Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD
Announced October 26, 2017
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD provides a lightweight and affordable telephoto option for full-frame and APS-C users. While it delivers solid center sharpness and effective stabilization, the lens suffers from soft corners and a slow maximum aperture at the long end.
Weighted from 15 reviewer scores
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design for easier handheld shooting
- Fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus performance
- Strong value for money with weather-resistant construction
- Sharp image quality with low chromatic aberration
- Effective image stabilization system
Cons
- Soft image quality in the corners and at the long end
- Slow maximum aperture limits low-light performance
- Tripod mount is not included and requires additional purchase
- Inconsistent autofocus and hunting in dim conditions
- Noticeable vignetting at maximum aperture
- Launch price $799.99 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3
- Mount & coverage Canon EF, Nikon F Full-Frame
- Stabilization Optical IS, 4 stops (CIPA)
- Close focus 1.5 m (0.28x)
- Filter thread 67mm
- Autofocus motor USD
- Weight & size 1115g · 86.2 x 196.5 mm (3.39 x 7.74 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 15 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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The Tamron 100-400/4.5-6.3 VC is an interesting lens for people looking for an affordable and light long telephoto zoom for high resolution APS-C/DX or full-frame/FX sensors.
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Sharpness wise, the Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD shows solid performance in the center of the frame while coming up short in the image corners.
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The Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens adds a interesting choice to the mid-to-long telephoto zoom lens options list.
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It is very, very close to the first party options in performance while offering up exceptional value.
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[T]he Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD is great to see on a market; it's pretty sharp and it handles great all while being comparatively good value for money.
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The lens is very easy and satisfying to use and the price is certainly attractive.
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The maximum aperture of f/6.3 at 300-400mm is a stop slower than the competition, though, and the lens isn't overly sharp at 400mm, while the optional tripod mount is both costly and a little rudimentary - otherwise, there's a lot to like about this lens.
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You're better off staying with a Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD like this and saving the money and putting the extra cash into something else or just saving up for future lenses.
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The Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD is a great telephoto zoom lens for both full-frame and APS-C DSLR users.
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The Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD is a light, affordable telezoom lens for full-frame SLRs, but image quality suffers toward the edge of the frame.
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The Tamron 100-400mm lens is a great value for the money, and given Tamron’s excellent image stabilization, the lens should perform well for wedding and portrait photographers—even if you have to shoot at f/6.3.
- Photo Review 8.8/10
The 100-400mm zoom range is ideal for sports and wildlife photography and the comparatively light weight of this lens and its 4-stop stabilisation make hand-held shooting possible, although a lens of this type usually fares better when tripod-mounted.
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I love using this lens. It's lightweight, but I just thought it worked flawlessly, very nice.
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Tamron could not sit aside and watch Sigma take all trophies and so it also released a version of this lens which appears to do a very good job as well.
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All in all, I am extremely happy with the Tamron 100-400 and would highly recommend this lens. It’s perfect for someone who wants an inexpensive, relatively lightweight telephoto lens that gives you great pictures.
