Introduction to the Tamron 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO (Model B016)
The Tamron 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO (Model B016) is a remarkable lens that has been making waves in the photography world since its release in April 2014. Designed for APS-C sensor DSLR cameras, this lens offers an unprecedented 18.8x zoom range, covering an impressive focal length from 16mm to 300mm (equivalent to 24.8mm to 465mm on a 35mm full-frame camera). Let’s delve into the details of this versatile lens.
Design and Build Quality
The Tamron 16-300mm B016 boasts a sleek and compact design, making it an ideal companion for travel and everyday photography. The lens measures approximately 3.4 inches in diameter and 4.3 inches in length, weighing around 1.3 pounds. Despite its size, the lens is solidly built, with a metal lens mount and a weather-sealed construction that offers protection against dust and moisture.
Optical Performance
The Tamron 16-300mm B016 is equipped with a 16-element, 11-group optical design that includes one LD (Low Dispersion) glass element and one aspherical element. This combination helps to minimize chromatic aberrations and distortion, ensuring sharp and clear images throughout the zoom range. The lens also features a BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) coating to reduce ghosting and flaring, further enhancing image quality.
Zoom Range and Focusing
The 18.8x zoom range of the Tamron 16-300mm B016 is truly remarkable, allowing you to capture everything from wide-angle landscapes to distant subjects with ease. The lens features a fast and quiet autofocus system with a PZD (Piezo Drive) motor, ensuring quick and precise focusing. Additionally, the lens offers full-time manual focus override, allowing you to fine-tune the focus as needed.
Image Stabilization
One of the standout features of the Tamron 16-300mm B016 is its VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization system. This system helps to minimize camera shake, allowing you to capture sharp images even in low-light conditions or when using slower shutter speeds. The VC system is particularly useful when using the lens at its telephoto end, where camera shake can be more pronounced.
Aperture and Maximum Magnification
The Tamron 16-300mm B016 offers a variable maximum aperture of F/3.5 at the wide-angle end and F/6.3 at the telephoto end. While this is not the widest aperture available, it is sufficient for most photography scenarios. The lens also features a minimum focusing distance of 1.5 feet (45cm) and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.9, making it suitable for close-up photography as well.
Compatibility and Mounts
The Tamron 16-300mm B016 is available in both Canon EF and Nikon F mounts, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of DSLR cameras. The lens also offers a built-in lens hood and a lens case for added protection and convenience.
Conclusion
The Tamron 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO (Model B016) is a highly versatile and impressive lens that offers an exceptional zoom range, solid build quality, and excellent image quality. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, this lens is sure to enhance your photography experience and help you capture stunning images with ease.
