The Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (A047) is a compact full-frame telephoto zoom for Sony E or Nikon Z mirrorless cameras. It offers useful reach for travel details, wildlife, sports and portraits without the bulk of many longer telephotos. Its main compromise is important: the lens has no optical stabilization, so handheld results depend more on your camera’s in-body stabilization and shutter speed, especially at 300mm.
Who this lens suits—and who should think twice
The A047 makes sense for a traveler who wants a 70–300mm range in a relatively light package and is willing to manage camera shake. The long end can bring distant subjects closer and compress a landscape, while the 70mm end remains useful for portraits and broader details. Tamron lists landscapes, sports and action, pets, wildlife, and portraits among its intended uses (Tamron product specifications).
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- Good fit: photographers with a compatible full-frame Sony E or Nikon Z camera who value reach and portability.
- Less suitable: photographers who often shoot handheld in dim light, or whose camera lacks in-body stabilization (IBIS). At 300mm, camera movement is harder to control, and this lens cannot compensate optically.
- Check before buying: the A047 is sold in separate Sony E and Nikon Z versions. They are not interchangeable; confirm the mount and your particular camera’s compatibility with Tamron’s support information.
Size, weight and specifications
Tamron’s US product specifications, accessed October 4, 2026, list the following dimensions. These are manufacturer figures, not independently measured values.
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| Specification | Sony E | Nikon Z |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 70–300mm | 70–300mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/4.5–6.3 | f/4.5–6.3 |
| Length | 148mm | 150.3mm |
| Weight | 545g | 580g |
| Maximum diameter | 77mm | 77mm |
| Filter thread | 67mm | 67mm |
Those dimensions make the lens easier to pack than a much larger telephoto, but 300mm reach still requires deliberate handling. The maximum aperture narrows to f/6.3 at the long end, which can mean slower shutter speeds or higher ISO in low light. Tamron lists an optical construction of 15 elements in 10 groups on its global product page; that specification describes the design, not image quality by itself.
#1 Best Overall
- Telephoto zoom with outstanding corner-to-corner G lens resolution
- Lightweight (22oz.) remarkably Easy to handle 5x super-telephoto zoom
- 70-350Mm (105-525mm full-frame equiv.) super-telephoto zoom
- Xd linear motor for fast, precise, quiet AF and tracking
- Optical SteadyShot image stabilization
Stabilization: the key travel trade-off
The A047 does not have in-lens optical image stabilization. Tamron says compatible camera bodies can provide stabilization through IBIS, but performance depends on the camera. If your body has no stabilization, there is no lens-based system to reduce the effect of hand movement.
At 300mm, use a shutter speed fast enough for your subject and your own steadiness; stabilization can help with camera shake, but it does not freeze a moving animal or athlete. In dim conditions, consider raising ISO, bracing the camera, or using support rather than relying on stabilization alone. This limitation matters especially for Nikon crop-sensor bodies without IBIS, a concern noted in Cameralabs’ Nikon Z review.
Rank #2
- Supreme lightweight portability that makes telephoto shooting fun
- Uncompromising image quality with 15 elements in 10 groups that lets you focus on creativity
- Up-close shooting performance (31.5" / 1:9.4 Wide & 59.1" / 1:5.1 Tele)
- Moisture-Resistant Construction
How sharp is it at 300mm?
Independent reviews point to good central detail with variation across the frame and by focal length. They are findings from specific review samples and setups, not a guarantee for every lens copy or camera.
Sony E review findings
Digital Camera World’s January 20, 2021 review found strong center sharpness, particularly from 70–100mm, with center performance holding up across the zoom range. It found middle sharpness less impressive and edges weaker, especially at shorter focal lengths. The reviewer saw little color fringing at short-to-medium settings, with more toward 200–300mm. Its testing also described autofocus as fast and consistently accurate, including in dull light (Digital Camera World review).
Rank #3
- Wide zoom range (82 - 315mm 35mm equivalent) ideal for sports or nature;Aperture blades : 7
- Internal focusing for smooth, quiet operation - perfect for video capture.Direct manual focus with non-rotating focus ring during AF: ideal for precise, comfortable manual focus adjustments
- Optical Steady Shot image stabilization for stable video capture and low light performance
- Minimum Focus Distance - 3.28 ft, Maximum Magnification ratio - 0.23x
- Provides a wide focal range of up to 315mm (35mm equivalent) ideal for sports or nature shooting
Nikon Z review findings
Cameralabs’ January 9, 2023 review of the Nikon Z version reported sharp to very sharp full-frame results overall, except for pronounced corner weakness at 70mm that it attributed to field curvature. It described autofocus as fast and reliable (Cameralabs review).
Together, these reviews suggest the lens can deliver strong center detail, but edge and corner performance deserves attention if you regularly photograph subjects that need consistent sharpness across the frame. For distant wildlife or sports, focus accuracy, subject movement, light, and shutter speed also affect the result; a sharpness finding from a review chart does not guarantee a sharp handheld frame.
Rank #4
- Wide zoom range (82 - 315mm 35mm equivalent) ideal for sports or nature;Aperture blades : 7
- Internal focusing for smooth, quiet operation - perfect for video capture.Direct manual focus with non-rotating focus ring during AF: ideal for precise, comfortable manual focus adjustments
- Optical Steady Shot image stabilization for stable video capture and low light performance
- Minimum Focus Distance - 3.28 ft, Maximum Magnification ratio - 0.23x
- Angle of view (on APS-C) 28.2° - 7.8°
Autofocus, construction and firmware
Tamron’s RXD stepping motor is designed for fast, quiet focusing. The independent reviews above reported positive autofocus performance in their respective tests, but results can vary with the camera body, subject and conditions. Tamron describes the construction as moisture-resistant; that does not mean waterproof or suitable for submersion. Manufacturer materials also list a seven-blade circular diaphragm and BBAR coating.
Firmware updating differs by mount. Tamron lists camera-based updates for the Sony E version. For Nikon Z, Tamron documents updates through Tamron Lens Utility on a PC using a separate connection cable. Consult the relevant official support page for current instructions and compatibility; a current firmware version was not established here.
Best Value
- Versatile ultra Telephoto zoom for Sony E-mount full-frame-format mirrorless cameras with a 225-750mm equivalent focal length when used on an APS-C format camera body.
- VC image stabilization facilitates shooting handheld at the 500mm ultra-telephoto position, with three modes: standard, panning, and framing priority.
- XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion), LD (Low Dispersion), and GM (Glass-Molded Aspherical) elements greatly reduce color fringing, chromatic aberrations, and image distortion throughout the zoom range for improved clarity and color accuracy.
- Rotating Arca-type tripod mount with incorporated strap attachment loops.
- Switches redesigned for improved operability, plus Flex Zoom Lock mechanism to hold zoom position.
Sony E or Nikon Z: choose the right version
The mount determines whether the lens attaches to your camera; the two versions also differ slightly in size and weight. Tamron announced the Nikon Z version for launch on September 29, 2022 (Tamron’s 2022 announcement). Verify your exact body’s compatibility rather than assuming that every camera in a mount system supports every feature identically.
How it compares with Sony’s FE 70-300mm G OSS
For Sony E shooters, one direct alternative is Sony’s FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS. Digital Camera World notes that the Sony lens includes optical stabilization, an autofocus limiter switch, and a customizable function button—controls and stabilization the Tamron lacks. The Tamron’s appeal is its compact, light design; the Sony’s cited advantages are stabilization and handling features. Current prices and availability vary by market, so compare live local listings rather than relying on historical review prices.
| Decision point | Tamron 70-300mm A047 | Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS |
|---|---|---|
| Mounts covered here | Sony E and Nikon Z versions | Sony E |
| Stabilization | No optical stabilization; compatible-body IBIS may help | Optical stabilization, as noted by Digital Camera World |
| Extra controls cited in the review | Not stated in the cited comparison | AF limiter switch and customizable function button |
| Current price comparison | Not established; check current local listings | Not established; check current local listings |
For a fair choice, compare the weight and length of the exact mount version, whether your camera has IBIS, the controls you will use, and image quality at your usual focal lengths. Price and stock are regional and time-sensitive; the 2023 and 2021 review prices are not current price evidence.
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What to check before buying
- Match the lens mount to your camera: Sony E or Nikon Z.
- Check whether your camera has IBIS, particularly if you expect to shoot handheld at 300mm.
- Look at independent tests for center, middle and edge performance at the focal lengths you use most.
- Allow for a 67mm filter if you use screw-in filters.
- Confirm current local price, stock, warranty terms and camera compatibility with official and retailer information; these vary and are not established by the specifications cited here.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
