Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD review

Tamron’s latest super-telephoto zoom is big on reach but refreshingly compact and lightweight

Tamron 100-400mm camera lens

Digital Camera World Verdict

Tamron’s updated G2 (Generation 2) lenses have been enjoying the limelight recently, but this first edition 100-400mm is equally impressive. It packs a real performance punch into a tough but lightweight build, and at a relatively lightweight price.

Pros

  • +

    Light enough for handheld shooting

  • +

    Fantastic build quality

  • +

    Speedy autofocus

Cons

  • -

    Sharpness drops off in the corners

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Following in the tracks of the Sigma 100-400mm Contemporary zoom, this full-frame compatible Tamron lens for Canon and Nikon DSLRs aims to pack premium performance into a relatively compact and lightweight build. 

Measuring 199mm long and weighing in at 1.1kg, the Tamron is easily manageable for a super-telephoto zoom, and light enough to use for prolonged periods of handheld shooting. As usual for this type of lens, the physical length nearly doubles when zooming to the longest focal length, but focusing is fully internal.

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Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.