Fantastic four for full-frame mirrorless
Posted on Nov 20, 2023
Award-winning independent optical manufacturer Tamron offers up two new zooms apiece for Nikon Z and Sony E-mount full-frame owners
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Autumn has seen a flurry of fresh lenses arrive on the scene from leading lens manufacturer Tamron, its optics winning wide acclaim and rave reviews for affordability, build and performance. Now, in something of a step change for the brand, it is offering up two more zooms for Nikon Z series cameras, as well as swelling the ranks of its already-comprehensive offerings for Sony full-frame E-mount owners with a further telephoto duo.
A much-anticipated landmark moment is the introduction of the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD for the Nikon Z mount, a lens that’s already won outstanding reviews in its Sony E-mount iteration. Being the first Tamron zoom starting at f/2 for full-frame mirrorless, it not only delivers breathtakingly sharp image quality and beautiful bokeh effects, it’s also customisable when shooting stills and video. For those professionals and enthusiasts looking for one lens that does it all – with the ability to shoot from wide angle to normal, semi telephoto to telephoto and everything in-between – this is clearly a best-in-class option. And thanks to its VXD focus mechanism, high-speed and high-precision AF is readily achieved, while offering full compatibility with the manufacturers’ sophisticated systems. Get the confidence and flexibility needed to take the perfect shot first time.
The introduction of a second Nikon Z compatible zoom in the Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD means that this particular lens is now available in three fits, alongside existing versions for Sony E-mount and Fujifilm X Mount. Nikon Z series camera owners now have use of a compact and lightweight, long-range telephoto zoom giving great balance between reach and portability at an affordable price point. Not only is this ideal for subjects such as birdwatching and aircraft, but also the close-up world with its minimum object distance of 0.6m (wide) and 1.8m (tele). This offers outstanding tele-macro-style capabilities for flowers and insects, while Tamron’s VC stabilisation assists in achieving that perfect shot.
Full-frame Sony users likewise have a new addition in the improved and updated Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2. This has the addition of vibration compensation, but more than that it’s a completely redesigned optic offering greater edge-to-edge sharpness as well as industry-leading close focus. In AF, it offers a minimum object distance of 30cm at 70mm, giving a 1:2.6 magnification ratio. Simply put, this lens is agile at every level, not to mention compact at 156.5mm in length and just 855g in weight, making it fit comfortably in the hand and sit well with smaller mirrorless camera designs.
The second of two new zooms for Sony mirrorless users is the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD. This is a full-frame, wide-angle zoom with both an internal zoom and focus, so there’s no barrel extension, making it great for video as well as stills. The lightweight design balances with the camera to which it’s affixed, as well as being a compact option for travellers packing light. From vlogging to landscapes and city scenes, its constant f/4 aperture throughout the zoom range performs well, further benefitting from a minimum object distance of 19cm for creative subject separation.
Cleverly, all four Tamron optics come with the ability to connect with Tamron Lens Utility software via a USB-C connection on the lens, meaning no lens dock is necessary. Protection against the elements is provided for each thanks to a moisture-resistant construction, along with a fluorine coating to the front element which helps keep it outstandingly clean.
For more on all four new lenses, visit your local Tamron stockist for a hands-on approach, or zoom your browser over to tamron.co.uk.
Originally featured in Issue 112 of Photography News.
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