Commack, NY—Tamron officially launched the previously announced Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD (model A068). The new wide-angle zoom lens is for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras.
“This groundbreaking lens zooms from 17mm ultrawide-angle to 50mm standard and is the world’s first [Tamron, as of July 2023] with such a dynamic zoom range for full-frame mirrorless cameras,” the company announced.
Tamron’s new 17–50mm f/4 for Sony mirrorless cameras is an ultrawide-angle zoom with a constant f/4 aperture. Moreover, its zoom range is ideal for both still photography and video recording.
Tamron 17-50mm Main Features
The lens also incorporates Tamron’s VXD (voice-coil eXtreme-torque drive) linear motor focus mechanism for quiet, high-speed and high-precision autofocus. It also contributes to enhanced subject tracking.
Furthermore, its close-range shooting performance boasts an MOD (minimum object distance) of 7.5 inches at the wide end and 11.8 inches at the tele end. Plus, the working distance at 17mm is only about 2.3 inches, closer than most non-zoom lenses. Users can get close to the subject as well as enlarge the foreground against a blurred background or focus without changing their shooting position. The lens also offers a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.6 at the wide end and 1:3.8 at the tele.
What’s more, as a “walk around” lens, the new 17–50mm f/4 zoom offers portability and the ability to shoot a variety of content, from sweeping landscapes to snapshots—all without switching lenses. You can zoom from ultrawide-angle 17mm for dynamic expressions to snapshot photography at the 50mm standard focal length end. What’s more, the wide-open aperture of f/4 is consistent across the entire zoom range. Thus, it maintains constant exposure when zoomed in or out.
Additional Features
The lens features a specific arrangement of 15 lens elements in 13 groups. They include three LD (low dispersion), a GM (glass molded aspherical) as well as two hybrid aspherical lens elements. They work to suppress chromatic and other optical aberrations, for clear capture of fine details from edge to edge.
With 9 circular diaphragm blades, the lens also delivers pleasing bokeh at the f/4 wide open aperture. As a result, it can create shots with subjects such as trees and flowers that color the seasons popping out against the background in natural landscape photography.
What’s more, the lens weighs in at 16.2 ounces and measures 4.5 inches long. Further, it is a form factor that’s well-balanced on a Sony mirrorless camera body. Plus, its internal zoom mechanism keeps the lens barrel at its fixed length. Consequently, it’s easy to balance when framing still or video shots or when paired with a video rig or gimbal stabilizer. Its compact size also makes for easier handling during active scenarios, such as outdoor activities.
Additionally, the new zoom features moisture-resistant construction and a fluorine front coating. Other features include support for Tamron Lens Utility software and a 67mm filter size—the same as most other Tamron lenses for mirrorless cameras.
The Tamron 17–50mm f/4 Di III VXD (model A068) will reach retail October 19, 2023. It will have a suggested retail price of $699.
