If you’ve been waiting for a one-lens solution for your Canon RF-mount APS-C mirrorless camera, Tamron has released a lens that could be worth checking out. The 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD has officially landed in Canon RF territory, and it’s looking like a solid all-in-one option for everything from wide landscapes to tight telephoto shots.
The lens has a 16.6x zoom range (equivalent to 29-480mm in full-frame terms) and is designed to handle everything from wide-angle landscapes to tight telephoto shots. While it’s not an entirely new lens, it’s new for the Canon RF mount, and only the second RF lens that Tamron has released so far.
Key Features at a Glance
- APS-C format | f/3.5-6.3 to f/22-40 aperture range
- 29-480mm full-frame equivalent focal length
- VXD linear AF motor for fast, quiet autofocus
- 1:2 maximum magnification (close-focus capability)
- VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilisation
- Weather-sealed construction
- AF/MF and VC ON/OFF switches for quick adjustments
All-in-One Zoom Flexibility
The 18-300mm range makes this lens a true do-it-all option, eliminating the need to carry multiple primes or zooms. Whether shooting wide-angle scenes, portraits, or distant subjects, this lens can cover it. It has a minimum focusing distance of just 5.9 inches at the wide end, with a 1:2 maximum magnification ratio. So while it’s not a dedicated macro lens, it definitely lets you get in tight when needed.
Fast and Quiet VXD Autofocus
Tamron’s VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor ensures quick, precise, and near-silent AF performance, making it suitable for both stills and video. The lens also includes full-time manual focus override, so users can fine-tune focus even in AF mode.
Stabilisation for Handheld Shooting
To combat camera shake, especially at the telephoto end, Tamron’s VC (Vibration Compensation) system uses a free-floating element controlled by dual gyro sensors to detect and correct movement. This helps maintain sharpness even when shooting handheld at slower shutter speeds.
Built for the Elements
The lens is weather-sealed, offering extra protection against dust and moisture, which is useful for outdoor shooters. This superzoom is ideal for travel, everyday shooting, and hybrid photographers who want a single lens that can adapt to different scenarios. While it’s not the fastest in terms of aperture (f/6.3 at the long end), the trade-off is versatility and convenience.
Price and Availability
Pricing and availability information will be released by Tamron at a later date, however, the other versions of this lens for other mounts come in around the $700 price.
