I have been reporting for a while that Tamron will start making mirrorless lenses for Nikon Z-mount (see this post from 2020). Today Tamron made it official and announced the first full-frame lens for Nikon Z-mount – the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (model A047).
If we want to be precise, the Nikkor Z 28-75mm f/2.8 lens was actually the first Tamron lens for Nikon Z-mount. More third-party lenses for Nikon Z-mount can be found here.
The official Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD lens launch is planned for the fall of 2022. The price for the Sony version of this lens is $500. Here are the details:
Development Announcement
TAMRON’s first “Nikon Z mount system” compatible lens 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Model A047)
World’s smallest and lightest[1] telephoto zoom for full-frame mirrorless cameras
August 30, 2022, Commack, NY – Tamron announces the development of the 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Model A047), a “Nikon Z mount system” compatible telephoto zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras. The lens is expected to ship this Fall.
Tamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Model A047)
TAMRON’s 70-300mm F4.5-6.3 telephoto zoom lens combines the world’s smallest size and lightest weight together with high image quality based on TAMRON’s concept of “all photographers should enjoy easy and comfortable telephoto photography.” The lens features Moisture-Resistant Construction for extra protection when shooting outdoors, and BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) Coating that boasts excellent anti-reflection performance. Additionally, this “Nikon Z mount system” compatible 70-300mm F4.5-6.3 can be used with the dedicated TAMRON Lens Utility™ software. It is a highly practical lens that enables photographers to enjoy telephoto shooting like never before, from landscapes, portraits, sports and other action, plus pets, wildlife and more.
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
1. Compact telephoto zoom
Designed specifically for mirrorless cameras, and with an F6.3 aperture at the telephoto end, the 70-300mm F4.5-6.3 is the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless telephoto zoom lens, coming in at a mere 5.9″ long with a maximum diameter of 77mm and weighing just 20.5 oz. Easier than ever before, photographers can now experience the compression effects and limited depth-of-field unique to a real telephoto lens. This lens is also ideal for users who want to reduce the weight of their luggage or lighten their load on nature walks. In addition to landscapes and sports, users can enjoy telephoto shooting for a broad array of subjects like portraits, birds, and casual snaps.
2. Superior optical performance and supreme lightweight portability
Based on thorough simulations utilizing the latest design technologies, the optical design of the 70-300mm F4.5-6.3 successfully balances its compact size and high image quality. The optical construction includes 15 elements in 10 groups, with an LD (Low Dispersion) lens element precisely arranged to suppress axial chromatic and other aberrations that are likely to occur with telephoto zoom lenses. At 300mm, a commonly used telephoto focal length, the design delivers excellent resolution from edge-to-edge. The new zoom creates extremely crisp and clear images throughout the entire zoom range due to TAMRON’s BBAR Coating, which is world-renowned for its anti-reflection performance.
3. The RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) stepping motor unit is exceptionally quiet
The AF drive incorporates a sensor that accurately detects the position of the lens while the RXD motor unit delivers optimized AF control. This achieves very fast and accurate autofocus operation and allows users to maintain tack-sharp focus on continuously moving subjects often shot with telephoto zoom lenses. Thanks to the exceedingly quiet AF, the lens can be used discreetly in concert halls and other situations that require low noise levels, as well as for video shooting.
4. Dedicated TAMRON Lens Utility software
With the “Nikon Z mount system” compatible version, users can employ the dedicated TAMRON Lens Utility software that was developed in-house by TAMRON[2]. This feature enables users to easily update the lens to the latest firmware themselves, without going through the camera[3]. On the firmware information screen, users can confirm that their lens has the latest version and perform an update if newer firmware is available.
5. Moisture-Resistant Construction for added protection
Seals are located at the lens mount area and other critical locations to deter infiltration of moisture and/or rain and afford Moisture-Resistant Construction. This feature provides an additional layer of protection when shooting outdoors under adverse weather conditions.
Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. are subject to change without prior notice.
[1] Among 300mm-capable telephoto zoom lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras (As of July, 2022: TAMRON)
[2] Connect a PC and lens using the TAMRON Connection Cable (USB Type-A to Type-C) sold separately.
[3] As the 70-300mm F4.5-6.3 is not equipped with a Focus Set Button, certain functions cannot be customized.
About Tamron
Tamron provides a wide range of original optical products, from interchangeable lenses for digital cameras to various optical devices for both the general consumer and OEM. We make optical products that contribute to a range of different industries and will continue to devote its rich creativity and leading-edge technical prowess to various industrial fields. Furthermore, Tamron is fully aware of its responsibility to the environment and aspires to help preserve the natural environment in all its business activities.
Optical Product Line-up:
Interchangeable lenses for DSLR cameras, Interchangeable lenses for Mirrorless cameras, Surveillance camera lenses, FA and Machine vision lenses, Video conference lenses, Camera modules, Automotive lenses, Digital still camera lenses, Camcorder lenses, Drone lenses, and Lenses for medical applications.
