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Where to Buy Tamron Lenses
Tamron lenses are sold in the USA, Canada, and Mexico through a network of authorized Tamron Americas retailers as well as directly on the TAMRON Store. Authorized retailers provide lenses with Instant Savings if available, and a 6-year Limited Warranty. In case service is ever needed, only lenses purchased through authorized retailers will be serviced. Find local authorized retailers here.
Tamron is sold through several authorized online retailers including Amazon, Best Buy, B&H, Adorama, and more. Click here to find an authorized retailer.
The TAMRON Store offers a selection of lenses for sale for purchasers shipping to USA addresses only. Visit the TAMRON Store today.
See the TAMRON Store Purchase & Return Policies here. Note, these policies are for purchases made on the TAMRON Store only. See the dealer from which you purchased the lens for dealer return policies.
Tamron does not sell refurbished lenses directly. Occasionally, an authorized retailer may have a refurbished lens for sale, and you can check directly with your local retailer found at https://www2.tamron-usa.com/dealers.aspx
Press, Pro & Collaboration Inquiries
Send an email to kelly@tamron.com with information about your review site and practices. Your information will be verified, and you will be added to the press list to receive press notifications.
Collaborators residing in the USA, Canada, and Mexico can send an email with the collaboration request and specifics to social@tamron.com.
When an opening on the Tamron Creative Collaborative Team opens, Tamron reviews professional photographers, creators and/or filmmakers with whom Tamron has been working with for at least 3 years who will fill a specific need at the time of opening.
Tamron users may send portfolios and bios to social@tamron.com for editorial consideration.
Tamron users who have been asked to speak at trade-shows, camera club events, and other industry events may contact Tamron about sponsorship. Sponsorship is limited to events where Tamron will have an onsite presence. Email tripi@tamron.com.
Tamron Education & Inspiration
Tamron offers great resources in the Inspire & Learn and Tools & Resources sections on its website. Information includes:
- Photo Techniques
- Video Tutorials
- Blogs across numerous photo & video genres, technology, gear and more
- TAMRON Magazine
- Daily Inspiration photo and video gallery
You can sign up for any of Tamron’s four eNewsletters here. Each edition is sent out monthly (1-Portrait, Event & Sports Photography; 2-Everything Nature & Travel Photography; 3-World of Close-Up and Art Photography) in English, French and Spanish. Sign up for the General News edition to get information on new products, firmware updates, contest, promotions, and more.
Tamron University is a free series of online master classes taught by professional photographers. Each course focuses on a specific topic—such as travel, portraiture, landscape, or nighttime photography—and includes expert tips, in-the-field techniques, and practical guidance. Classes are self-paced, so you can watch anytime. Whether you’re just starting out or growing your photo business, Tamron University offers inspiration and skills to support your photographic journey. New classes are added frequently. Enroll here.
Visit the events page often as new events are always being added.
Tamron Lens Features
Tamron incorporates weather sealing, called Moisture-Resistant Construction in many of its lenses, especially those designed for outdoor, wildlife, sports, and travel photography. This design provides confidence when shooting in inclement weather and harsh conditions. Weather-sealing involves sealing critical areas of the lens barrel and mount to help prevent moisture ingress. A visible rubber gasket around the lens mount helps protect the camera’s interior from dust and water droplets. Tamron lenses are moisture-resistant, not waterproof, and should be protected from severe or prolonged exposure to moisture.
VC or Vibration Compensation works by stabilizing the image, by minimizing the movement caused when hand holding a camera in low light or with a telephoto lens (inside the lens barrel stands a lens element on a mechanism with three motors that will counteract Horizontal, Vertical, and Diagonal movements that can be caused by the user).
The acronym VC means Vibration Compensation, this is Tamron’s in-lens Image Stabilization technology.
Image stabilization or VC should be turned off once you mount the camera and lens on a tripod.
YES, IS or VC (as it is called by Tamron) is an in-lens image stabilization system that works by stabilizing the image, by minimizing the movement caused when hand holding a camera in low light or with a telephoto lens.
YES, VC, VR, IS, OS, OIS are all acronyms for different manufacturers in-lens image stabilization systems.
The acronym VC means Vibration Compensation, this is Tamron’s in-lens Image Stabilization technology.
The acronym VC means Vibration Compensation, this is Tamron’s in lens Image Stabilization technology, Canon on the other hand uses IS Image Stabilization.
VC or Vibration Compensation works by stabilizing the image, by minimizing the movement caused when hand holding a camera in low light or with a telephoto lens (inside the lens barrel stands a lens element on a mechanism with three motors that will counteract Horizontal, Vertical, and Diagonal movements that can be caused by the user).
The acronym VC means Vibration Compensation, this is Tamron’s in-lens Image Stabilization technology.
VC or Vibration Compensation mode can be found on some Tamron lenses. This allows the user to select from two or three different mode choices (depending on the lens). Mode 1: Standard (you can see the amount of correction in real time), Mode 2: Exclusively for Panning( ideal for sports or wildlife), Mode 3: Framing Priority (allows for faster subject acquisition and composition also offers the most amount of correction).
The meaning of the acronyms Di VC USD found on Tamron lenses are Di (Digitally Integrated) lenses optimized for Full Frame and APS-C DSLR cameras. VC (Vibration Compensation) Tamron’s in-lens image stabilization technology. USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) an upgraded AF drive system that delivers extraordinary autofocusing speed, along with virtually noiseless operation.
The acronym Di stands for Digitally Integrated (lenses optimized for Full Frame and APS-C DSLR cameras). Current Tamron mirrorless lenses use Di III for full-frame cameras and Di III-A for APS-C cameras. New models starting with 2026’s 12-20mm F2.8 will no longer use Di III/Di III-A designations. Full-frame lenses will not have a designation and APS-C lenses, like the 16-50mm F2.8 A will use an “A” to denote APS-C.
Di III is Tamron’s designation for full-frame mirrorless cameras. Di III-A stands for APS-C mirrorless lenses.
VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) is Tamron’s linear motor focus mechanism for fast, precise, quiet autofocus used on most Tamron lenses. RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) is the quiet stepping-motor focus drive used on the 11-20mm, 17-70mm, 28-200mm, and 70-300mm. OSD (Optimized Silent Drive) is the focus drive used on the 20mm, 24mm, and 35mm F2.8 lenses.
Some Tamron lenses include VC (Vibration Compensation), Tamron’s in-lens image stabilization, and others do not. Check the lens name: lenses with VC in the name include it. Lenses without VC can be paired with a camera that offers in-body stabilization. To see every VC lens, open the Lens Finder and select Stabilization (VC) under features.
Using Tamron Lenses
Macro lenses are usually prime lenses (a lens with a fixed focal length) that have a close minimum focusing distance, capable of rendering a subject at a 1:1 reproduction ratio (the subject appears life size on the sensor). Tamron’s 90mm F/2.8 Di III VXD M1:1 reaches 1:1, while the 20mm, 24mm, and 35mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 prime lenses reach 1:2 as do the 50-300mm, 50-40mm, 25-200mm, and 18-300mm zoom lenses.
See all of Tamron’s Macro Lenses here:
20mm F/2.8 Di III OSD
24mm F/2.8 Di III OSD
35mm F/2.8 Di III OSD
90mm F/2.8 Di III VXD M1:1
Macro lenses come in different focal lengths and are usually prime lenses (a lens with a fixed focal length). Your selection should be based on your needs for a certain focal length i.e., wide angle, normal/standard or telephoto and the need for a certain working distance (minimum focusing distance) as this can affect how much room there is between the lens and the subject.
Macro on a zoom lens indicates that the lens has a close minimum focusing distance that can achieve a reproduction ratio of greater than a 1:4.
Yes. The Tamron 90mm F2.8 macro lens is ideal for portraits, offering a flattering perspective, comfortable working distance, and beautiful soft bokeh. Its sharp detail and versatile focusing range make it excellent for both portraits and close-up photography.
Macro lenses usually have a maximum aperture of f/2 to f/2.8 but the apertures used when photographing are between f/8 to f/32.
Because of the limited Depth of Field caused by the close minimum focusing distance apertures of between f/8 to f/32 are usually needed.
Because of the limited Depth of Field caused by the close minimum focusing distance apertures of between f/8 to f/32 are usually needed.
An image shot of a subject with a wide-angle lens at close distances will make the subject appear larger than it is in real life, and if shot at normal or farther distances will make the subject appear smaller than it is in real life. The wider the angle of the lens the more pronounced the effect will be.
The widest angle of view on a Tamron lens is 121°58′ – 94°30′ at 12mm on the 12-20mm F2.8 for Sony E and Nikon Z full-frame mirrorless cameras. For APS-C mirrorless cameras, the 11-20mm offers 105° 20′-71° 35′ .
A wide-angle picture can be seen as an image taken with a wide-angle lens of a very large subject or scene from a close or far distance.
A photo taken of a subject with a wide-angle lens at close distances will make the subject appear larger than it is in real life, and if shot at normal or farther distances will make the subject appear smaller than it is in real life. The wider the angle of the lens the more pronounced the effect will be.
A lens with a focal length of about 80mm or longer is typically considered a telephoto lens. These lenses are characterized by a narrow angle of view that magnifies distant subjects, bringing them visually closer. Because telephoto lenses naturally create a shallow depth of field, they make it easier to achieve background bokeh, allowing the main subject to stand out sharply against a softly blurred backdrop.
Yes—many Tamron telephoto lenses feature VC (Vibration Compensation), Tamron’s proprietary image stabilization technology. These include the 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Model A065), 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Model A067), 50-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Model A069), 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD, 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Model B061), 28-300mm F/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD (Model A074). Visit the Tamron Lens Finder and check off “stabilization” under features to view all VC lenses.
Sony E: 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD, 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD, 28-300mm F/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD, 50-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD, 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD, 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2, 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD, and 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD
Canon RF: 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
Nikon Z: 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD, 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD, 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2, 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD, and 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD
Fujifilm X: 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD, and 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD
Visit the Tamron Lens Finder and check of your mount to see all Tamron lenses available.
[Above list as of September 2025]
- All-in-One Zooms: Lenses like the 18–300mm F/3.5–6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (for APS-C cameras) and the 28–200mm F/2.8–5.6 Di III RXD (for full-frame) cover everything from wide-angle landscapes to distant subjects as well as close-up macro shots, making them ideal when you want to travel light with just one lens.
- Compact Telephoto Zooms: The 70–300mm F/4.5–6.3 Di III RXD, 50–300mm F/4.5–6.3 Di III VC VXD, and 50–400mm F/4.5–6.3 Di III VC VXD provide extended reach without the bulk of traditional super-telephoto lenses. They are perfect for wildlife, sports, or capturing details far off as well as close-ups.
- Bright Aperture Option: If you want a travel-friendly telephoto with strong low-light capability and beautiful background blur, the 70–180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 is an outstanding choice. Its fast F2.8 aperture makes it ideal for portraits, performances, landscapes, and more.
In general, Tamron telephoto lenses provide excellent portability that beats the competition.
- All-in-one zooms like the 18-300 and 28-300 do not require a tripod for most shooting situations.
- The lightweight telephoto lenses like the 50-300, 70-180, and 50-400 are also designed for hand-held shooting, and each features Tamron’s VC image stabilization mechanism.
- Tamron’s super telephoto 150-500mm is the most compact in its class; however, it may feel heavy when all day shooting and can benefit from tripod use in low light or when focusing in on distant subjects at 500mm.
About Tamron
Tamron is a Japanese optical company established in November of 1950, with its headquarters in Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan.
Tamron takes its name from Mr. Uhyoue Tamura, an optical designer whose dedication to the company laid the groundwork for its success. The Tamron brand was registered as a trademark in 1958.
The About Tamron page covers the company’s history and links to Tamron’s corporate philosophy, brand story, and sustainability activities.
Tamron Americas is located at 10 Austin Blvd., Commack, NY 11725.
Telephone: 1-800-827-8880 | Email: custserv@tamron.com | www.tamron-americas.com
Information for Tamron Co., Ltd., can be found on the global website: https://www.tamron.com/global/
Visit the Tamron Group page on the global website here.
No. Tamron is an independent company. However, Sony Corporation is a shareholder in Tamron and holds approximately a 15% stake in the company as of August 2025. This investment does not give Sony control or ownership of Tamron. Instead, it means that Sony is one of several shareholders.
Tamron is an independent company and is not owned by Sony. However, Sony does hold a significant minority stake—around 15% as of August 2025—which makes them the largest single shareholder, but Sony does not control or fully own Tamron.
Camera & Teleconverter Compatibility
Tamron lenses are designed to be compatible with specific camera brands and lens mounts. Di lenses are compatible with Canon DSLR cameras with the EF and EF-S mounts, and with Nikon DSLR cameras with the F mount (note that these lenses will work with the newer mirrorless Canon RF and Nikon Z mounts with the appropriate manufacturer lens adapter). Lens availability varies by lens and mount.
Tamron lenses with the designation Di III are compatible with full-frame and APS-C mirrorless cameras: Sony E, Canon R, Fujifilm X, and Nikon Z mounts.
Tamron lenses with the designation Di III-A are compatible with APS-C mirrorless cameras only: Sony E, Canon R, Fujifilm X, and Nikon Z mounts.
See the Sony, Canon, Fujifilm, and Nikon pages for each mount’s current lineup.
YES, the Nikon D3500 will accept all Tamron lenses with the lens designation of Di and Di II (with the mount for Nikon cameras).
Yes. Tamron currently offers native Canon RF-mount lenses for APS-C mirrorless cameras, including the 11-20mm F2.8, 16-50mm F2.8, 17-70mm F2.8 VC, and 18-300mm VC. These lenses attach directly to compatible Canon RF cameras without an adapter.
YES, Tamron lenses with the lens designation of Di III for Sony E, are compatible with all Sony mirrorless cameras. Tamron lenses with the lens designation of Di III-A for Sony E are compatible with Sony mirrorless cameras with an APS-C sensor (and will also work on Sony mirrorless cameras with a Full Frame Sensor but will be cropped down to APS-C).
YES, you can use a different brand lens on different brand cameras, but you must make sure that the lens is manufactured with the compatible mount to the camera model that you are using (or by using the appropriate lens adapter).
NO, Nikon teleconverters are specifically designed to be mounted only on designated Nikon lenses (due to a very specific cutout on the lens mount).
No, Tamron mirrorless lenses are not teleconverter compatible.
NO, Canon teleconverters cannot be guaranteed to work with Tamron lenses. Only Tamron teleconverters are compatible with Tamron lenses.
With the 1.4x you do lose 1 f-stop (1 EV) of light and with the 2x you lose 2 f-stops (2 EV) of light, depending on what the maximum aperture is of the lens that you mount the teleconverter to. A 2 f-stop loss of light might cause a problem with the cameras AF system.
Troubleshooting
Lens profiles are available in Lightroom and Photoshop on the date the lens is available for purchase.
In the case of a macro lens, it would be the minimum focusing distance. As you get closer to the subject to increase the reproduction ratio you are also slightly increasing the focal length which in turn decreases the aperture. It is not uncommon for a macro lens that starts out with an f/2.8 maximum aperture goes to f/5.6 at its minimum focusing distance.
Zoom lenses extend by rotating the lens zoom ring.
Zoom creep can be stopped by using the zoom lock. Lenses can be locked at their widest focal length.
These lenses feature a retractable lens barrel button, which when pressed and the zoom ring rotated, extend the length of the lens barrel. In addition, pressing the button automatically turns on the camera.
Focal length increases as you zoom out and decreases as you zoom in.
Three of the main flaws are spots with undefined edges (usually caused by dust on the imaging sensor), color fringing around a highlight or Chromatic Aberration (usually caused by the lens or the lack of correction in the lens), and ghosting, a type of lens flare (usually caused when shooting directly into the sun, the lack of or poor lens coatings designed to mitigate the effects of ghosting caused by a strong light source being reflected repeatedly within the lens).
Spots or circles with undefined edges are usually caused by dust on the imaging sensor.
The best way to correct for flaws is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. In the case of spots simply make sure that you start with a clean imaging sensor. A high-quality lens with a complex lens formula will eliminate Chromatic Aberration. A high-quality lens with lens coatings, the use of a lens hood or changing your perspective will all mitigate Ghosting. Note that some of these flaws can be corrected in post processing.
A high-quality lens with lens coatings designed for correcting lens flare and if using a filter use one with multiple lens coatings. The use of a lens hood or changing your perspective will mitigate Ghosting.
A rattling or clunking sound could be caused by an unparked VC unit. This can sometimes be resolved by doing the following: 1. Turn the camera off and detach the lens 2. Re-attach the lens to the camera and turn camera on. 3. Activate the autofocus without releasing the shutter and wait for the autofocus motor and VC to stop. 5. Turn off the camera. The VC should now be parked.
With most lens models the autofocus motor and VC may be audible.
A rattling noise can be a symptom of several things, including a loose part or unparked VC.
Lenses can be removed by depressing the lens release button on the camera and rotating the lens. Do not remove the lens until the autofocus motor and VC have settled.
Check that the lens zoom lock is not engaged. If they lens still does not zoom, then service may be required.
Check that the zoom lock and Flex lock are not engaged. The Flex lock can be disengaged by pulling the zoom ring toward yourself. When the Flex lock is engaged you will be able to see a white line below the zoom ring.
Check that the zoom lock and Flex lock are not engaged.
If the zoom lock and Flex lock are not engaged and the zoom is jammed, the lens should be sent in for service.
Depending on the error code, it could mean different things. Many errors are caused by a lens or camera communication issue. If the error persists, contact service for possible service or update information.
Lenses may require occasional firmware updates to improve performance, including autofocus, functionality, and camera compatibility. You can check for the latest Tamron firmware updates or download TAMRON Lens Utility software to update compatible Tamron mirrorless lenses using your computer.
Dust inside a lens will not affect image quality in most cases unless there are large particles or a significant amount. Dust in the rear element of the lens will be more visible than in the front element.
YES, Tamron lenses are compatible with Nikon cameras. Tamron lenses with the lens designation of Di and Di II (with the mount for Nikon cameras) are compatible with Nikon DSLR and Nikon mirrorless cameras with the compatible Nikon FTZ adapter.
Depending on the model, Tamron lenses may feature switches and buttons to control autofocus (AF/MF), Vibration Compensation (VC), focus limiting, and custom functions. Compatible lenses also feature a Focus Set Button and Custom Switch that can be personalized using TAMRON Lens Utility software. These controls provide quick access to settings for different shooting situations.
AF is an acronym that stands for Auto Focus
Support, Repairs and Maintenance
Tamron Americas offers a 6-Year Limited Warranty on Tamron Americas imported lenses purchased from authorized retailers in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Registering your lens verifies its serial number, and you should keep your dated proof of purchase, which is required if the lens needs service. Read the full warranty statement on the Warranty & Registration page.
Club members are discovered through our online warranty registration system. Tamron purchases must be registered by January 15 to be considered for VIP Club membership. Annual membership level is determined by both purchase AND completed registration of Tamron products. The membership is finalized by unique email address + same first name/last name -or- by mail address + same first name/last name of purchased AND completed registration of products from May 2011 thru January 15th of the current year. Tamron is not responsible for inaccurate or missing information uploaded into the online warranty registration system. The VIP Club status will be evaluated on an annual basis, admitting new customers and promoting current members to higher levels. Club membership status will be announced to all members, new and existing, in February of each year following the close of sales and completed registration. All members are contacted via email to confirm membership level and attain current mailing address for membership package. All members must confirm every year. New members/membership level growth will occur once per year. No mid-year status changes are allowed. Valid for users residing in the USA, Canada, and Mexico only. Void where prohibited. See more here.
Registering your Tamron lens verifies the serial number to confirm you purchased a Tamron Americas imported lens covered by the 6-Year Limited Warranty and eligibility for any qualifying bonus rebate. Registration also provides access to product information in case of loss or theft, customized support if service is required, priority contact if Tamron discovers an issue with your product, invitations to local workshops, seminars and sales events, the Tamron e-newsletter, and exclusive promotional offers. Additionally, many benefits at no extra charge are available when your lens is registered and your registered lenses qualify you towards VIP Club membership. It is available to residents of the United States, Canada, and Mexico who purchased an official Tamron Americas-imported product. Register here.
Visit the Lens Finder and filter the features you are looking for in a lens by many criteria including price, mount, focal length, use case/photo style, features, aperture and more.
Contact Tamron’s customer service by phone at 1-800-827-8880, prompt 1. Or by email at custserv@tamron.com.
Visit the Service News & Updates section of our website and select your mount to view the most recent service news.
Visit the Rebate Claims page on our website to claim a rebate you received at a Tamron event.
Visit our Catalog Download page here. Most catalogs are available in three languages (English, French, and Spanish)
Gray Market lenses are any lenses not sold by Tamron Authorized USA, Canadian and/or Mexico Dealers in the USA, Canada or Mexico. If purchased from an unauthorized dealer, the lens is considered gray market and as such do not qualify for rebates (if applicable), warranty, service or repair of any kind in the USA. Learn why buying from an authorized Tamron Americas dealer matters.
The inside of the lens should only be cleaned by Tamron service. Do not attempt to open the lens for cleaning.
Use lens cleaning pads or a microfiber cloth.
Visit the Tamron Support page and select your region (USA, Canada, Mexico, or Latin America). Follow the repair service instructions for your region, which may include downloading and completing a repair service form. Service department phone numbers and email addresses are also provided if you have questions or need assistance.
The lens itself can be cleaned with a microfiber cloth. Visit this blog for detailed lens cleaning instructions.
The adjustment of focus on a lens can be changed by rotating the focus ring. This can be performed in auto mode or manual focus mode.
To correct front and back focus using the Tap in console see our Tap in Console instructional videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNXD2u5k0jzCA5QvOJcqlWv8MdiISnV83 For all other focusing issues please contact Tamron service.
Front and back focus can be adjusted in Tap in Console compatible lenses or sent directly to Tamron service.
NO, lens mounts are camera brand and can also be camera model specific. (However, you may be able to use different lens mounts on different camera brands or camera models with a compatible lens adapter).
NO, lenses are camera brand and can also be camera model specific. (However, you may be able to use different lens mounts on different camera brands or camera models with a compatible lens adapter).
NO, lens mounts are camera brand and can also be camera model specific. (However, you may be able to use some lens mounts on different camera brands or camera models with a compatible lens adapter).
Visit the Firmware Updates page on the Tamron Global website here.
Lenses do occasionally require firmware updates. Information on which lenses require updates can be found on our website at https://www.tamron.com/global/consumer/support/download/firmware/
Firmware updates typically correct an issue or add functionality to a lens
Firmware cannot be checked on the camera body with DSLR lenses but can be checked on Sony mirrorless lenses with a Sony camera. This can be found in the “Lens system software version” menu. For more details see this link: https://www.tamron.com/global/consumer/support/download/firmware/update.html
Your Tamron lens will generally continue to function without a firmware update, but you may miss improvements to autofocus, functionality, or camera compatibility. In some cases, outdated firmware may cause compatibility issues with newer cameras. Check the Tamron firmware update page for the latest updates for your lens.
You can check for available updates for your lens on the Tamron firmware update page. Firmware updates may improve autofocus performance, functionality, and camera compatibility. Compatible Tamron mirrorless lenses can also be checked and updated using TAMRON Lens Utility software.