Lightweight, Small Champion

Tamron 70-300 mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD ₹63,000

- Rohinton Mehta

Inside the Box

✓ Lens (model A047)

✓ Front & rear lens caps

✓Lens hood (HAO 47)

✓ Owner's Manual

✓ Safety Instructions

I consider it a wise decision by Nikon to permit third party lens manufacturers to make lenses for their mirrorless camera bodies. This lens under review is available in Sony E and Nikon Z mounts (both 'full-frame'), and there are minor differences between the two in terms of length, size and weight. The 70-300 mm focal length range is ideal for several genres, like sports, wildlife, portraiture, as well as landscapes. The lens we received had a Nikon Z mount and it is the first Tamron lens for Nikon Z-series cameras. Let's see how this vari-focal zoom lens fares on our test bench

Design & Build Quality 

The full-frame (35 mm format) all-dull black finish Tamron 70-300 mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD lens (model A047) appears neat and well made. By design, it is a twist zoom. The outer body is made from engineering plastic and the lens mount is made of metal. A rubberized ring surrounds the lens mount to prevent dust / water splashes from entering the lens. The lens is moisture-resistant. Filter size is 67 mm diameter. The lens weighs 580 g, is designed in Japan but made in China. Note: According to Tamron, this is the smallest and lightest 300 mm capable telephoto zoom for full-frame mirrorless cameras as on August 2022.

Key Features

Let's first understand the lens nomenclature. Di stands for Digitally Integrated; the Roman III indicates that the lens is designed for Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Cameras. RXD is the stepping motor unit (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) that is used in the lens.