Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD

Canon EF

Review

The Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD is a versatile telephoto zoom lens designed for Canon EF mount cameras, catering to nature photographers, sports enthusiasts, and anyone who needs a powerful lens with a longer reach. Its appealing focal length range allows for a variety of shooting opportunities, from wildlife to distant subjects in sports events.

Build Quality and Design

Regarding build quality, the Tamron 100-400mm feels robust and well-constructed. It's not overly heavy, which is a significant advantage for a lens of this class, making it easier to handle during extended shooting sessions. The lens features a moisture-resistant design, which is a commendable inclusion for outdoor photography, as it ensures some level of protection against the elements. The included lens hood helps in reducing flare and improving contrast, which is beneficial when shooting in bright environments.

Optical Performance

Optically, the lens performs admirably across most focal lengths. Sharpness is generally impressive, even at maximum aperture, although the performance does soften slightly at 400mm. Utilizing a combination of special elements, including low dispersion glass, helps minimize chromatic aberrations and ensures high-quality images. The lens also features Tamron's Vibration Compensation (VC) technology, which significantly aids in reducing camera shake, allowing for handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds.

Autofocus and Handling

Focusing is another strong point of the Tamron 100-400mm, as it incorporates a fast and accurate USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) motor. In practice, autofocus is quiet and reliable, locking onto subjects quickly in most lighting conditions. Manual focus is smooth, allowing for precise adjustments when necessary. The zoom mechanism is also intuitive, with a well-designed ring that allows easy control over focal lengths, though some users might find the push-pull design a bit unconventional if they’re used to a traditional twist.

Versatility

One of the compelling advantages of this lens is its versatility. With a focal length range that spans from 100mm to 400mm, it covers a broad spectrum of shooting scenarios, making it suitable for everything from portraits to expansive landscapes, and of course, wildlife and sports photography. It's also worth mentioning that the lens is compatible with Tamron's 1.4x teleconverter, allowing an extended reach of up to 560mm.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Versatile focal length range suitable for various photography styles.
• Excellent optical performance with impressive sharpness.
• Robust build quality, including weather sealing.
• Effective Vibration Compensation for handheld shooting.
• Fast and reliable autofocus performance.

Cons

• Slight softening at 400mm may require stopping down for optimal sharpness.
• Push-pull zoom mechanism may take some adjustment for users accustomed to twist-style zooms.
• No tripod collar included, which may be a disadvantage for users who often shoot from tripods.

Verdict

In conclusion, the Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD is an excellent choice for photographers looking for a well-rounded telephoto zoom lens for their Canon EF mount cameras. While it has its minor drawbacks, such as slight softening at 400mm and a unique zoom mechanism that may require a bit of adaptation, the overall performance and versatility of this lens make it a worthwhile investment. It successfully combines optical quality, solid construction, and user-friendly features, making it a great addition to any photographer's kit.