A Review of the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Lens

The Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD offers a lot of versatility at quite an affordable price. How does it hold up in practice? This great video review takes a look at the performance and image quality you can expect from it in practice.

Coming to you from Dustin Abbott, this comprehensive video review takes a look at the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD lens. The new lens addresses previous shortcomings, including adding image stabilization (VC), a broader zoom range starting at 50mm, and improved autofocus. These enhancements make it a versatile choice for various shooting scenarios, from wide angle landscapes to tight telephoto shots.

The 1:2 macro mode adds to its versatility, enabling close-up shots with impressive magnification. This makes it an excellent choice for photographers who want an all-in-one solution without needing multiple lenses.

In terms of build quality and other features, the lens includes weather-sealing and a USB-C port for firmware updates and customization via Tamron's Lens Utility software. The inclusion of a zoom lock prevents zoom creep, and the ergonomic design improves handling. 

Optical performance is a key highlight of this lens. The updated optical formula, with 19 elements in 14 groups, enhances image quality across the zoom range. The lens demonstrates excellent control over distortion and vignetting, with minimal chromatic aberration. At 50mm, the center sharpness is exceptional, though the corners could be slightly better. As you zoom in, the lens maintains consistent performance, with 300mm still delivering sharp and detailed images.

Autofocus performance is another strong point. The VXD motor provides fast and accurate focusing. Additionally, the lens handles video focus pulls smoothly, making it a good option for hybrid shooters who need both photo and video capabilities. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Abbott.

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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