First look: Tamron 50-300mm F4.5-6.3 VC VXD lens

Note: Unfortunately we lost the images captured with this lens post review, and have used Tamron sample images instead. We hope to get it in for a full review again soon, but didn't want to hold up this first look in the meantime. 

Tamron has just released an updated version of one of its lenses that on the surface, seems a bit unusual.

The company's new 50-300mm F4.5-6.3 VC VXD lens might raise eyebrows for its seemingly unusual focal range which covers everything from medium to short telephoto, but here is why you might consider it a great addition to your kit. 

The build

Over the last couple of years, Tamron has been slowly refreshing its early zoom lenses for Sony E-mount with new G2 versions.

These have come with improved build quality and focus motor upgrades, among other new features, and although this new 50-300mm F4.5-6.3 VC VXD lens isn't marketed as a G2 (because it's an entirely new focal length), it does gain many of the G2 features from other lenses, including that upgraded Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive focus motor.

In addition, there's a dedicated custom/function button, a zoom lock button, a USB-C port for firmware updates, a weather resistant build including a gasket at the lens mount, internal seals, a fluorine coating on the front element, and vibration compensation. 

Like all the modern Tamron lenses, it feels very good in the hand, zooms with a smooth glide and all functions work very efficiently. It is relatively small and lightweight too at just 665g, about 120g heavier than Tamron's 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD Lens.

The build is made up of 19 elements in 14 groups, and the lens takes a 67mm filter size, common to many Tamron lenses for mirrorless cameras.

In the field

Recently I've also been testing the Tamron 50-400mm f4.5-6.3, and I was interested to see how the 50-300mm compared to  its larger cousin.

This longer telephoto version has grabbed the attention of many photographers as a light/compact lens compared to the native equivalents, plus you also get an extra 50mm at the short end. I can tell you that in places like Africa on a game drive, that is very handy. 

Both lenses have a lot of similarities, with the same minimum and maximum aperture, and I would say the image quality on both was also excellent. When shooting with the 50-300mm lens out at a local beach it covered a good range of my shoot needs, only becoming a bit limiting when a bird was on the beach at a distance.

This is probably where I would put on a longer lens, however, with the Sony A1 at 50MP, I was also able to crop quite heavily. A 50% crop in this case offered a 600mm equivalent result and still loads of information.

And I think this is where a lens like the 50-300mm F4.5-6.3 comes into its own - as a lightweight general to mid range telephoto lens for travellers with full frame sensors. It's also 665g versus the 1.155kg of the 50-400mm, and smaller too at 150mm vs 183.4mm. If you don’t shoot birds or need that extra focal length, then why buy a heavier, bigger lens?

The other advantage is with a crop sensor camera, say a Nikon Zfc with the equivalent Z-Mount Tamron 50-300mm. Due to the 1.5X smaller sensor factor - the 50-300mm becomes equivalent to a 75-450mm - that still gives you a very versatile package, and the compact size would also be nicely balanced when paired with an APS-C camera.

It's worth considering the cost as well. The Tamron 50-300mm F4.5-6.3 retails for a pretty competitive $1,499, and the 50-400mm f4.5-6.3 retails for around $2,099, so if you don't need that extra 100mm, you can save yourself a few bucks.

Image quality

Tamron has included their VC (vibration compensation) on the 50-300mm F4.5-6.3, and it's a welcome addition, especially when shooting at the longer ends of the focal length. 

In addition, it also has Macro features - in fact the older G1 lens could achieve a maximum magnification of 0.20x, but the new lens can achieve an 0.50x magnification at 50mm. This is a great feature to have. 

Autofocus

As mentioned earlier, Tamron has also upgraded the autofocus motors in the 50-300mm. Their earlier models relied on a solid RXD motor system, while the new VXD focus motors are linear motors, with more thrust and focus speed while retaining the smooth, quiet performance of earlier RXD focus motors.

Results

Build 3.5
It is well built and will hold up to years of us/travelling. 

Features 3
Good features with a good range to cover many shoot situations.

Image quality 3.5
Excellent quality throughout the zoom range.

Value for money 3.5 
It's cheaper than the Tamron 50-400mm, and the similar Sony FE 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 G zoom ($1,899).

The wrap-up

In the rights hands and used for the right subjects, the Tamron 50-300mm F4.5-6.3 VC VXD lens looks to be a great addition to a 'standard' photographers kit. It may be a slightly unusual focal length, but if you can find the right subjects to capture with it you'll find a lot to like. 

You can find out more about the Tamron 50-300mm F4.5-6.3 VC VXD lens on Tamron's website.