Tamron today announced redesigned versions of two of its most popular zoom lenses for APS-C sensor Canon and Nikon DSLRs. The new Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2, has been revamped to improve autofocus speed and vibration compensation. The Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD, features improved optical performance and vibration compensation, and is the first Tamron lens to feature HLD (High/Low torque modulated drive).
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2
Featuring an all-new optical design, the Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is claimed to have an image stabilization performance of 5 stops, with improved autofocus speed. New features include eBAND coating, moistureproof and dust-resistant build, Fluorine coating, and compatibility with two newly introduced teleconverters. The lens is available in both Canon and Nikon mounts.
Key features:
• Constant f/2.8 maximum aperture
• 23 elements in 17 groups
• 77mm filter ring
• Fluorine-coated front element
• Moisture-proof, dust resistant
• Electromagnetic diaphragm for both Canon & Nikon mounts
• Arca-Swiss-style tripod mount
• USB connectivity for firmware upgrades via Tap-in console (additional accessory)
Tamron says that both the resolution and contrast reproduction performance far exceed the those of the current model, which this lens replaces in the lineup. A circular diaphragm with nine blades promises better bokeh. The lens consists of 23 elements in 17 groups. XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) and LD (Low Dispersion) glass elements are used to eliminate chromatic aberrations, which tend to become particularly prominent in high-speed telephoto lenses, while ensuring uniform, high-level image quality even on the periphery of the image plane.
Utilizing Tamron’s original VC (Vibration Compensation) system, which uses a moving coil mechanism, further reinforcement of the drive system power and control performance has now achieved the highest VC level in its class, with an image stabilization performance of up to 5 stops (according to the CIPA standard). The lens offers three VC modes, including one mode exclusively for panning. Photographers can freely choose between the different VC modes according to their shooting conditions. Even when telephoto shooting in low light, which tends to be severely affected by camera shake, photographers can now enjoy jitter-free handheld shooting with much greater flexibility.
The VC modes are:
• VC MODE 1 is the standard mode that strikes a great balance between the stability of the viewfinder image and the stabilization effects.
• VC MODE 2 is exclusively used for panning.
• VC MODE 3 prioritizes the stabilization of the captured images and forgoes the stabilization of the viewfinder image.
A USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) ring-type ultrasonic motor is said to promote accurate high-speed focusing. Two advanced, high-performance microcomputers and optimizing the algorithm have improved both the focusing speed and accuracy compared with the previous SP 70-200mm. Additionally, thanks to the Full-time Manual Focus override mechanism, photographers shooting with AF can instantaneously make fine focusing adjustments using MF without wasting time by switching the AF-MF mode back and forth. Closest focusing distance has been improved, from 50.7 inches in the old model to 37.4 inches, resulting in a maximum 1:6 magnification.
Tamron used eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) coating, a technology that combines a nano-structured layer with an extremely low refractive index with the conventional multiple-layer coatings. Optimized and exclusively designed for this new zoom, the eBAND Coating provides superior anti-reflection performance, effectively reducing any flare and ghosting, especially useful for backlit portraits.
The Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 DI VC USD G2 lens will be available from Adorama for Canon and Nikon APS-sensor cameras for $1,299.
Tamron 10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD
The Tamron 10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD is a wide-angle zoom lens that covers an exceptionally large range—the largest focal length range in its class1 (35mm equivalent is 16mm to 37mm). The lens is ideal for street photography, landscapes, group photos and casual everyday scenes. It replaces the original 10-24mm Tamron lens, which was introduced in 2008. The new lens is claimed to offer improved optical performance and new features and new technologies, including the VC (Vibration Compensation) system, Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating, and the first implementation of Tamron’s new HLD (High/Low torque modulated Drive).
Key features:
• f/3.5-4.5 maximum aperture range
• Closest focus 9.4 inches
• 77mm filter ring
• 7 circular aperture blades
• Fluorine coating
• Moisture-resistant
• Claimed 4-stop Vibration Compensation
The lens covers the equivalent of a 16-37mm lens on a 35mm DSLR, making it well-suited for real estate and architecture photography. Optical performance has been upgraded thanks to one LD (Low Dispersion) lens element, one XLD glass element, one molded glass aspherical element, and one hybrid aspherical lens. This is claimed to effectively compensate for a wide variety of aberrations, including chromatic and comatic aberrations and distortions common in wide-angle lenses. Tamron’s BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) Coating reduces internal reflections in the lens barrel also curbs the effects of harmful light rays that tend to occur with a wide-angle lens.
The new 10-24 is the first Tamron ultrawide zoom lens to include Tamron’s VC (Vibration Compensation), without increasing the physical size of the lens. Tamron says it’s effective up to 4 stops. Also appearing for the first time is the HLD (High/Low torque modulated Drive). According to Tamron, this can smoothly control the AF mechanism while allowing you to make manual focus adjustments at any time without having to switch to manual focus mode.
The Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 DI-II VC HLD lens will be available from Adorama for Canon and Nikon APS-sensor cameras for $499.
