Tamron 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD Review

A flexible telephoto zoom lens, the Tamron 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD lens is ideal for photographers who demand the versatility to capture distant scenes with excellent image quality. This lens has a wide range of focal lengths to accommodate a variety of shooting circumstances, making it suitable for photographing a variety of subjects, including wildlife, sports, and even astrophotography.

The Tamron 100-400mm lens offers itself as an attractive alternative for both amateur and professional photographers because of its sophisticated features and affordable price point.

$799.00 10 used from $560.00 4 new from $799.00
in stock
Tamron 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 VC USD Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon...

Key Specs

  • Focal Length: 100-400mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/4.5-6.3
  • Lens Mount: Canon EF, Nikon F
  • Format Compatibility: Full-Frame
  • Image Stabilization: Yes (Vibration Compensation, VC)
  • Autofocus: Yes
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 1.5m (59.1 inches)
  • Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:3.6
  • Lens Construction: 17 elements in 11 groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 9, rounded
  • Filter Size: 67mm
  • Dimensions: Approx. 86.2 x 199mm (3.4 x 7.8 inches)
  • Weight: Approx. 1135g (40 oz)

Performance

The Tamron 100-400mm lens gives remarkable results when it comes to performance. The lens has a high-quality optical design that consists of 17 elements in 11 groups, including three low-dispersion (LD) glass elements. These components help to successfully eliminate chromatic aberrations and guarantee that pictures remain crisp and clear throughout the whole zoom range.

The lens also has Tamron’s Ultrasonic Silent Drive (USD) autofocus motor built into it. This motor delivers quick, accurate, and nearly silent focusing performance, making the lens an excellent choice for photographing subjects that are constantly moving. In addition to that, the lens has a zoom lock mechanism that stops any unintended zoom creep that could occur while it is being transported.

Autofocus System

The autofocus technology found in the Tamron 100-400mm lens is both dependable and effective. The Ultrasonic Silent Drive (USD) motor guarantees rapid and precise focusing, making it possible for photographers to take clear shots even in challenging lighting circumstances. Because the autofocus is quick to react and precise in its tracking of moving subjects, this camera is well suited for photographing animals as well as sporting events.

In addition, the lens has a full-time manual focus override, which enables photographers to make precise adjustments to manual focus without having to switch to manual mode. This is a handy feature for photographers. This function is beneficial when you want to fine-tune the focus or override the autofocus in instances when the camera may have trouble locking onto the subject you want it to focus on. You may do any of these things by manually adjusting the focus.

Vibration Reduction

The Vibration Compensation (VC) technology that comes built into the Tamron 100-400mm lens is one of the lens’s most notable features. This image stabilization technology allows photographers to shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds without sacrificing image quality, substantially reducing the amount of camera wobble that occurs during these shots. Image stabilization of up to four stops is provided by the VC system, which is especially helpful for shooting in low-light environments or when employing the lens at longer focal lengths.

Your photographs will continue to be clear and unmarred by blurring, thanks to the smooth operation of the dependable stabilizing system. The Vibration Compensation (VC) feature included in the Tamron 100-400mm lens offers you the confidence to shoot handheld without having to worry about blurry images caused by camera shake. This is useful whether you’re photographing wildlife in outdoors or catching action on a sports field.

Build Quality

The Tamron 100-400mm lens is designed to resist the challenges that come with shooting photographs in the great outdoors. Photographers are able to use the lens in a wide range of environmental situations since it has a sturdy construction and moisture-resistant seals that guard against dust and splashes.

The lens barrel is constructed from high-quality materials, giving it a feel that is both strong and sturdy in the hand. Both the zoom and focus rings are well-damped and have a smooth texture, which allows for easy and accurate control over adjustments to the focal length and focus. The lens also has a zoom lock mechanism built into it, which stops the barrel from extending when it’s being transported. This keeps the lens more compact and safe when it’s not being used, which is a major benefit.

Handling and Ergonomics

The user’s comfort and convenience were primary considerations in the development of the Tamron 100-400mm lens. Its well-balanced weight distribution makes it easier to shoot for longer periods of time without experiencing discomfort. Both the zoom ring and the independent focus ring on the lens are straightforward to access and use in their respective capacities. The zoom ring has a movement that is very smooth, and it gives exactly the proper amount of resistance, which enables accurate changes to be made to the focal length.

The focus ring has a comfortable grip and a broad rotation angle, which together make it possible to make precise and nuanced adjustments to the focus. A tripod collar that can be removed from the lens gives additional stability while shooting with a tripod. Additionally, the tripod collar can be turned to make moving between horizontal and vertical positions simple and quick.

Image Stabilization

The Tamron 100-400mm lens contains Tamron’s Vibration Compensation (VC) technology, which is a very effective technique for eliminating camera shake and assuring clear photos. The lens is designed to cover a focal length range of 100 to 400 millimeters. Because the VC system can detect and counteract unintended movements of the camera, it enables photographers to utilize slower shutter speeds without running the danger of blurring their images due to camera shake.

While using the lens at longer focal lengths or in low-light settings when a steady hand or tripod may not be available, this function is especially helpful. It is also handy while using the lens in general. The VC system that is included in the Tamron 100-400mm lens offers up to four stops of stabilization, which provides photographers with additional freedom in their shooting approaches and broadens the variety of shooting circumstances that are suitable for handheld photography.

Shooting Experience

For photographers of all skill levels, working with the Tamron 100-400mm lens is a satisfying and enjoyable experience. The lens provides a performance that is both smooth and precise when it comes to autofocus, which enables rapid and accurate subject tracking. The zoom and focus rings have been thoughtfully constructed to offer a nice and tactile feel, which enables changes to be made with relative ease. The lens also has a zoom lock function, which prevents any undesirable zoom creep when the lens is not in use or being transported. This device is useful when the lens is not being used.

This function contributes to an improved shooting experience by removing a potential source of anxiety and assuring that the lens will continue to be both small and safe. The Tamron 100-400mm lens delivers a pleasurable shooting experience that enables you to focus on obtaining the right image, whether you’re photographing wildlife in action or scenes that are far away. This is true regardless of the subject matter you’re photographing.

Image Quality

The image quality of the Tamron 100-400mm lens is consistently high over the entirety of its focal length range. The lens has a complex optical design that contains many different specialized glass elements, one of which is low dispersion (LD) glass. This glass successfully lowers chromatic aberrations and assures pictures that are crisp, clear, and accurate in color reproduction.

In addition, the lens has Tamron’s eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) and BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) coatings, which lessen the appearance of ghosting and flare while simultaneously raising the level of contrast. The end effect is photos that are extremely clear and contrasty, along with a wealth of minute details. The lens works exceptionally well in a wide range of shooting settings, resulting in photographs that are vivid and accurate representations of their subjects that live up to the standards of skilled photographers.

Teleconverter Compatibility

The versatility and range of the Tamron 100-400mm lens may be expanded with Tamron’s teleconverters, which are compatible with the lens. When equipped with the optional 1.4x teleconverter, the lens achieves an equivalent focal length of 140-560 millimeters; when equipped with the optional 2x teleconverter, the lens achieves an equivalent focal length of 200-800 millimeters. Because of this compatibility, photographers are able to increase the focal length range of the lens without compromising the quality of the images they capture.

The exceptional optical performance of the lens is preserved by the teleconverters, which also offer images that are crisp with just a slight decrease in resolution. This function is very helpful for wildlife and sports photographers, who require additional reach in order to picture things that are further away.

Comparison with Competitors

When compared to other options available on the market for telephoto zoom lenses, the Tamron 100-400mm lens stands its own against the competition. It distinguishes itself from other solutions available on the market by providing a compelling combination of performance, build quality, and affordability all at an attractive price point. When compared to lenses produced by other manufacturers, the Tamron 100-400mm lens offers picture quality and features that are comparable to or even superior to those produced by those other lenses at a price point that is more affordable.

Because of its image stabilization technology, focusing system, and compatibility with teleconverters, this camera is an adaptable and dependable option for a wide range of shooting circumstances. Photographers in the market for a telephoto zoom lens that provides excellent value for the money without sacrificing image quality should give serious consideration to the Tamron 100-400mm lens as one of the leading candidates in this space.

Specifications

Focal Length100-400mm
Maximum ApertureF/4.5-6.3
Minimum ApertureF/32-45
Lens MountCanon EF, Nikon F, Sony E (full-frame and APS-C)
Format CompatibilityFull-Frame and APS-C
Angle of View (Diagonal)24°24′ – 6°12′ (Full-Frame), 15°54′ – 4°01′ (APS-C)
Minimum Focus Distance1.5m (59.1″)
Maximum Magnification1:3.6
Optical Design17 Elements in 11 Groups
Special Elements3 Low Dispersion (LD) Elements
AutofocusUltrasonic Silent Drive (USD)
Image StabilizationVibration Compensation (VC)
Diaphragm Blades9, Rounded
Focus TypeAutofocus / Manual Focus
Filter Size67mm
Dimensions (DxL)86.2 x 199mm (3.4 x 7.8″)
Weight1,135g (39.9 oz)

Pros and Cons

There are a number of significant benefits offered by the Tamron 100-400mm lens. It has a dependable autofocus mechanism that assures precise and accurate results, which contributes to its amazing performance, which also includes superb image quality. Image stabilization is another useful feature of this lens; it enables handheld photography at slower shutter speeds without degrading the clarity of the resulting images.

It has a weather-sealing feature that protects it from dust and moisture, and its build quality is quite sturdy. In addition, the lens is easy to manipulate thanks to its silky-smooth zoom and focus knobs as well as its well-distributed and perfectly manageable weight. In addition to this, the lens is able to accommodate teleconverters, which broadens its capabilities in terms of focal length range and adaptability.

Price and Availability

The Tamron 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD lens has a price that is comparable to other options on the market, making it a good bargain for the capabilities and results it provides. As is the case with all lenses, the cost might change based on the location and the particular vendor.

However, in contrast to comparable products offered by other manufacturers, the Tamron 100-400mm lens is frequently sold at a more competitive price, making it a desirable alternative for photographers who are concerned about their spending limits.

The lens is often available at respectable camera stores as well as online merchants that offer Tamron goods. The availability of the lens may vary depending on demand and location, but it is typically available.

$799.00 10 used from $560.00 4 new from $799.00
in stock
Tamron 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 VC USD Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon...

Conclusion

The Tamron 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD lens is a telephoto zoom lens that offers a high level of versatility and performance. This lens may be used for a wide variety of photographic styles. Even in difficult shooting settings, photographers will be able to produce photos that are clear and detailed because of the lens’ exceptional image quality, reliable AF mechanism, and effective image stabilization. The fact that it is also compatible with teleconverters, has a comfortable grip and has a robust build quality all contribute to further enhancing its flexibility and attractiveness.

The Tamron 100-400mm lens still provides outstanding value for its performance and features, despite the fact that it may have certain restrictions in low-light settings and that it may be heavier than some of its rivals. The Tamron 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD lens is an excellent purchase that is well worth the money since it produces exceptional results without breaking the bank and is suitable for both amateur and professional photographers interested in wildlife and sports photography.

Tamron 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD FAQs

Q. Is the Tamron 100-400mm lens compatible with my camera?
A. The Tamron 100-400mm lens is available in Canon EF and Nikon F mounts, making it compatible with Canon and Nikon DSLR cameras.
Q. Does the Tamron 100-400mm lens have image stabilization?
A. Yes, the lens is equipped with Tamron’s Vibration Compensation (VC) technology, providing image stabilization to help reduce camera shake and produce sharper images, especially at longer focal lengths.
Q. What is the maximum aperture of the Tamron 100-400mm lens?
A. The lens has a variable maximum aperture range of f/4.5-6.3, which means that the maximum aperture will vary depending on the focal length you are using. At 100mm, the maximum aperture is f/4.5, and at 400mm, the maximum aperture is f/6.3.
Q. What is the minimum focus distance of the Tamron 100-400mm lens?
A. The lens has a minimum focus distance of 1.5 meters (59.1 inches), allowing you to focus on subjects relatively close to the lens when shooting at the telephoto end.
Q. How much does the Tamron 100-400mm lens weigh?
A. The lens weighs approximately 1135 grams (40 ounces), making it relatively lightweight and portable for a telephoto zoom lens in this range.

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