Tamron 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD for Sony Official

Tamron has officially announced the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (model B061) for Sony E-Mount cameras. It offers a 16.6x optical zoom range, and gives a 27-450mm equivalent (in 35mm equivalent terms) on APS-C E-mount cameras.

Tamron say that this lens is the world’s first 16.6x optical zoom lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras. The AF drive system uses Tamron’s VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism which is said to give rapid performance as well as quiet operation.

The Minimum Object Distance (MOD) is 15cm, at the 18mm wide-end of the lens giving a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2, which gives impressive close up shooting potential for a zoom lens. The lens also features Vibration Correction (VC), Tamron’s name for optical image stabilisation. There’s a 67mm filter thread on the front of the lens, matching many of Tamron’s other mirrorless lenses.

The lens will be available from 24 September 2021, priced at £679.99 (incl. VAT).

The Fujifilm X-Mount version is due to be available later this year.

We’ve got sample photos from the new Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD lens to share with you, simply click the image if you want to view larger versions:

From Tamron: 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD Main characteristics:

1. The world’s first 16.6x all-in-one zoom lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras
   This Tamron mega zoom is the world’s first lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras with a 16.6x zoom ratio, the greatest feature of this lens, covering wide angle to an ultra-telephoto range. The full-frame equivalent focal length range is from 27mm to 450mm!
2. Best-in-class, extremely fast and precise AF provided by Tamron’s VXD linear motor focus mechanism
   The 18-300 mm lens utilizes Tamron’s proprietary VXD linear motor focus mechanism. It achieves AF speed and precision that stand among the best of all all-in-one zoom lenses. Throughout its range, from wide-angle to ultra tele photo, it provides precise AF shooting. Excellent when tracking a moving subject in focus, it is ideal when photographing animals, aircraft, railways, and other moving subjects. It’s extremely quiet, and therefore perfectly suited for both still and video shooting in conditions that demand silent operation.
3. MOD of 0.15 m (5.9 in) and maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 at wide end
   With an MOD of 0.15 m (5.9 in) at the 18mm wide end and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2, this zzom lens performs amazingly well when shooting up close compared to other all-in-one zoom lenses3. It enables users to enjoy creative macrophotography with highly blurred backgrounds, a feature unique to macrophotography. As a pioneer in all-in-one zoom lenses, Tamron demonstrates unmatched originality in close-up shots.
4. The best image quality in its class
   In terms of image quality, this new mega zoom is one of the best-performing all-in-one zoom lenses for APS-C mirrorless cameras. To achieve a zoom ratio of 16.6x while ensuring high image quality, the lens features a well-balanced arrangement of three hybrid aspherical elements and four LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements to effectively suppress optical aberrations. Throughout the zoom range, it maintains high resolving power from the centre to the corners.
5. Outstanding VC stabilization
   Despite its compact size, the lens uses Tamron’s proprietary VC mechanism. With or without image stabilization in the camera body, the VC included in this lens effectively mitigates camera shake that is likely to occur in low-light conditions indoors and at night. Furthermore, using AI technologies, the lens will choose the compensation characteristic for videography at focal lengths of 70 mm or less.
6. Durable design
   By using various seals to prevent moisture/dust from entering the lens, plus a dirt and moisture-resistant fluorine coating on the front lens, this lens can be used in all weather conditions.
7. Compatible with many camera-specific features and functions
   including fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF