Tamron Announces 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A2 VC VXD for APS-C

[Tim Mayo]

Tamron has announced the 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A2 VC VXD for APS-C cameras like the Sony a6400. The lens will be available for both Sony E mount and also Fujifilm X mount.

It covers a zoom range equivalent to 27-450mm on a full-frame camera. The lens is optically stabilized and uses a VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear focus motor, and "special lens elements arranged precisely to maintain high resolution performance from edge-to-edge". With a minimum focus distance of 6 inches, the 18-300mm can deliver a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.

The Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A2 VC VXD is expected to be available later this year, but pricing information has yet to be released.

Press Release:

TAMRON Announces Development of its First Lens for FUJIFILM X-Mount​

Also Available in Sony E-mount​

The world’s first1 16.6x all-in-one zoom for APS-C mirrorless cameras​

July 21, 2021, Commack, NY - Tamron Co., Ltd. announces the development of its first lens for FUJIFILM X-mount and Sony E-mount cameras simultaneously. The lenses are expected to be available in the Fall 2021.
Since the launch of the 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A036), a fast-aperture standard zoom lens for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras in 2018, TAMRON has continually expanded its line of lenses for Sony mirrorless cameras. The popularity and wide adoption of these lenses prompted many user requests for the manufacture of the lens for other camera brands.
As a specialist in the all-in-one zoom lens category, TAMRON recognized the potential to develop the first all-in-one zoom lens for the FUJIFILM X-mount. The 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A2 VC VXD (Model B061) is the world's first all-in-one zoom lens for Sony and FUJIFILM APS-C mirrorless cameras featuring a 16.6x zoom ratio. To provide the pleasure of photography to more people around the world, TAMRON will continue to develop unique products and expand the number of lenses compatible with more camera brands.
[1] Among interchangeable zoom lenses for APS-C mirrorless cameras (As of June 2021: TAMRON)
[2] Di III-A: For APS-C format mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras
Overview of the 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Model B061) features
The 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 covers a wide zoom range from approximately 27mm to 450mm (full-frame equivalent focal length). The first APS-C mirrorless camera zoom lens in the world with a 16.6x zoom ratio, the lens delivers the benefits of a versatile all-in-one zoom lens ideal for a broad array of photographic possibilities. Its AF drive system uses TAMRON’s linear motor focus mechanism VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) for superior quietness and agile performance; and the lens includes special lens elements arranged precisely to maintain high resolution performance from edge-to-edge and provide high image quality that is among the best of all all-in-one zoom lenses.
With an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 5.9” at the wide end and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2, this lens performs astonishingly well in its category when shooting up close. It is equipped with TAMRON's proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism that supports stable photography even at ultra-telephoto focal lengths. And it features a unified Ø67mm filter size, the same as most other TAMRON lenses for mirrorless cameras.
Main features

1. The world’s first 16.6x all-in-one zoom.
2. Extremely fast and precise autofocus—the highest-level in its class—with TAMRON’s VXD linear motor focus mechanism.
3. MOD: 5.9“ / maximum magnification ratio: 1:2 at 18mm wide end.
4. The best image quality in its class.
5. Outstanding VC.
6. Comfortably compact.
7. User-friendly features (Moisture-Resistant Construction, Fluorine Coating, Zoom Lock switch)

* Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. are subject to change without prior notice.

 

[Alain]

The perfect travel lens?

 

[Tim Mayo]

The perfect travel lens?

It certainly could be! The Sony E 18-135 is my favourite travel lens but sometimes I do wish for a little more reach.

 

[FowlersFreeTime]

The perfect travel lens?

Quite possibly!
I recently took a trip and had the Tamron 17-70 as my primary lens, but I tell you: I think I would have preferred to have had the 18-135 because I missed the zoom. 18-300 would be amazing in that regard. Also, if you're taking pictures outside and don't need a wide aperture, the variable aperture of the 18-135 or this 18-300 would be more than sufficient.

However, the 18-135 has the right balance of light weight and compact size to be considered "ideal" for many users as a travel lens. If this 18-300 is as heavy/bulky as the 17-70 (or more!) it will be a bit divisive in this regard.

 

[Alain]

Quite possibly!
I recently took a trip and had the Tamron 17-70 as my primary lens, but I tell you: I think I would have preferred to have had the 18-135 because I missed the zoom. 18-300 would be amazing in that regard. Also, if you're taking pictures outside and don't need a wide aperture, the variable aperture of the 18-135 or this 18-300 would be more than sufficient.

However, the 18-135 has the right balance of light weight and compact size to be considered "ideal" for many users as a travel lens. If this 18-300 is as heavy/bulky as the 17-70 (or more!) it will be a bit divisive in this regard.

Yeah, makes sense. I love my 18-135! Would I trade zoom range for bulk? Not sure yet. I'll have to rent one when it comes out and see for myself.