Tamron’s Latest Lens Patent

credits: Tamron

A newly published Tamron patent suggests the company could be working on a 50-130mm f/2.8 zoom lens with an internal zoom design. The patent, P2026105742, was originally filed in December 2024 but only became publicly available on June 30, 2026. The optical designs described in the application cover a focal length range of approximately 51.5-130.9mm with an aperture of around f/2.88, which closely matches what would become a 50-130mm f/2.8 lens if it ever makes it to market. As with all lens patents, though, there is no guarantee that Tamron will actually turn it into a product.

The design has some similarities to Tamron’s existing 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD, although the focal length range has been moved further toward the telephoto end while keeping the fast aperture. The biggest difference is the zoom mechanism. Unlike the current lens, which extends as you zoom, the patent describes a true internal zoom design, meaning the lens would stay the same length throughout the entire zoom range. That brings a few practical benefits, including improved weather sealing, less chance of dust being pulled into the lens, and more consistent balance when shooting handheld or on a gimbal. Tamron has already used an internal zoom design on lenses such as the 17-50mm f/4, while its recently announced 17-70mm f/2.8 for Canon RF and Nikon Z still uses a traditional extending barrel.

If Tamron eventually releases a lens like this, it would make for an interesting addition to the lineup. As mentioned, a 50-130mm f/2.8 would sit fairly close to the company’s existing telephoto zoom, so it remains to be seen whether Tamron would offer both side by side or replace one with the other.