Update (August 25, 2022 at 12:15am ET): Tamron has confirmed it’s expecting the lens to be available starting September 22 for $1,299. As noted in the original announcement, it’s possible this date could be changed, pending any supply chain issues.
Tamron has announced the development of an upcoming zoom for Sony full-frame E-mount camera systems. The 50–400mm F4.5–6.3 Di III VC VXD lens is expected to be available in ‘Fall 2022,’ although Tamron notes ‘the current global health crisis’ could affect the release date and product supply schedule.
Tamron hasn’t specified the optical construction of the lens, but does say the the lens’ ‘high image quality is delivered […] through the effective arrangement of special lens elements.’ Autofocus for the lens is driven by Tamron’s Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive (VXD) linear motor and the Vibration Compensation (VC) uses Tamron’s proprietary image stabilization system.
At the 50mm end, the lens has a minimum focusing distance of 25cm (9.8″) for a 1:2 magnification ratio. It uses a 67mm front filter thread, uses a fluorine coating on the front-most element and has a ‘moisture-resistant construction.’ The lens has a zoom lock switch, a VC mode switch, a custom switch for pre-determined shooting modes (with three settings) and has a new focus limiter function through Tamron’s Lens Utility program.
Tamron says the ring rotation arc for the full focal length range is just 75-degrees for quick zooming with minimal movement. There will also be an optional tripod mount available.
Tamron doesn’t specify a price we can expect this lens to retail at, so we’ll have to wait for additional updates to know how much the 50–400mm F4.5–6.3 Di III VC VXD lens for Sony E-mount cameras will cost.
Press release:
Game-Changing Ultra-Telephoto Zoom Starting at 50mm
New 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Model A067)
New 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Model A067) July 27, 2022, Commack, NY – Tamron announces the development of the versatile 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Model A067), a next level ultra-telephoto zoom lens for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras. The lens is expected to be available Fall 2022. However, due to the current global health crisis, the release date or product supply schedule could change.
The 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Model A067) creates an entirely new category for high-performance ultra-telephoto mirrorless zoom lenses. With an 8x zoom ratio that begins at an unprecedented 50mm (commonly called the “standard” focal length for full-frame cameras), this new ultra-telephoto zoom lens for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras is the same size as conventional 100-400mm zoom lenses yet offers a wider angle of view on the wide end for exceptional versatility.
The 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 is remarkably compact with a length of just 7.2” and a light weight of 40.7oz. yet provides unparalleled high performance at all focal lengths. Despite the high magnification ratio, high image quality is delivered across the entire 50-400mm range through the effective arrangement of special lens elements. Equipped with TAMRON’s VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism that offers excellent quietness and responsiveness, plus TAMRON’s proprietary image stabilization mechanism VC (Vibration Compensation), the lens delivers versatile capability for all shooting scenarios.
Since the 50-400mm provides up to one-half life-size magnification during close focus, users can enjoy the world of half-macro photography with excellent close-up shooting capabilities, with an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 9.8” at the 50mm end. We don’t get to know the exact dimensions of the lens, but Tamron does specify that the lens measures just 18.3cm (7.2″) when not extended and weighs 1153g (2.54lbs).
The filter size is Ø67mm, the same as most other TAMRON lenses for mirrorless cameras, providing greater convenience when using multiple lenses together. The lens also features ergonomic features that support comfortable shooting, such as the adoption of a new lens design with improved texture and operability, and a Connector Port for the dedicated TAMRON Lens UtilityTM originally and uniquely developed by TAMRON. In addition, for this 50-400mm F4.5-6.3, TAMRON Lens Utility newly offers a “Focus Limiter” function. An optional Arca-Swiss compatible accessory tripod mount is available for convenience when using a tripod.
The 50-400mm is a highly portable, versatile zoom lens that ensures users never miss a shooting opportunity, from the 50mm standard focal length up to the 400mm ultra-telephoto. This is a breakthrough product that creates an entirely new category of ultra-telephoto-mirrorless zoom lenses, another first for TAMRON.
Main Features
- Expansive 8x zoom ratio starts at 50mm and extends to 400mm ultra-telephoto with a single lens
- Unfaltering high image quality across the entire zoom range
- VXD produces high-speed and high-precision AF
- Equipped with TAMRON’s proprietary VC image stabilization
- Super-compact with a length of only 7.2” and a weight of 40.7oz
- Half-macro photography with magnification ratio of 1:2 at the 50mm setting
- New design with improved texture and scratch resistance
- Ø67mm filter size, same as most other TAMRON lenses for mirrorless cameras
- User-friendly features (Moisture-Resistant Construction, Fluorine Coating, Zoom Lock switch, etc.)
- Compatibility with many camera-specific features and functions, including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF
- Enhanced operational and versatile features
• Connector Port for the TAMRON Lens Utility
• New “Focus Limiter” function added to the TAMRON Lens Utility
• Rapid zooming (Zoom ring rotation arc is just 75°)
• Optional tripod mount (Arca-Swiss compatible)
Author:
This article comes from DP Review and can be read on the original site.