Is Tamron Developing New Lenses to Challenge Sigma?

Tamron is one of the few third-party lens makers that have a positive response in the market. There are many photographers from varied genres who prefer using their lenses over others, thanks to the company’s pricing and the performance of the lenses. To ensure that Tamron‘s portfolio continues to grow, the company is now developing a few ultra-telephoto lenses, which can be a boon for photographers who wish to use one lens for their entire setup. Here’s a look at what we know.

According to Asobinet, the company has published a new patent, number P2025100076, which showcases a series of super telephoto lenses such as 28–300mm f4–7.1, 40–500mm f4.5–8.2, and 50–600mm f4.5–8.2 lenses.

Example 1

• Focal length: 28.826-291.040
• F value: 3.956-7.300
• Half-angle of view: 38.281-4.056

Examples 2

• Focal length: 41.208-388.127
• F value: 4.100-7.300
• Half-angle of view: 27.966-3.101

Example 3

• Focal length: 18.543-290.998
• F value: 3.481-8.12
• Half-angle: 38.938-2.731

Examples 4

• Focal length: 41.248-485.008
• F value: 4.605-8.200
• Half-angle: 18.966-1.640

Example 5

• Focal length: 51.518-582.185
• F value: 4.600-8.200
• Half-angle: 15.399-1.376

These lenses are in the research stage, meaning the company is looking forward to making long-range lenses compact and versatile. The first example reminds me of Tamron’s existing 28-300mm f4–7.1 Di III VC VXD, which we have already tested. In our review, we said: “This lens packs versatility, image stabilization, sharpness, colors that pop, and a usable aperture throughout the zoom range. Typically, if I’m only bringing a small prime around, I need to get into the photo zone, and that can pull me out of enjoying my vacation because it can feel like work. But in this case, it didn’t. As I went through the images I shot, I couldn’t help but add a star rating to so many. I liked so much of what I made with this lens.”

Example 5, which is a 50-600mm lens, is reminiscent of Sigma’s 60-600mm f4.5-6.3 DG DN OS, which we have also reviewed. However, in our test, we found the sharpness and autofocus lacking a bit, which makes us wonder whether the Tamron version could do better. Seeing how Tamron‘s forte is all-in-one lens, our belief is that the company could do justice to 60-600mm as well.

Tamron seems to understand that while you can make lenses for professionals, you also need to cater to the needs of semi-professionals and hobbyists. These 5 lenses cold not only help travel photographers, but also those who like birding and safari. If the lenses are compact, they will also go well with mirrorless bodies, and will be easy to carry around.

Although we enjoy patents, we also need to remind ourselves — this may not come true. Either way, we need to give an A+ for the efforts.