filter size: 72mm 
• Minimum focus distance: 11.81 inches
• Weight: Canon: 1.79 pounds, Nikon: 1.78 pounds
• Dimensions: Canon: 3.19 x 4.13 inches, Nikon: 3.19 x 4.03 inches 

Pros

• Super fast aperture 
• Moisture resistant 
• Classic 35mm focal length
• Quick and quiet autofocus 

Cons

• No image stabilization

A super-fast prime lens is a tool that every photographer should have in their kit. Opting for one from a third-party lens maker is a great way to save as you build out your gear collection. The Tamron SP 35mm is one of our favorite third-party primes thanks to its exceptional image quality and affordable price. The lens features 14 elements in 10 groups, which include four low-dispersion elements and three glass-molded aspherical elements. 

The fast aperture of f/1.4 makes for dreamy, beautiful bokeh when it’s used at its widest apertures. It features an ultrasonic silent drive motor for quick and quiet autofocus and a moisture-resistant construction. The Tamon SP 35mm is an excellent lens that doesn’t compromise on image quality while remaining a fraction of the price of first-party competitors. 

What to consider when shopping for the best Tamron lenses 

Camera system

The number one thing to consider before buying a Tamron lens is if it will be compatible with your camera system. Tamron lenses are currently available for Sony E-mount, Fujifilm X-mount, Canon EF-mount (DSLRs), Nikon F-mount (DSLRs), and Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras. Unfortunately, Canon mirrorless shooters don’t have the option of using Tamron lenses without purchasing a separate adapter, as Tamron has not created any lens for Canon R-mount. Also, Tamron only recently began releasing lenses for Nikon mirrorless, so there are very limited options for Z-mount thus far.  

It is a frustrating moment to receive your lens in the mail only to realize that it won’t work with your camera. So, before you buy a Tamron lens, it is essential that you make sure to check that you’ve selected the correct lens mount that will work with your particular camera system. 

APS-C or full-frame

Tamron makes a range of lenses for both APS-C—also called crop sensor—and full-frame cameras. You can use full-frame lenses on APS-C cameras with no issues. However, an APS-C lens on a full-frame camera won’t cover the entire sensor, so you’ll be left with a black frame around your images. You can always crop this out (some cameras allow you to do so in-camera), but you won’t be able to take advantage of the full image area of your full-frame camera.

If you use a full-frame camera, we’d highly suggest sticking with a lens that Tamron specifically designed for full-frame sensors. If you currently use a crop sensor camera but think you may upgrade in the future, it may be a good idea to stick with full-frame lenses as well. If you simply want affordable and compact lenses for your APS-C camera, you’re best bet is to stick with APS-C lenses.

Prime or zoom

Tamron offers an impressive line-up of both prime and zoom lenses, and if you are new to photography, it can be overwhelming of where to start. Prime lenses have fixed focal lengths —meaning you will need to zoom with your feet. They typically have much faster apertures than a zoom lens, offer a higher level of quality, and are more compact. As a result, they are excellent tools for portraiture, photojournalism, and street photography. 

A zoom lens allows you to zoom in on your subject while standing in one place. The downside is that generally speaking, a zoom lens won’t have as fast of an aperture as a prime. And, many Tamron lenses (and budget lenses in general) have a variable maximum aperture, meaning you lose stops of aperture as you zoom in. Zoom lenses are great tools for photojournalists and are often found in the bags of wedding and event photographers, sports shooters, and nature photographers. 

Ultimately, you want a mixture of both types of lenses in your kit, and opting to use third-party lenses with your camera body can be a great way to build without spending as much money. 

Budget

Although Tamron lenses are typically less expensive than the lenses made by first-party manufacturers, prices on certain lenses can start to creep up. Before purchasing a Tamron lens, be realistic about your budget. Although the pricey ultra-telephoto lens might be fun, for what you are going to be shooting, a lower-cost all-in-one zoom might be a better long-term budget-friendly choice. 

FAQs

Final thoughts on the best Tamron lenses 

• Best overall: Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2
• Best all-in-one: Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
• Best ultra-wide: Tamron 11-20MM F/2.8 DI III-A RXD
• Best for wild-life: Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2
• Best prime: Tamron SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD

The best Tamron lens is largely dependent on what you are shooting, where you are shooting, and what camera system you are using. One of the biggest appeals of third-party lenses is that they offer a photographer a more affordable way to build out their camera kit. A third-party lens from Tamron will often be a fraction of the prices of comparable lenses that are made by the camera body manufacturer. Tamron offers a wide variety of zooms and primes for Sony, Fujifilm, Canon, and Nikon cameras—providing a choice for just about every kind of photographer. 

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.

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Tamron has been busy lately, with consistent lens announcements over the past few months. It’s keeping the ball rolling with two separate announcements. Sony users will soon be getting an extremely versatile lens in the form of what Tamron says is the world’s first 17-50mm lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras. This lens is just in the development phase, so there are still lots of unknowns, but Tamron did supply some enticing details.

For Nikon users, the wait for a new third-party lens is nearly over. Tamron has provided a purchase date and new details for the recently announced 35-150mm f/2-2.8 lens for Nikon Z mount. Keep reading to find out more.

What is the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD?

Options for wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle zoom lenses can be a bit limiting. Many top out at 35mm or even less, or they don’t offer an ultra-wide perspective. As a result, you’ve traditionally had to choose from two options. You could opt for something not quite so wide in order to reach the normal focal length range. Or you could be okay with purchasing two lenses and swapping back and forth when you want both ultra-wide-angle and normal perspectives.

Tamron is aiming to offer a solution with its 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD for Sony E-mount cameras. Having an ultra-wide perspective and normal perspective in one lens is ideal, as it prevents as many lens switches. It would be an ideal choice for travel, as you could get sweeping views and closer details or portraits, all with the same lens. Tamron explains that this is “the ideal ‘walk around’ lens,” and as long as the performance is up to snuff, we’d have to agree.

Tamron Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD details

The Tamron 17-50mm will offer a constant f/4 aperture. That isn’t all that wide, but is reasonable for the zoom range and likely means that the price will also be reasonable. The lens will feature the company’s VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism, which should result in fast, quiet, and precise autofocus. Tamron is building the lens with internal zoom, meaning the lens won’t change length at all when you zoom in or out. That’s an ideal feature for videographers who use a gimbal, as you won’t need to rebalance the stabilizer if you change the focal length.

Adding to the versatility of the lens is its close focusing abilities. Tamron says that it will offer a minimum object distance (MOD) of just 7.5 inches at the wide end and 11.8 inches at 50mm. That means you’ll be able to get some nice detail shots with this lens. The lens will feature a moisture-resistant construction and fluorine coating and utilize a 67mm filter thread. Tamron is promising excellent image quality throughout the zoom range. We look forward to testing it out this fall when it is expected to be available.

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The Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD for Nikon Z mount is available for pre-order

Announced only a month ago, Tamron has now provided additional details and a shipping date for its second Nikon Z mount lens. This versatile lens will feature Tamron’s VXD linear motor focus mechanism, a maximum aperture of f/2 to f/2.8, and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:5.7 at the wide end. It weighs 2.6 pounds and is 6.3 inches long. It also will provide access to the Tamron Lens Utility app. In the app, you can update firmware and also utilize features that support focusing operations for photo and video applications.

The Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD for Nikon Z is available for pre-order now for $1,999. It will begin shipping on September 21.

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Tamron has been churning out lenses as of late. Just a couple of weeks ago, it announced a 35-150mm lens for Nikon mirrorless cameras. And now, it has announced that it is developing the second iteration of its popular 70-180mm zoom lens for Sony E-mount cameras. The most notable change in this G2 lens is the addition of Tamron’s Vibration Compensation (VC), but Tamron says that improvements have been made across the board. The lens is still in the development phase and won’t be available until this fall, so Tamron hasn’t provided full details as of yet. But here is what we know so far.

Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 details

Tamron’s 70-180mm is a very popular third-party lens thanks to its excellent balance of price and quality. Its quick focusing abilities, sharp image quality, fast aperture, and good bokeh all for just over $1,000, make it an excellent value. Though it doesn’t provide quite the same reach as a 70-200mm lens, it is still highly versatile and ideal for everything from wedding photography to sports and wildlife.

Though the first version of this lens is quite excellent, the lack of image stabilization was limiting. It is great to see Tamron adding its Vibration Control to the lens, which should make it easier to get sharp images when hand-holding your setup. Tarmon didn’t specify how many stops of stabilization it provides, but it is a nice addition, to be sure.

Tamron explained that it revamped the optical design of this second iteration, allowing it to achieve “uncompromising high image quality across the entire zoom range.” It also shortened the Minimum Object Distance (MOD) significantly. This new lens will offer a MOD of 11.8 inches, compared to 33.5 inches in the first version. It also will feature Tamron’s VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism for fast, precise autofocus. Tamron claims it should provide improved subject tracking as well.

Build quality

Despite the addition of vibration reduction, the 70-180mm keeps the incredibly compact form factor of the first version. It measures just 6.2 inches long and weighs 1.9 pounds. Tamron built it to be moisture-resistant, and the front element will feature a fluorine coating. It will utilize 67mm filters, which is the same as most other Tamron mirrorless lenses, and will be compatible with Tamron’s Lens Utility for customizing lens functions. And Tamron claims that the new design “improves operability and provides scratch resistance,” though it didn’t provide many details as to what that means.

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Third-party lenses have been slow to arrive for Nikon mirrorless users. But, lens manufacturer Tamron has announced the development of a new lens for Nikon Z-mount cameras, expanding its offerings for Nikon mirrorless to two lenses. The 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD lens offers a massive zoom range, making it a versatile option. This new Tamron lens is still in the development phase, so the company hasn’t provided much detail as of yet. But here’s what we know at this point.

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD lens details

Tamron’s latest lens offering provides a versatile zoom range that’s ideal for a wide range of situations. With coverage on the wide-angle side and long telephoto reach, it should be a do-it-all sort of lens. It would be ideal for travel, as you could take this one lens and cover everything you need to. This zoom range would also be fantastic for wedding photographers, as it could go from wide-angle group photos to dramatic, telephoto headshot portraits without changing lenses.

The maximum aperture of the Tamron 35-150mm isn’t constant, but it only ranges from f/2 to f/2.8, which is impressive. The f/2 aperture is the widest available on any zoom lens for Nikon cameras, offering improved lowlight performance and more flexibility with depth of field. And although Tamron didn’t specify details, it says that the lens will provide “excellent close-range shooting performance.”

Tamron is fitting this 35-150mm f/2-2.8 lens with a VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism. It should result in speedy and highly accurate autofocus. And the lens features moisture-resistant construction with a fluorine coating. Tamron also said that the new lens “incorporates a new design in the pursuit of enhanced operability and ergonomic convenience.” It didn’t provide any additional details about what exactly that means, but we are looking forward to finding out.

Availability

Tamron hasn’t provided any details on pricing as of yet. But it specified that the lens will be delivered this fall.

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Earlier this year, Tamron announced it was working on a fast and compact wide-angle lens for Fujifilm X-mount cameras. Now, the wait is (nearly) over, and the new Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD is here and ready for pre-order. The newest Tamron lens offers a full-frame equivalent focal length of 16.5-30mm. This range makes it ideal for anything from astrophotography and landscapes to real estate and event photography and so much more. There are very few ultra-wide options outside of Fujifilm’s own 10-24mm f/4, which is an entire stop slower than the new Tamron.

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What is the Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A1 RXD?

The Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 is an ultra-wide angle zoom lens for Fujifilm X-mount. Since Fujifilm cameras utilize APS-C sensors, the lens will provide a 16.5-30mm full-frame equivalent range. The ultra-wide-angle perspective is quite versatile, making this lens suitable for landscapes, astrophotography, street photography, creative portraiture, real estate, wedding and event photography, and so much more.

Adding to the versatility is the compact size. It weighs just 11.8 ounces and is only 3.4 inches long, which is quite small for a zoom lens of this focal length. Beyond making it easier to carry, the small and lightweight size also make it ideal for use on a gimbal.

Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A1 RXD features

Tamron’s new 11-20mm lens is a rugged lens with plenty of high-quality features. Tamron built the lens around 12 elements in 10 groups. That includes two GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) lens elements which assist with edge to edge sharpness. There are also one XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) and two LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements which reduce aberrations.

A BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) coating reduces ghosting and flare, allowing for sharp and clear images even in backlit situations. The lens body is moisture resistance and features a fluorine coating on the front element to keep your glass clean and free of fingerprints and debris.

The new 11-20mm lens is well rounded with features ideal for both photo and video use. It utilizes Tamron’s RXD stepping motor for focusing, which results in fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus. That’s helpful when shooting in quiet locations like churches or for preventing the annoying focusing sounds in your videos. It offers a constant and fast f/2.8 aperture, making it better in low-light conditions.

The the lens isn’t technically a macro lens, it provides a minimum object distance of 5.9 inches at 11mm and 9.4 inches at 20mm. At 11mm, you’ll get a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4, opening up the opportunity for wide-angle macro images. The close focusing abilities and wide aperture also results in attractive bokeh and excellent separation between your subject and background.

Pricing & availability

Tamron’s 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD for Fujifilm X-mount is available for preorder now for $829. Tamron will begin shipping the lenses on May 30th.

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Warming spring temperatures have us itching to get outside (and from seasonal allergies). Plants are greening up and wildlife is buzzing again, making it an ideal time to get out there and shoot around. A new lens can be a fun way to celebrate making it through another winter, and luckily, you can save on Tamron lenses at Amazon right now. A selection of its already affordable lenses are even cheaper from now until May 28th, including options for just about every camera system.

Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD for Sony E $1,199 (was $1,399)

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This Tamron super-telephoto offers excellent quality and extensive features for such a budget-friendly offering. And all of that quality is fit inside a relatively compact body that weighs only 3.8 pounds. It has optical stabilization in three different modes—standard, panning, and framing priority—to help achieve blur-free images even at slower shutter speeds. Additionally, it features moisture-resistant construction, superb image quality, and plenty of controls on the lens body. All in all, it truly is an impressive lens for the price and would be a great tool for bird or wildlife photography.

Tamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD for Nikon Z $599 (was $699)

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There aren’t many third-party lens offerings for Nikon mirrorless cameras yet, especially if you want autofocus abilities. In fact, this Tamron lens is the only third-party telephoto zoom lens for Nikon Z mount. Luckily, like the lens above, it packs a ton of quality into a compact and affordable package. Its autofocus is fast and highly accurate, so you’ll be able to get sharply focused images even of moving subjects. Plus, the center sharpness of this lens is superb, there’s essentially no fringing, and the build quality is excellent. For the price, you can’t go wrong.

More Tamron lenses on sale right now

For Sony APS-C

• Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD $699 (was $829)
• Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD $599 (was $699)

For Sony full-frame

• Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD $799 (was $899)
• Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 $799 (was $899)
• Tamron 28-200 F/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD $649 (was $729.95)
• Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD $1,099 ($1,199)
• Tamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD $499 (was $768.60)
• Tamron 24mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 $199 (was $349)
• Tamron 35mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 $199 (was $349)

For Fujifilm X

• Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD $599 (was $699)
• Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD $699 (was $799)
• Tamron 150-500MM F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD $1,299 (was $1,499)

For Canon and Nikon DSLR

• Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC G2 for Canon EF DSLR $1,199 (was $1,299)
• Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 for Canon EF DSLR $1,299 (was $1,399)
• Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC G2 for Nikon FX DSLR $1,199 (was $1,299)
• Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 for Nikon FX DSLR $1,299 (was $1,399)

The post Save up to $200 on a ton of Tamron lenses at Amazon right now appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Third-party lens manufacturer Tamron currently has many of its lenses on sale at Adorama. While its lenses fly under the radar compared to the likes of Canon, Nikon, and Sony, it makes some fantastic offerings. That’s especially true considering the low price of its lenses. They also tend to be more compact and lighter than OEM lenses, which makes them extra appealing for those who travel. The Tamron sale includes all major lens mounts, as well as a variety of zoom and prime focal lengths.

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 for Sony E-mount $799.00 (was $899.00)

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A classic 24-70mm is one of the most versatile lenses, and while this differs ever so slightly, it is no less ideal for just about every photographic situation. In fact, since it adds a little reach on the long end, it is even better for those who focus more on portraits. It offers a fast f/2.8 constant maximum aperture, attractive bokeh, and a moisture-resistant design. It is sharp, especially when stopped down and offers speedy autofocus for grabbing action shots.

Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD for Fujifilm X-mount $599.00 (was $699.00)

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Tamron’s 18-300mm lens was the first 16.6x all-in-one zoom for APS-C cameras. The lens offers a 27-450mm full-frame equivalent focal length range, which puts it in a position to be a do-it-all lens. You’ll have everything from wide-angle to super-telephoto in a single body, so you can swap lenses far less frequently and carry fewer with your on your travels. And it’s impressively sharp for providing so much range as well as the already budget-friendly price.

More Tamron lenses on sale:

For Sony E-mount full-frame cameras:

• Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD $799.00 (was $899.00)
• Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD $649.00 (was $729.00)
• Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD 70-300mm $1,099.00 (was $1,199.00)
• Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD $1,199.00 (was $1,399.00)
• Tamron 20mm f/2.8 Di III OSD $249.00 (was $299.00)
• Tamron 24mm f/2.8 Di III OSD $199.00 (was $249.00)
• Tamron 35mm f/2.8 DI III OSD $199.00 (was $249.00)

For Sony E-mount APS-C cameras:

• Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD $699.00 (was $829.00)
• Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD $599.00 (was $699.00)

For Fujifilm X-mount APS-C cameras:

• Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD $699.00 (was $799.00)
• Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD $599.00 (was $699.00)
• Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD $1,299.00 (was $1,499.00)

For Nikon Z-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras:

• Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD $599.00 (was $699.00)

For Canon and Nikon full-frame DSLRs:

• Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 $1,199.00 (was $1,299.00)
• Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 $1,299.00 (was $1,399.00)

The post Save up to $200 during the Tamron lens sale at Adorama appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Third-party lens maker Tamron has announced the development of a new ultra-wide zoom lens for Fujifilm X-mount cameras. Since Fujifilm cameras are all APS-C sensor formats, the 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD will offer a full-frame equivalent of 16.5-30mm. That range makes it a versatile wide-angle suitable for a wide variety of subject matter and situations, including astrophotography, landscapes, and even street photography. 

Besides Fujifilm’s own 10-24mm f/4 lens, there aren’t any other ultra-wide zoom lenses for Fujifilm X-mount cameras, so it is nice to see something this versatile enter the market. The lens is only in the development phase, so Tamron hasn’t been able to share much info yet. But here’s what we do know. 

Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD features

Tamron’s newest lens will provide a minimum object distance of only 5.9 when zoomed out to 11mm. It will also offer a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4, opening up opportunities for unique and creative wide-angle macro shots.

The lens will get Tamron’s RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) stepping motor AF drive for quiet autofocus, which should make it a good candidate for hybrid shooters. In addition, the lens will feature moisture-resistance construction with a fluorine coating to repel water and debris from the front element. 

The 11-20mm will offer a fixed f/2.8 aperture, making it ideal for low-light shooting. The only other ultra-wide zoom, Fujifilm’s 10-24mm, is only an f/4, so the Tamron lens will have an advantage there. Tamron also said it will be compact, though they didn’t offer any specifics as to what that means exactly.

Availability 

Tamron hasn’t specified when the 11-20mm lens will be available or any hints at pricing, so we will just have to wait and see. Hopefully, they don’t keep us waiting too long. 

The post Tamron announces the development of an X-mount ultra-wide zoom lens appeared first on Popular Photography.

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Sigma and Tamron lenses already offer lower-cost yet quality alternatives to Canon, Sony, and Nikon lenses. And right now, they are even more affordable during an early Black Friday sale on Amazon. If you’ve been considering getting a new lens to fill out your arsenal of gear or are a generous soul and want an exciting gift for a photographer, it’s a great time to do so.

Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Sony E $374.00 (was $620.00)

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A good wide-angle lens is something every photographer should have available. Designed for Sony APS-C photographers, this lens offers a 35mm equivalent focal length of 24mm. It provides an extremely fast f/1.4 maximum aperture for strong low-light performance, making it a great tool for capturing wedding receptions or night skies. The wide aperture also helps to create separation between your subject and the background and even results in some attractive bokeh. It’s one of the best APS-C wide-angle lenses you can get for your Sony camera, and this price makes it even more enticing.

TAMRON 11-20MM F/2.8 DI III-A RXD for Sony E APS-C Mirrorless Cameras $649.00 (was $829.00)

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Sony APS-C users sure have a good selection of affordable wide-angle lenses to choose from during this early Black Friday sale. This Tamron lens offers a 16-30mm equivalent focal length, which is an ideal range for real estate, landscape, astrophotography, and even event coverage. It offers a lot of sharpness and quality in a very compact body, so it won’t feel out of place on the smaller APS-C cameras. And it’s moisture-resistant, giving you peace of mind if you get caught in bad weather.

Additional Tamron lens deals:

• Tamron SP 150-600mvm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras $1,199.00 (was $1,399.00)
• Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD for Sony Mirrorless Full Frame/APS-C E Mount $799.00 (was $899.00)
• Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Lens for Full Frame Sony $1,299.00 (was $1,399.00)
• Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC G2 for Canon EF DSLR $1,199.00 (was $1,299.00)
• Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD for Sony Full Frame/APS-C E-Mount $1,099.00 (was $1,199.00)
• Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 for Canon Digital SLR Cameras $1,199.00 (was $1,399.00)
• Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony E APS-C $749.00 (was $799.00)
• Tamron 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 DI-II VC HLD All-In-One Zoom For Nikon APS-Cv Digital SLR Cameras $599.00 (was $649.00)

Additional Sigma lens deals:

• Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens for Canon $799.00 (was $899.00)
• Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM Lens for Canon $899.00 (was $1,089.00)
• Sigma 35mm F1.4 Art DG HSM Lens for Nikon $799.00 (was $899.00)
• Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 Contemporary DG DN OS for Sony E Mount $799.38 (was $949.00)
• Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM Lens for Nikon $899.00 (was $1,089.00)

The post Save on Sigma and Tamron lenses during this early Black Friday sale appeared first on Popular Photography.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.