Introduction
Tamron is 50–400mm f/4.5-6.3 is a budget telephoto zoom that provides an impressive range of focal length. It is available for both $ 1300 lens Sony E and Nikon Z, and as soon as it was announced, our readers immediately started asking me to review it. I am happy to bring our complete tests for you today.
Although Tamron is available for both 50–400 mm F/4.5–6.3 Soni and Nikon, I think it is particularly attractive for Nikon shooters. At this time there are not many comparable options for Nikon Z photographers – a budget telephoto zoom – perhaps that’s why I have received so many requests to test it. The most similar Nikon Z lens Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 (impressive, but 2 times more than $ 2700) and Z 28–400mm f/4-8 (appropriate at priced, but a slow superzoom). , Given the price of $ 700, Tamron has its own 70–300 mm F/4.5-5.6, although the zoom range on both ends is more limited.
Talking of the zoom range, I do not want to shorten the words-Tamron is a superzoom 50–400 mm f/4.5–6.3. The 8X zoom ratio is as peak as you will get with a fictional 25-200 mm lens. Superzums are getting better every year, and this lens is still not as extreme as Nikon’s 28–400mm F/4-8. But if you were expecting record breaking acuity, then keep the lens of that category in mind that we are dealing! Superzums usually do not perform well like other lenses.
Therefore, before putting a hand on the tamron 50–400 mm f/4.5–6.3, my main question was whether the performance would be useful at least all focal lengths. So far, Tamaron has impressed me with his mirrorless lens, but is trying to achieve much more according to the price of 50–400 mm. Is this image successful in balanced ideas like quality, weight and cost? Is it acceptable or better throughout the zoom range? This practical review of Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 will answer those questions and other questions!
This review is a combined effort between me and Libor as well. He tested it in the field, and all sample images are his, while I tested it in the laboratory.
build quality
The tamron 50–400mm f/4.5–6.3 is built in the style of most modern telephoto zooms. It means to say that, it uses high quality plastic construction and zoom externally rather than internal. The lens weighs 1155 g / 2.55 pounds (Sony version) or 1180 g / 2.60 pounds (Nikon version). Although it is heavy in the general sense, it is actually quite light for the type of lens. For example, Nikon Z 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 S weighs 1435 g/3.16 pounds! (It is believed that Nikon is a high-level lens whose maximum aperture is slightly higher, but it does not zoom up to 50 mm.)
Although the lens zoom externally, the Tamaron went with a single barrel telescoping design instead of the double telescoping barrel. When zoom in 400 mm, the front part of the lens spreads to a great extent, and I found that I could shake the front barrel a little bit. This may be an indication that sand and dust will eventually make the zoom mechanism a bit hard over time, and it is not uncommon between the outer zoom. But season sealing is widespread at Tamron 50–400mm f/4.5–6.3. While testing this lens in the area, Labor experienced humid and rainy condition, and the lens demonstrated without any problem.
It is not a big lens when collapsing, but it becomes quite large when zoom is attached to the lens hood. For reference it is with Nikon Z7:
Given the size of the lens to some extent, the tamron does not come with 50–400 mm f/4.5–6.3 tripod foot. You can consider buying one separately with the officer Tamaron A035TM Cost $ 130 (this lens and tamron 100–400mm f/4.5-6.3, compatible with both an old DSLR lens). As specific to tamron these days, it is the tipi foot Arka-Swiss compatible.
Let us now discuss the handling features of Temron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3.
Handling
The tamrone handles 50–400mm f/4.5–6.3 beautifully, especially for the price. There are many controls, as you can see from the picture below:
Pay attention to the custom function button, a adaptable switch, USB-C port (in the shade near Mount) and the general auto/manual focus switch. There is also a zoom locking switch on the other side of the lens.
By default, the button at Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 has been assigned to perform any function you set in your camera menu, exactly any name-brand-brand nikon or sony lens function button Like However, using the USB-C port on the edge of the lens, you can connect the Tamaron 50-400 mm Tamaron lens utility And further modify the functions of this button. That is, you can set the button to perform various tasks depending on the position 1, 2, or 3 to the switch. Most of these functions are related to the focusing behavior of the lens, such as the focus distance is suppressed when the custom button is suppressed. If you get this lens, I encourage you to use the USB-C port well and try these options!
Note that at the beginning of 2025, 50–400 mm F/4.5-6.3 received Tamron’s firmware update to allow 120 FPS shoots on Sony cameras-even though not with constant autofocus. (Many third-party lenses with Sony are limited to a maximum of 15 FPS.) This is a great feature for a lens that will often be used for sports and wildlife photography, and it shows the usefulness of USB-C port on third . -Partial lens. New copies of 50–400 mm should be sent with this firmware update installed, but if you have purchased the first lens, be sure to install it yourself.
Tamron 50-400 Mimmim F/4.5-6.3 specifications
- Full Name: Tamron 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 DI III VC VXD (Model A067 or A067 Z)
- Mount type: Sony E and Nikon Z
- Focal Length: 50-400 mm Zoom (8x Zoom)
- Maximum aperture: f/4.5 to f/6.3
- Minimum aperture: f/22 to f/32
- Aperture Blade: 9 (Gol)
- Filter size: 67 mm
- Lens element: 24
- Lens Group: 18
- Special Elements: 2 xLD, 3 LD, 1 molded aspherical, and 1 hybrid aspherical
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Internal Focusing: Yes
- Control Ring: Zoom, Focus
- Function button: Yes
- Switch: AF/MF and Custom Switch
- Focus Motor: VXD Linear Focus
- Minimum focus distance: 24.9 cm (9.8 in)
- Maximum magnification: 0.5 × (1: 2) at 50 mm, 0.25 × (1: 4) at 400 mm
- Mount Material: Metal
- Weather/Dust Ceiling: Yes
- Dimensions (length × diameter): 186 x 89 mm (7.3 x 3.5 in)
- Weight: 1155 g / 2.55 pounds (Sony) or 1180 g / 2.60 pounds (Nikon)
- MSRP: $ 1299 (check Soni e And Nikon Z Prices and sales)
The next page of this review incorporates optical characteristics of Temron 50–400mm f/4.5–6.3, including the laboratory focus on performance and acuresly tests. So, click on the menu below to go to “optical display”:
