If you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This supports our mission to get more people active and outside.Learn about Outside Online's affiliate link policy

Bison running in Yellowstone (Photo: Jonathan Steele)
We want to see your best national park photos. It’s that time of the year again. Pick your favorite shots taken in America’s national parks and submit them to the 16th National Park Photo Contest presented by Tamron. You may submit up to three photos per category beginning February 10, 2026, until the deadline on August 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM (MT), so start planning some getaways soon to capture your winning photo. We will award a grand prize in each of the three categories: Landscape, Wildlife and Night Skies, plus 10 honorable mentions.
Grand prize winners (one in each category) will get their choice of one Tamron camera lens described below, an REI gift card to be used for an America the Beautiful national parks pass (or adventure gear of choosing), and their winning photo published in an issue of the National Park Journal.
18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
Compatible Mounts: Canon RF mount (ARV: $629), Sony E mount (ARV: $699), Fujifilm X mount (ARV: $699), Nikon Z mount (ARV: $629)

The main feature of this 18-300mm lens is its broad 16.6x zoom ratio, the world’s first for an APS-C size mirrorless lens when it was released in 2021. It covers a focal length of 18-300mm, allowing you to take a wide range of photos from wide-angle to super-telephoto. In particular, this all-in-one zoom with its 300mm super-telephoto reach is useful in a wide range of situations, from vast landscapes and everyday snapshots to portraits, as well as animals, birds, sports and kids’ events. In addition, the weight is approximately 21.9oz (620g), and the filter diameter is Ø67mm— the same as many in our mirrorless lens series. The compact design is ideal for use on trips and hikes.
Find more information at tamron-americas.com/product/18-300mm-f-3-5-6-3-di-iii-a-vc-vxd/
— OR —
16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2
Compatible Mounts: Nikon Z and Sony E mounts (ARV: $929)

Expanding upon the success of the highly acclaimed TAMRON 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A046), the G2 model emerges as an advanced 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Model A064). While broadening the zoom range, this Nikon and Sony ultra wide angle lens maintains a compact, lightweight design and delivers exceptional image quality. In addition, it features improved autofocus performance and has been updated to the latest lens design, enhancing overall operability. It’s also compatible with TAMRON Lens Utility,™ allowing users to customize practical functions for both photography and videography. Retaining the mobility and versatility of its predecessor, the 16-30mm F2.8 G2 unlocks new creative possibilities. Experience the unique creative expressions that only a fast, ultra wide-angle lens can offer.
Find more information at tamron-americas.com/product/16-30mm-f-2-8-di-iii-vxd-g2/
— OR —
50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD
Compatible Mounts: Sony E-mount or Nikon Z mount (ARV: $1299)

The Tamron 50-400mm is the unprecedented, next-level ultra-telephoto zoom. Featuring a stunning 8x zoom ratio, it provides a wide range of focal lengths that covers the standard 50mm and stretches all the way to 400mm at the ultra-telephoto end that offers an unmatched level of versatility. With its wide 50mm starting focal length, full-body shots of subjects like wildlife can be captured in the surrounding environment. The wider end of this unique mirrorless zoom lens is particularly useful for side-line sports, wildlife and other subjects that move closer as you are shooting, allowing you to continue photographing without the need to change lenses. For spectacular results, the precise arrangement of special lens elements effectively delivers uncompromising high image quality throughout the entire 50-400mm zoom range.
Find more information at tamron-americas.com/
Good for a year’s worth of visits, the annual America the Beautiful Pass covers entrance at federal recreation sites across the country, including all our national parks. Use your gift card to purchase the pass, or otherwise fund your adventures. (ARV: $80)