Tamron announces Nikon-compatible lenses with built-in AF engine

Written by Adorama News Writer
|
Published on May 14, 2008
Adorama News Writer
Adorama ALC

mpanies have had to scramble to retool their lenses to offer versions with built-in focus motors. One such company–Tamron USA, Inc–announced today the release of the AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD Aspherical (IF) Macro, a high power zoom
lens compatible with full-size SLR cameras, now features a built-in AF
motor for use with Nikon DSLRs and featuring Tamron’s
proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism. Tamron also announced the 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Macro, described as a lightweight, compact and fast standard zoom lens that will work with full-sized 35mm SLR sensors.



For details and specifications, read the Tamron press releases:



TAMRON ANNOUNCES AF28-300MM VC LENS EQUIPPED WITH BUILT-IN AF MOTOR FOR NIKON SLR CAMERAS (MODEL A20NII)



High Power Zoom Lens with Built-in Advanced VC Mechanism, Covering 465mm-Equivalent Angle of View* and Designed for All SLR Cameras



May 15, 2008, Commack, NY — Tamron USA, Inc. announced release of the AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO, a high power zoom lens compatible with full-size SLR cameras, now features a built-in AF motor for use with Nikon DSLRs (Model A20NII) and featuring Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism.



Since its introduction in October 2007, Tamron’s AF28-300mm VC zoom lens has been highly evaluated by many photographers the world over as a compact and high power zoom lens providing a 4-stop shutter speed advantage when VC is turned on. The lens covers an angle of view equivalent to that of a 465mm ultra telephoto lens when mounted on a digital SLR camera equipped with an APS-C size image sensor. The ultra telephoto range is one where Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism exhibits its compensation performance to the maximum extent. The lens enables the user to enjoy ultra telephotography with amazingly stabilized viewfinder images. Covering an angle of view equivalent to 43mm at its wideangle end, the lens lets the user respond to a wider variety of scenes than do tele-zoom lenses in the 70-300mm class.



The AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC (IF) MACRO is a compact and high power zoom lens that can be used as a standard zoom. It allows not only the users of conventional film SLR cameras and full frame DSLRs, but also owners of digital SLR cameras equipped with APS-C sized image sensors to comfortably enjoy SLR photography with 465mm-equivalent ultra telephoto without hand shake.



*35mm-format equivalent. When used on digital SLR cameras equipped with APS-C sized image sensors. When mounted on a digital SLR camera equipped with an APS-C sized image sensor. 35mm format equivalent (Tamron’s conversion value is 1.55x)



MAIN FEATURES



  • VC (Vibration Compensation) Mechanism Reduces Hand-shake


    The proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism developed by Tamron features a triaxial configuration using three pairs of driving coils and slide balls around the compensator group of the lens’ optical system. Since the compensator lenses are supported with rolling friction of the balls, the response performance is enhanced and the construction is simple, which results in the compactness of the lens. The lens incorporates a highly accurate gyro sensor for detecting hand-shake, which, combined with a 32-bit RISC CPU, offers comfortable anti-vibration effects. The result is a lens that offers excellent vibration compensation—4 extra stops can be gained when VC is turned on.



  • Outstanding Design Realizing High Zoom Power, VC Mechanism and Compactness


    The AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.5 XR Di VC integrates optical technologies that Tamron has accumulated as the pioneer and leader of high power zoom lenses in order to realize the desired compactness even while incorporating the VC mechanism. The optical system uses a number of lens elements made from special optical glass materials including XR (high refraction index) glass elements, GM (glass-molded) elements, hybrid aspherical elements, LD (low dispersion) glass elements to compensate for on-axis and lateral chromatic aberrations and AD (anomalous dispersion) glass element. The lens offers high contrast, high resolution performance and flatness of the image field as a one-does-it-all zoom lens designed to match the characteristics of DSLR cameras.



  • Revolutionary 19.3” MFD Throughout Zoom Range Provides 1:3 Macro


    The AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC MACRO boasts an MFD (minimum focusing distance) of 19.3” (0.49m) over the entire zoom range, a top-class close focusing capability among high power zoom lenses for full-size format SLR cameras, which provides the remarkable maximum macro magnification ratio of 1:3 at the 300mm telephoto end.



  • Internal Surface Coatings Minimize Ghosting and Flare


    Through the use of “Internal Surface Coatings” (i.e., multiple-layer coatings on cemented surfaces of plural elements) and multiple-layer coatings to prevent reflections from lens surfaces, ghosting and flare due to reflections that occur when light enters through the front element as well as reflections caused by the imager itself are reduced to the absolute minimum.



  • Ultra-High Zoom Power, yet Lightweight and Compact Design


    Tamron has reviewed the roles that respective barrel parts play in order to achieve the high power, compactness and light weight. As a result, dimensional increases are confined to a mere 0.7” (17.8mm) in overall length and about 5mm in diameter, when compared with the existing AF28-300mm (Model A061), despite the incorporation of the VC mechanism.



  • Zoom Lock Mechanism for Enhanced Portability


    The zoom lock prevents unwanted barrel extension when carrying the lens/camera combination over the shoulder.



  • Flower-shaped Lens Hood


    A flower-shaped lens hood is included as a standard accessory. The special hood provides optimum shading of superfluous light rays that enter from the rectangular frame outside the image field.


    SPECIFICATIONS

    Model Name ? A20

    Focal Length ? 28-300mm

    Maximum Aperture ? F/3.5-6.3

    Angle of View ? 75°23?-8°15??

    Lens Construction ? 18 elements / 13 groups

    Minimum Focusing Distance ? 19.3” (0.49m) (entire zoom range)

    Maximum Magnification Ratio ? 1:3 (at f=300mm, MFD=0.49m)

    Filter Diameter ? Ø67mm

    Overall Length ? 3.9” (99mm)*?

    Maximum Diameter ? Ø3.06” (Ø78.0mm)

    Weight ? 19.6oz (555g)*?

    Diaphragm Blades ? 9 blades

    Minimum Aperture ? F/22~F/40 (28mm~300mm)?

    Standard Accessory ? Flower-shaped hood

    Compatible Mounts ? Canon and Nikon (with Built-In Motor)




    *values given are for Nikon AF-D cameras%3B the cosmetic design and specs are subject to change without notice.



    TAMRON ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF SP AF28-75MM F/2.8 XR Di LD ASPHERICAL (IF) MACRO WITH BUILT-IN AF MOTOR FOR NIKON (MODEL A09NII)



    May 15, 2008, Commack, NY — Tamron Co., Ltd announced the launch of the popular SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO, a lightweight, compact and fast standard zoom lens compatible with full-size SLR cameras, now equipped with a built-in AF motor for use with Nikon cameras (model A09NII).



    The award-winning SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO zoom lens is a lightweight and compact standard zoom lens compatible with full-size SLR cameras and features a fast maximum aperture of F/2.8 that is constant over the entire zoom range. The lens enables users to enjoy the creative world of SLR photography by exploiting the attractive out-of-focus effect particular to fast maximum aperture lenses seen in portraiture or when using high shutter speeds.



    MAIN FEATURES



  • Lightweight, fast standard zoom lens featuring Tamron’s proprietary XR technology


    The optical system designed to optimize the power distribution within the system by the innovative employment of XR (high refractive index) glass elements has realized the compactness while effectively compensating for various aberrations. Four hybrid aspherical elements placed at ideal positions ensure high depictive performance while contributing to downsizing the overall length. In addition, three LD (low dispersion) glass elements deliver high quality images.



  • Minimum focus distance of 0.33m over the entire zoom range for 1:3.9 maximum magnification


    The SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di sports the minimum focus distance of 0.33m over the entire zoom range, the closest distance among fast standard zoom lenses in the class. With Tamron’s conventional SP AF28-105mm F/2.8 zoom lens, the minimum focus distance changes (0.5m at 28mm/105mm but 0.44m in the 70-85mm range). However, the SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di retains the minimum focus distance of 0.33m over the entire zoom range thanks to improvements in its optical and mechanical designs. The maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.9 at the 75mm tele end enables you to enjoy close-up photography easily.



  • Mechanical design improvements for downsizing the maximum diameter while minimizing changes in zooming torque


    By the employment of various improvements in its mechanical design, Tamron has successfully packed the complicated lens configuration into a compact body for downsizing the maximum diameter of the lens. In addition, the improved mechanical construction minimizes changes in zooming torque for enhancing operational ease. Hidden improvements are also made from the perspective of manufacturing engineering to enhance the accuracy of parts, realizing the light weight and increasing durability.



  • Zoom lock mechanism for convenience in carrying the outfit


    The lens has a built-in zoom lock mechanism to prevent sliding fall of its barrel when the outfit is carried around.



  • Flower-shaped lens hood as a standard accessory


    The lens is supplied with a flower-shaped lens hood as a standard accessory designed to efficiently cut harmful light entering from angles other than intended angles at four corners of the frame in order to ensure clear descriptive performance.



  • Form and texture appealing “high performance and the feel of high accuracy” worthy for the name “SP” – Outer design matching the new generation lens



    1. Two gold-colored metal rings are placed at a key portion of the lens in order to enhance the visibility of the symbol of Tamron’s “SP” series.



    2. The rubber pattern of the zoom and focus control rings has been changed to a pattern that is denser than the conventional rubber pattern, for better feel and touch in manipulating the lens.



    3. Typefaces on the lens have been changed for better visibility.



    4. Delicate matt-finish painting is added to the black painting over the lens barrel in order to enhance high quality image.


    SPECIFICATIONS



    Model Name A09N II

    Focal Length 28-75mm

    Maximum Aperture F/2.8

    Angle of View 75°- 32°

    Lens Construction 16 elements in 14 groups

    Minimum Focus Distance 0.33m (over the entire zoom range)

    Maximum Magnification Ratio 1:3.9 (at f=75mm)

    Filter Diameter 67mm

    Overall Length 92mm* ( in.)

    Maximum Diameter 73mm ( in.)

    Weight 510 g*

    Diaphragm Blade 7 blades

    Minimum Aperture F/32

    Standard Accessory Flower-shaped lens hood

    Mount For Nikon

    *The cosmetic design, specifications and performance are subject to change without notice.