TAMRON 16-50mm f/2.8 A Announced – Constant f/2.8 APS-C Zoom, 305g, VXD Autofocus

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by Johnnie BehiriToday

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TAMRON has announced the 16-50mm f/2.8 A (Model B091), a compact standard zoom for APS-C mirrorless cameras. It covers a 24-75mm equivalent range at a constant f/2.8, weighs 305g / 10.8oz and comes to Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z and FUJIFILM X mounts.

The new lens uses 14 elements in 10 groups, including one LD (Low Dispersion) element, two GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) elements and two hybrid aspherical elements. Focus is driven by TAMRON’s VXD linear motor, and the filter thread is 55mm. According to TAMRON’s UK and Benelux distributor, it is the smallest f/2.8 standard zoom in the company’s line-up. It sits next to the heavier TAMRON 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD, which has optical stabilization. TAMRON positions the 16-50mm for shooters who prefer size and mobility over VC. The launch also follows Sony’s proposal to make TAMRON a wholly owned subsidiary, which we looked at in our analysis of the Sony bid.

Optics and close focus

The full-frame equivalent range is 24-75mm on Sony E, Nikon Z and FUJIFILM X, and 25.6-80mm on Canon RF because of Canon’s 1.6x crop factor. The diagonal angle of view runs from 84°04′ to 32°11′ (80°24′ to 30°16′ on Canon RF). The aperture range is f/2.8 to f/16, and the seven-blade circular diaphragm stays almost perfectly circular up to two stops down from maximum aperture, according to TAMRON.

Minimum object distance is 0.15m / 6in at 16mm and 0.29m / 11.5in at 50mm. Maximum magnification is 1:4.5 at the wide end and 1:4.8 at the long end. The barrel has moisture-resistant construction with seals, and the front element carries a fluorine coating that repels water and oil.

Size, weight and video use

The Sony E version is 79.6mm / 3.2in long with a maximum diameter of 64.4mm / 2.5in. The FUJIFILM X version is 79.9mm / 3.2in long, the Canon RF version is 77.6mm / 3.1in and the Nikon Z version is 81.6mm / 3.3in. All versions weigh 305g / 10.8oz, except the Nikon Z lens at 315g / 11.2oz.

For video, TAMRON points to the 16mm wide end for self-recording, the quiet VXD motor, and a balance that suits handheld and gimbal work. The Sony E and Nikon Z versions support the TAMRON Lens Utility software, which lets users assign functions to the lens and update its firmware.

Price and availability

The TAMRON 16-50mm f/2.8 A costs $529 / €469.99 / £399.99 for Sony E-mount and FUJIFILM X mount, and $549 / €499.99 / £419.99 for Canon RF and Nikon Z mount (EUR and GBP are recommended retail prices). The Sony E and Canon RF versions ship on October 29, 2026, the Nikon Z version on November 19, 2026, and the FUJIFILM X version on December 17, 2026. A flower-shaped hood and front and rear caps are included. For more information, please visit the TAMRON website.

Would a 305g constant f/2.8 zoom replace the kit lens on your APS-C camera, or do you need the stabilization of the 17-70mm? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!