top of page

TAMRON 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD – Is this the "Do It All" lens you've always dreamed of?

Updated: 22 minutes ago

Tamron has focused on updating its super zoom lenses this year, and after the recent introduction of the impressive "fifty-threehundred", we now have the similarly ranged but still very different TAMRON 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD. I was a bit apprehensive about this review, as this lens replaces my favorite for landscapes and travel, the 28-200mm and adding 100mm to the range while maintaining reasonable image quality is a significant challenge for any manufacturer.


However, Tamron has been showcasing optical miracles lately, thanks to its advanced technologies, so let's see how they handled this puzzle this time.

Product image of the Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD, a versatile superzoom lens with a 28-300mm range, compact and lightweight design, perfect for travel and everyday photography.

Of course, it must be admitted from the start that despite all the progress in optical technologies, superzooms can never fully match more expensive, specialized lenses; after all, that’s not their goal. Their main advantage remains their incredible versatility, compact size, wide focal range, and impressively light weight. These are the qualities that will make you easily forgive slightly softer corners during a multi-day trip in the mountains, on the road, or even on vacation with the family.


The new TAMRON 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD (internally labeled A074) combines all of these features and adds several more "perks" over my beloved 28-200mm.

Landscape photo of St. Coloman Church in Germany, just before a storm. Dramatic sky and impressive scenery captured by photographer Michal Stehlik.

TAMRON 28-300 mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD - ISO100, 1/125s, f/11.0, 58mm


But first, let’s break down what all those abbreviations mean:


  • Di III (Digitally Integrated Design) - Lenses specifically designed for mirrorless cameras, in this case for Sony Full Frame E-mount (Sony FE).

  • VC (Vibration Compensation) - Tamron's proprietary optical image stabilization system.

  • VXD (Voice-coil Extreme-torque Drive) - A linear motor focusing mechanism for extremely fast and precise movement. Compared to traditional drive systems, this reduces both noise and vibration significantly. It's currently the best autofocus system Tamron offers.


Let’s start with the built-in stabilization, which I believe should be a must in super zoom lenses. After all, you won’t always want to carry a tripod, and in-body stabilization (IBIS) isn’t always enough. Tamron’s VC works very well, allowing for longer hand-held exposures, and it really shines when shooting video (note: the difference between IBIS only in the camera body versus IBIS in both the body and lens is truly huge for telezooms).

Landscape photography of sunrise in the Austrian Alps, golden light illuminating the mountain peaks. Shot from Welser Hutte mountain cottage. Photo by Michal Stehlik.

TAMRON 28-300 mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD - ISO640, 1/50s, f/6.3, 105mm


Focusing is powered by linear VXD motors (note: the previous 28-200mm still used RXD stepper motors), which are incredibly fast. This means you'll really enjoy photographing wildlife or anything in motion. For videographers, it's also essential that VXD motors refocus almost instantly and are whisper quiet. The 28-300mm has minimal focus breathing as well.


Image Quality and Performance


The extra 100mm compared to the original 28-200mm comes at the cost of a shifted aperture range from f/2.8-5.6 to the current f/4-7.1, where:

 

F/4.0 holds between 28-31mm

F/4.5 between 32 - 43mm

F/5.0 between 44 - 53mm

F/5.6 between 54 - 77mm

F/6.3 between 78 - 169mm

F/7.1 between 170 - 300mm

 

So, if you often shoot in low light or if portrait photography is your passion, you might want to consider a faster lens with a narrower range to avoid pushing ISO values too high. While high ISO isn't a huge issue with modern mirrorless cameras, it’s still something to consider.


However, if you're traveling or trekking for long days in the mountains with a full backpack and don’t want to constantly swap lenses, the 28-300mm is a perfect choice for you. With a 10.7x zoom, it can handle almost anything. Despite initial skepticism about image quality at such an extreme range, the Tamron 28-300mm performed surprisingly well.

Diagram of the optical construction of the TAMRON 28-300mm F/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD lens, showing the arrangement of 20 optical elements in 13 groups, including XLD and LD elements to reduce chromatic aberration.

Its optical construction consists of 20 elements in 13 groups, with impressive sharpness in the center of the frame across almost all focal lengths. Only at the long end (300mm) does central sharpness slightly drop, though not dramatically.


At the image periphery, where light rays bend at sharper angles than in the center, there is a gradual loss of sharpness from the center to the edges, softening the corners. The situation improves slightly when stopped down, but don't expect miracles. This is the "price" you pay for a 272mm focal range.


On both ends of the range (28mm and 300mm), some vignetting is noticeable (easily fixable in post-processing), which diminishes as you stop down or shift to mid-range focal lengths.

Landscape photography of Wallfahrtskirche Maria Gern church in Germany with the majestic Alps in the background. Photo by Michal Stehlik.

TAMRON 28-300 mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD - ISO100, 1/100s & 1/50s & 1/30s, f/11.0, 51mm - HDR - composed from 3 pictures


Chromatic aberration, despite using XLD and LD elements, is present, with lateral chromatic aberration being most visible at the wide end and slightly increasing toward 300mm. However, considering the lens’s extreme range, image quality remains impressive overall.


On top of this, Tamron offers a minimum focusing distance (MOD) of 19cm at the wide end and a maximum magnification of 1:2.8, allowing for some macro fun during your outings.

Macro photography of a bee collecting nectar on a flower. Photo by Michal Stehlik.

TAMRON 28-300 mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD - ISO400, 1/320s, f/4.0, 28mm - no cuts


Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD – Key Specifications:

 

  • Model number: A074

  • Focal Length: 28-300mm

  • Aperture Range: F/4 - 7.1

  • Optical Construction: 20 elements in 13 groups

  • Number of Aperture Blades: 9

  • Minimum Focusing Distance: 0,19m (WIDE) / 0,99m (TELE)

  • Filter Diameter: 67mm

  • Stabilization: yes

  • Weight: 610g

  • Length: 126mm

  • Sealed against moisture and dust

  • Compatible with TAMRON Lens Utility software - for firmware updates and lens function optimization

 

To reduce ghosting and flare, Tamron has used BBAR-G2 (Broad Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) coating, applying multiple layers of magnesium fluoride. While some flaring does appear at wide-open apertures, the 28-300mm handles it very well. The front element is also fluorine-coated, repelling water, grease, and other contaminants (you will love it especially if you do not use UV filters).

 

Design and Ergonomics

 

Tamron has packed all these features – stabilization, a huge zoom range – into just 126mm of length and 610g of weight, all while maintaining a 67mm filter thread (which, aside from a few exceptions, is consistent across the model lineup, meaning you can share filters between your lenses).


This was a very smart move. Thanks to its compact size, the 28-300mm practically begs to be taken everywhere, and at the wide end, you can even leave your favorite wide-angle lens at home. In the few instances where I missed it, I simply shot a simple panorama, as 28mm covers a respectable field of view at 75°23’.


All the new lens bodies Tamron has released in the last two years feel great in the hand, thanks to improved ergonomics and a shinier finish, which has significantly improved resistance to scratches and fingerprints. Both the focus and zoom rings operate smoothly, and the deeper ridges of the updated knurling design give you a more solid grip and excellent control.

Product image of the TAMRON 28-300mm F/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD lens, highlighting the programmable button and USB-C port for user customization via Tamron Lens Utility software.

While the lens body lacks an AF/MF switch (you’ll need to handle that on your camera body), Tamron has equipped the lens with a programmable button and a zoom lock to prevent unwanted extension. Both controls are well-placed near your fingers (the button is near the thumb, and the lock sits near the index finger), making them easy to access.


You also won’t miss out on Tamron’s now-standard USB-C port for firmware updates and feature customization (e.g., focusing method – linear or nonlinear, programming the button, etc.), all from the comfort of your home using Tamron Lens Utility software. Android device users can even use a mobile version, allowing them to customize the lens to their needs on the go – a feature that videographers will especially appreciate.

Illustration showing the dust and moisture sealing of the TAMRON 28-300mm F/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD lens, highlighting key areas of protection.

The 28-300mm body is also sealed against dust and moisture at all critical points, including the aforementioned USB-C port.

 

Who is this lens for?

 

Travelers, hikers, climbers, hobbyists who want to shoot multiple genres (the fabled "Do It All" lens) without breaking the bank, anyone who shudders at the thought of swapping lenses in the field (and trust me, I know plenty of them)... The list goes on.

Landscape photography of sunrise in the Austrian Alps, wide-angle shot capturing the full mountain scenery with illuminated peaks and dramatic sky. Shot from Welser Hutte mountain cottage. Photo by Michal Stehlik.

TAMRON 28-300 mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD - ISO200, 1/25s, f/6.3, 28mm


No, you won't get photos as sharp as from GM lenses or other high-end gems like the Tamron 35-150mm, but then it would weigh a ton, and I won't even mention the size. However, this lens will serve you exceptionally well in situations where you don’t want to carry heavy gear, and your priority is compactness and range, with still very decent image quality.


That’s where the 28-300mm truly shines, and it will practically beg you to take it everywhere, as at just 126mm in length and weighing a little over half a kilo, you’ll hardly notice it in your bag.


For 999 EUR (recommended retail price by www.tamron.eu), you get more than a 10x zoom, stabilization, incredibly fast autofocus, and the ability to unleash your creativity from light macro to picking out details in nature. Plus, if you register your lens on the official site (https://5years.tamron.eu/) within two months of purchase, you'll get a 5-year warranty as well.


Until next time,

MS



GEAR:

Camera: Sony A7 IV 

Kommentit


bottom of page