Tamron has announced the launch of its first lens for Nikon Z mount mirrorless, the Tamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD, positioned as the “world’s smallest and lightest telephoto zoom for full-frame mirrorless.” At 5.8 inches in length and weighing 1.28 pounds, it does compare favorably to Nikon’s closest equivalent, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S, which weighs 3 pounds and measures 8.7 inches long. Though the Nikon lens offers a faster and constant maximum aperture of ƒ/2.8 while the new Tamron is slower and has a variable maximum aperture, the Tamron is priced at just $699—$2,000 less than the Nikon.

The Tamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD has a minimum focusing distance of 2 feet 7.5 inches at the wide end of the zoom range, extending to 4 feet 11 inches at the tele end. That’s not as close as the Nikon, which ranges from approximately 1 foot eight inches to 3 feet 3 inches from wide to tele, but it’s close enough for most telephoto compositions.

So, if you’re able to compromise on the maximum aperture and minimum focusing distance, the new Tamron lens has a longer telephoto range at a significant savings. Availability is expected at the end of September. For additional details, see the press release below.

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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 telephoto zoom for full-frame mirrorless cameras available September 29, 2022

September 5, 2022, Commack, NY – Tamron announces the launch 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 will be available September 29th at $699. Due to the current global health crisis, the release date or product supply schedule could change.

TAMRON’s 70-300mm F4.5-6.3 telephoto zoom lens combines the world’s smallest size and lightest weight1 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 UtilityTM 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 TAMRON2. This feature enables users to easily update the lens to the latest firmware themselves, without going through the camera3. 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.

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The post Tamron Introduces 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD For Nikon Z appeared first on Outdoor Photographer.

For many months now, we’ve worked with wildlife photographer Libor Vaicenbacher here at Photography Life, and you’ve already seen his weekly news articles and his great work on the Nikon Z9 review. Today I’m happy to welcome him as the first member of the Photography Life team to be working full-time, alongside Spencer and myself!

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