TAMRON Firmware Update: Improved AF Tracking & AF Assist

A TAMRON firmware update for two Sony E-mount lenses improves autofocus tracking performance when photographing moving subjects and adds support for the AF Assist function during video recording.

The update applies to the 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Model A047) and the 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Model B061). Both lenses receive firmware Ver. 2. TAMRON announced the update on September 17, 2024.

What does the TAMRON firmware update improve?

The update focuses on two important autofocus improvements:

• Improved AF tracking performance when shooting moving subjects

• AF Assist support during video recording

These improvements are designed to help photographers maintain focus on moving subjects and give compatible Sony cameras additional focusing support when recording video.

The update is available for both the A047 and B061 Sony E-mount lenses.

70-300mm A047 firmware Ver. 2

The 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Model A047) receives firmware Ver. 2.

According to TAMRON, the update improves AF tracking performance when shooting moving objects. It also adds compatibility with the AF Assist function during video recording on supported Sony cameras.

The A047 is a telephoto zoom designed for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras. Improved autofocus tracking can be particularly useful when photographing subjects that move unpredictably or change their distance from the camera.

Improved autofocus tracking

AF tracking allows the camera to continue following a selected subject as it moves through the frame.

With the firmware update installed, TAMRON states that AF tracking performance has been improved when shooting moving objects.

This can benefit a variety of photography situations, including:

• Sports

• Wildlife

• Children and pets

• Outdoor activities

• Moving vehicles

• Events and action photography

A more reliable connection between the camera’s autofocus system and the lens can help photographers maintain focus as their subjects move.

AF Assist for video recording

Firmware Ver. 2 also adds compatibility with the AF Assist function during video recording.

This feature is available only with Sony camera models that support AF Assist.

For video creators, autofocus assistance can be useful when maintaining focus while recording moving subjects.

18-300mm B061 firmware Ver. 2

The 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Model B061) also receives firmware Ver. 2.

The update improves AF tracking performance when photographing moving subjects and adds compatibility with AF Assist during video recording.

The B061 is an all-in-one zoom designed for APS-C mirrorless cameras. Its broad 18-300mm focal-length range makes it suitable for situations where photographers need to move quickly between wide-angle and telephoto perspectives.

Improved AF tracking for moving subjects

The B061’s firmware update improves autofocus tracking when shooting moving objects.

This is useful for photographers who use the lens for travel, family photography, outdoor activities, wildlife or other subjects where movement is involved.

The improved tracking can help the camera maintain focus as the subject changes position within the frame.

Because the B061 covers a wide range of focal lengths, photographers can also change composition quickly without changing lenses.

AF Assist during video recording

The update also adds compatibility with the AF Assist function during video recording.

This provides additional focusing support for compatible Sony camera models. TAMRON notes that AF Assist support depends on the Sony camera body being used.

For creators who use the B061 for video, the update can therefore improve the lens’s compatibility with supported autofocus functions.

Firmware versions for the A047 and B061

The September 2024 TAMRON firmware update applies to both lenses, but the lenses have different firmware histories.

TAMRON’s official announcement lists September 17, 2024 as the update date for both models.

How to update the A047 and B061 firmware

The update process is different from some other TAMRON lenses that use TAMRON Lens Utility.

For both the A047 and B061 Sony E-mount versions, TAMRON specifies that the firmware should be updated through the camera body.

Before starting the update, make sure you follow the firmware instructions for your specific lens and camera combination.

Update checklist

Before updating:

1. Confirm the lens model and mount.

2. Check the firmware version currently installed.

3. Use a compatible Sony camera body.

4. Follow TAMRON’s official firmware instructions.

5. Make sure the camera battery has sufficient charge.

6. Do not interrupt the firmware update process.

7. Confirm the firmware version after completing the update.

The official TAMRON announcement provides the firmware download information and update method for both lenses.

Why update your TAMRON lens firmware?

Keeping lens firmware current can improve compatibility between the lens and camera system.

For the A047 and B061, the September 2024 update provides improvements that are especially relevant to photographers who shoot moving subjects.

The improved AF tracking can help the camera maintain focus on moving subjects, while AF Assist compatibility expands supported autofocus functionality during video recording.

Firmware updates can therefore be useful even when the lens is already functioning normally. An update may add compatibility or improve features that become important as camera systems and shooting requirements evolve.

AF tracking for moving subjects

Autofocus tracking is particularly important when the subject’s position changes continuously.

A photographer shooting a moving subject may need to maintain focus while the subject approaches, moves away or changes direction.

The A047 and B061 firmware updates specifically address this type of shooting by improving AF tracking performance when photographing moving objects.

For the A047, this can be useful at longer focal lengths where small changes in subject distance can have a noticeable effect on framing and focus.

For the B061, the broad zoom range provides additional flexibility for subjects that may move between close and distant positions.

AF Assist for video

Video autofocus presents different challenges from still photography.

A subject may move continuously while the camera records for an extended period. Autofocus assistance can help maintain reliable focus during these situations.

The A047 and B061 firmware updates add support for AF Assist during video recording when used with compatible Sony cameras.

TAMRON specifically notes that AF Assist support is limited to Sony camera models that provide this function.

For this reason, users should check their camera’s compatibility before expecting AF Assist functionality after updating the lens.

A047 and B061 firmware update compatibility

Although both lenses receive firmware Ver. 2, they are designed for different camera formats.

The 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (A047) is a full-frame Sony E-mount telephoto zoom.

The 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (B061) is an APS-C all-in-one zoom.

Because of these differences, users should make sure they select the correct firmware information for their specific lens.

Do not install firmware intended for another TAMRON model.

Check your firmware version

Before performing an update, check the firmware version currently installed on the lens.

The relevant versions for this TAMRON firmware update are:

70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (A047)
Sony E-mount — Ver. 2

18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (B061)
Sony E-mount — Ver. 2

TAMRON’s official announcement identifies both updates as Ver. 2 and dated September 17, 2024.

Keep your TAMRON lens firmware updated

The TAMRON firmware update for the A047 and B061 improves autofocus performance for moving subjects and adds AF Assist support during video recording.

For photographers using the 70-300mm A047, the improved AF tracking can provide better support when photographing moving subjects.

For users of the 18-300mm B061, the update enhances the autofocus experience of an all-in-one zoom that is often used for travel, outdoor photography and everyday shooting.

Both lenses receive firmware Ver. 2, and TAMRON specifies that the update is performed through the compatible camera body.

If you own either lens, check the installed firmware version and refer to TAMRON’s official firmware support information before updating.

Keeping the lens firmware current helps ensure that supported autofocus functions work as intended with compatible Sony cameras.

Download Links

Notes:
Please update the firmware via TAMRON Lens Utility

(Download at https://www.tamron.com/global/consumer/support/download/lensutility/)

TAMRON 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD (Model A071) for Sony E-Mount