Mostly everyone in the photography community has been delighted with Nikon’s choice to partner with Tamron to bring third-party lenses to the Z mount; however, it appears the deal between Nikon and Tamron could be about more than just Tamron lenses appearing on the platform.
The debate over third-party lenses on mirrorless platforms from Canon and Nikon has been raging since the days both companies introduced their mirrorless mounts. Unfortunately, it’s not likely to stop anytime soon, either.
Canon has decided to sub all third-party lens manufacturers so that they can lock their users into Canon branded RF mount lenses. On the other hand, Nikon recently announced that Tamron lenses would appear with Z mounts. Hurrah. However, it also seems that Nikon is hellbent on becoming the new Pentax by taking existing Tamron lenses and rebranding them as official first-party Nikon lenses. This lens announcement evidences the rebranding practice. Sigh.
The new Nikon lens roadmap
The Nikon/Tamron rebranding effort can be seen with the Nikon 17-28mm f/2.8 and the 28-75mm f/2.8. These lenses will probably sound familiar to you as Tamron branded versions of these lenses are available for Sony’s E-mount.
While some slight variations exist in the lenses’ exterior design, both lenses have the same design regarding the elements and their grouping. Whether or not other changes have been made that are harder to see remains unknown. However, the core of the lens is Tamron through and through.
Pentax got a bad reputation for doing this with DSLR lenses in the not-too-distant past. While Pentax nor Tamron ever officially acknowledged that this is what was happening, it was pretty clear to everyone that the Pentax 24-70 f/2.8, the 15-30mm f/2.8 and the 70-210mm f/4 were just rebranded Tamron lenses that Pentax went on to sell for quite a markup over the Tamron Canon EF and Nikon F mount versions.
But wait, there’s more
Take a closer look at the lens roadmap above, and you’ll see another familiar lens listed. That’s right; team yellow just happens to be making its own oddball 70-180mm f/2.8 telephoto zoom lens. You can read our E-mount review of this lens here. So, it’s pretty clear to see what the company is doing. There’s nothing wrong with this practice. I get that Nikon needs to flesh out its lens lineup quickly. Rebranding existing Tamron lenses is certainly one way to do this. However, I think Nikon owes it to their faithful to be honest about what’s happening.
There is another new lens on the roadmap that doesn’t appear to be a rebranded Tamron optic. The APS-C (DX) 12-28mm PZ sounds like it could be a pretty exciting option for Z-mount crop sensor cameras. We will have to keep our eyes peeled for that one. So, take this information about the new ‘Nikon’ lenses as you will. Again, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with Nikon doing this, but it would be nice to see some honesty. As it stands, both companies are refusing to admit to the practice.
What do you think about Nikon’s apparent rebranding of Tamron lenses? Do you think Nikon should cease the practice? Does it even matter? Let us know in the comment section below.
What difference does that make to you? At the end of the day, you could be shooting with a Tamron lens, a Nikon lens or a CarlZeiss lens, and as long as you get the results that you need, everything else is irrelevant. Does it make sense for Nikon to outsource? TOTALLY! Companies do this all the time so their resources can better focus on something else. Good for Nikon! Hopefully this move will result on a better Z line of cameras!
Exactly ‼️
It may make a difference if there’s a mark-up in price.
It looks like the Tamron version is an $800 lens, and the Nikon is $1200. Obviously both companies have to turn a profit to make the relationship feasible, but a 50% markup? Yikes.
I’ve also never been terribly impressed with the Tamron lenses I have tried. I returned both of the ones I bought and tried out. I have a much higher confidence level with Sigma, and own several of their lenses. I’d be more willing to take a shot at one of these if the OEM was Sigma. Just my personal opinion.
I think you’re missing the point of this article, which is not to make people think it’s a bad thing(he mentioned this multiple times) but rather to inform people that these lenses are likely going to be sold at first party prices to unsuspecting customers.
Not at a 200% mark-up
Maybe it is just the design they take over. S
Cease and disist immediately! Weak!
I’m no camera industry expert but I think that in today’s globalized world the word “rebranded” doesn’t mean much. A company can get its products made anywhere, by anyone with the capabilities and “rebranding” might just mean changing out the logo-bearing parts on an assembly line. What I mean is, the Tamron and Nikon families may already be more closely related than we realize.
Some time ago Tamron lenses were regarded as a less desirable choice, for photogs on a budget.
Now, if Tamron has upped their IQ then it’s ok: after all we can all read MTF charts and decide on our own.
As for the premium … You are guaranteed full functionality with Nikon cameras, Nikon warranty and from what I understand better weather protection.
Instead of giving away nikons sofrtware to tamron for tamoron lenses to work on nikon . nikon is taking lens design from tamron dumping their software n branding so than they work properly on nikon and not letting their software to leak out. There could be deal even if tamron reverse engineer on does AF lenses for Z no patent infringement will be filed .
The 28-75 is based on Tamron’s first “RXD“ version. So, Nikon is selling an outdated lens. The new VXD version has an improved optical design and much better autofocus.
There have to be other differences between the lenses beyond just changing the physical mount. The distance between the rear glass and the sensors is different, and the signaling and motor are different. Unless you take both apart there’s no way to know if the curvature of the lenses or the distance between them is different.
Nikon gets to offer a budget and pro choice of lenses. Budget from a company (Tamron) that has the line of lenses already developed but control of the technology of the z mount so as to avoid any issues with the mount. Nikon can concentrate on developing the nikon lenses for pro use. Maybe deveisome exotic lenses or at least 1.2 or 1.4s
Tamron lens Mabe partering with Nikon but let’s be clear, Tamron Quality is sub part the glass is never been a real head turner and the gearing is pure plastic and It freezes under cold conditions 40° Degrees as well as len’s not being weather proof.
Great price point But no quality
You must not have tried Tamron’s newer glass for mirrorless cameras. They’ve really elevated their game, making weather sealed, stabilized lenses that perform well even under the toughest conditions. I used their 28-75 f/2.8 G2 in an absolute downpour of snow last winter, with temperatures in the single digits. No problems focusing, and the photos turned out great.