Earlier this year Sigma released a relatively affordable 100-400mm lens that delivered excellent optics competitive with the much more expensive first party options from Canon, Nikon, and Sony.  I was impressed by the Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 OS Contemporary when I reviewed it, but noted that its autofocus system, while accurate, wasn’t quite fast enough for the most demanding sport and wildlife situations.  I was interested (and not surprised), when I heard through the rumor mill that Tamron was releasing its own 100-400mm lens (the Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 VC USD) at an identical value price point. I saw little room for improvement optically on the Sigma (it was excellent), but my hope was that the Tamron could provide a little better autofocus tracking performance for those photographers with such a need but not the budget for the more expensive first party lenses.  I will be looking closely at that during my review period.  What the lens does provide is a little better light transmission; it starts at a wider f/4.5 compared to f/5 for the Sigma, and reaches the smallest maximum aperture of f/6.3 quite a bit later in the focal range.  Stay tuned for my ongoing coverage of the lens.  You can start with my “First Look” video and the galleries below:

Photos of the Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 VC USD

Photos taken with the Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 VC USD

Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 VC USD on APS-C

 Gear Used:
Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD | B&H Photo | Amplis Foto (use code AMPLIS52018DA for a 5% discount | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK |
Tamron A035TM Tripod Mount | B&H Photo | 
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV (5D4): B&H Photo | Amazon.com | Amazon Canada  | Amazon UK
Sony a6500: B&H Photo | Amazon | Amazon.ca | Amazon UK | Ebay
Sigma MC-11 Adapter:  B&H Photo | Amazon | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK
Adobe Photoshop Creative Cloud 1-Year Subscription
Alien Skin Exposure X2 (Use Code “dustinabbott” to get 10% anything and everything)

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