Tamron first introduced its SP (Super Performance) series of lenses in 1979. Since then, the SP lenses have undergone many changes throughout the years. The first introductions in the recently updated series are two pro-level prime lenses that are compatible with full-frame DSLR cameras. They feature image stabilization and a very wide maximum aperture.
Tamron SP 35mm f/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F012)
This lens features a standard wide-angle field of view, which is ideal for landscape photographers or for anyone who wants to capture a broad scene. Its solid, moisture-resistant construction makes it possible for outdoor shooters to use this lens in a variety of weather conditions. It boasts a wide maximum aperture of f/1.8, and enables photographers to capture a very pleasing background blur (bokeh). At the opposite end, the minimum aperture of f/16 yields image sharpness near and far. Its VC (Vibration Compensation) feature is very important for use with today’s high megapixel cameras, even in wide-angle lenses. Photographers have greater freedom in handheld shooting at dusk or in a dimly illuminated room, because VCeliminates the camera shake that often accompanies long exposure times.
The SP 35mm offers an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of just 7.9 inches, which is currently the shortest close-focusing distance in fast prime lenses designed for full-frame format cameras. This feature allows photographers to shoot at very close proximity to a subject, and has a magnification ratio of 1:2.5, nearly true macro capability. Sometimes vignetting (dark image corners) occurs with wide-angle lenses, but Tamron’s Optimal Relative Illumination allows for even light distribution across the entire field of view, even at fully open apertures.Other features include eBAND and BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) coatings to minimize ghosting and flare, and USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) for fast, quiet auto-focusing. The SP 35mm lens is designed for use with full-frame cameras, but is compatible with APS-C models at a 35mm equivalent focal length of 54mm.
Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F013)
As with the SP 35mm, the SP 45mm is currently the first prime standard lens in a full-frame format that offers VC (Vibration Compensation). It has a standard focal length with a slight wide angle of view, making it a great choice for portraiture when a photographer wants to include some of the background. The SP 45mm has solid, moisture-resistant construction for shooting in a variety of weather conditions, and a fluorine coating on the front lens element repels water and fingerprints. This lens has a 9-blade diaphragm, and with a 10-element, 8-group optical design, the SP 45mm provides great image quality. Users can get a pleasing background blur (bokeh) when shooting at f/1.8, and overall sharpness in a scene when shooting at f/16, the lens’s minimum aperture.
The SP 45mm features an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 11.4 inches with a magnification ratio of 1:3.4 for shooting at close range. Tamron incorporates eBAND and BBAR coatings to reduce reflections and minimize ghosting and flare. Fast, quiet auto-focusing is made possible with a USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) ring-type ultrasonic motor. Users can employ Full-time Manual Focus override at any point during AF operation to deliberately shift focus without switching the AF-MF mode back and forth. The SP 45mm is designed for use with full-frame cameras, and provides a 35mm equivalent focal length of 70mm on APS-C DSLRs.
The SP 35mm f/1.8 Di VC USD and SP 45mmf/1.8 Di VC USD lenses will be available for Canon EF and Nikon F cameras in October 2015. In the near future, they will be launched for Sony Alpha cameras. (The Sony model won’t include VC, as Sony DSLR cameras have built-in image stabilization.) Both lenses include SIKLYPIX Developer Studio 4.0 editing software, a flower-shaped lens hood and lens caps at a price of $599.
