Tamron has announced that it is developing its first Z-mount system lens in the 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD, which it bills as the smallest and lightest telephoto zoom for full-frame mirrorless cameras.
The lens appears identical to the 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD that was made for Sony E-mount cameras in 2020, and shares many if not all the design decisions found in that lens, including the claims of the “the smallest and lightest” telephoto zoom for full-frame cameras. It also has the same optical structure of 15 elements in 10 groups, which includes a Low Dispersion lens element that Tamron says is “precisely arranged to suppress axial chromatic and other aberrations that are likely to occur with telephoto zoom lenses.”
Tamron says that at 300mm, the design delivers “excellent resolution” from edge to edge and can produce clear images through the entire zoom range thanks to the company’s anti-reflection BBAR Coating.
The lens is designed specifically for mirrorless cameras and measures 5.9-inches long with a maximum diameter of 77mm and a weight of 20.5 ounces. Tamron says the compact size and light weight are ideal for travel and gives easy access to landscape and sports photography as well as portraiture, bird photography, and “casual snaps.”
The lens autofocus is powered by Tamron’s Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive (RXD) which the company says provides very fast and accurate autofocus and allows users to maintain tack-sharp focus on continuously moving subjects often shot with telephoto zoom lenses.
The lens will be compatible with Tamron’s Lens Utility software and allows users to update the lens firmware after purchase. It is also moisture resitant.
In PetaPixel’s review of the E-mount version of the lens, it was found to be very sharp, reasonably fast, and affordable, making it a solid pick for many photographers. It didn’t have the build quality of Sony G or G-Master lenses but made up for that in other areas, thanks especially to its versatility and affordability.
Tamron has not revealed the pricing of the lens and says it is expected to ship this fall, but if it sticks closely to the original E-mount version’s pricing, expect it to cost around $500.
Author: Jaron Schneider
Source: Petapixel
