A Technological Breakthrough—World’s first 15X zoom with built-in Vibration Compensation (VC) Mechanism for digital SLR cameras.
Cologne, July 30, 2008 – TAMRONs newest megazoom development reaches a new record. The Tamron AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO (Model B003), the first digital SLR lens in the world that delivers a remarkable zoom ratio of 15X. Apart from its gigantic 28-419mm equivalent focal length range it is equipped with a highly effective Vibration Compensation (VC) mechanism. Designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras with APS-C sized image sensors, the new lens delivers outstanding image quality over the entire zoom range. Its exclusive VC anti-shake system facilitates sharp handheld photography even at the longest telephoto settings or in otherwise unfavorable lighting conditions.
Its gigantic zoom-range of 18-270mm makes it the ultimate universal lens; covering virtually any photographic subject from wide angle to ultra telephoto. When converted to 35mm format , the lens covers an angle of view equivalent to 28mm to 419mm. This breakthrough lens is equipped with Tamron’s proprietary tri-axial Vibration Compensation (VC) mechanism that eliminates or substantially reduces the effects of handheld camera shake, making it suitable for almost every imaginable photographic situation. News photography, events, sporting, people, nature and family can be captured with this lens as well as architecture and urban settings. Its universal character and its compactness make it an ideal travel companion, making other lenses redundant.
The new lens will be available with Canon and Nikon mounts. The price and launch date of the new lens will be announced at a later date.
The new milestone in the history of Tamron Megazooms
Tamron, the “pioneer in megazooms" has continued to optimize high power zoom lenses since the launching of the highly acclaimed Tamron AF28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 (Model 71D) in 1992 by implementing innovative ideas and improving usability. With the AF18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XI Di II (Model A14), designed for the exclusive use with digital SLR cameras Tamron realized an 11.1X zoom power for the first time and further expanded the telephoto range to 13.9X with the AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II (Model A18).
Tamron’s engineers faced the even more difficult challenge of finding solutions for the problem of “handheld camera shake" while expanding the telephoto range even further. Thanks to their advanced optical/mechanical design technologies, production know-how and ongoing commitment to research and development as the pioneer in megazooms, Tamron developed the AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC the worlds first 15X zoom for the exclusive use with digital SLR cameras. The VC Mechanism ideally complements the large focal length range and offers photographers new freedom and creative possibilities.
MAIN FEATURES
1.World’s first and greatest zoom ratio of 15X, covering 28-419mm when converted to 35mm-equivalent angle of view
Based on the original basic concept of “one lens covering everything from wide angle to telephoto," engineers at Tamron took up the difficult task of expanding the zoom range of Tamron’s megazooms beyond previous limits without a loss in image quality. The result is the first 15X zoom in the world for digital SLRs, achieved by using the most modern of materials and an optimal balance in optical design.
2.Tamron’s original VC mechanism for effective shake-free hand-held photography
Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism was built in the AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di VC (Model A20) for the first time. It demonstrated its powerful compensation effect employing a tri-axial system that is designed to let three coils drive a compensator lens electromagnetically via three steel balls. Since the compensator lens is supported on rolling steel balls with very low friction, follow-up performance is also enhanced, resulting in stabilized viewfinder images. Since the mechanism is designed to allow parallel shifting of the compensator lens solely by means of electrical control, the mechanical construction is simpler and more compact, so the lens can be kept as a small and light as possible.
3.Optimizing optical design for high performance
Tamron’s designers equipped with over 16 years of experience and know-how in megazoom design ensured an optimal balance in performance throughout the entire zoom range. The optical system uses two LD (Low Dispersion) elements and three aspherical elements to effectively compensate for various aberrations including astigmatism.
The design assures that the first optical group is small enough in diameter in order to realize the overall goal of a compact lens, despite the integration of the VC compensation mechanism.
4.Minimum focusing distance of 0.49m over the entire zoom range for the maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.5
The AF18-270mm Di II VC allows close focusing down to 0.49m throughout the entire zoom range, although it incorporates the VC mechanism. The maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.5 at its 270mm telephoto end marks top class capability among megazooms exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras.
5.Optical system optimized for use with digital SLRs
In order to effectively compensate for changes in aberrations due to zooming, the zoom employs an innovative optical system that is designed to converge the angles of rays of light entering from the center to the periphery of the lens. The light rays thus reach the image sensor within a defined circle that assures high imaging performance and reduces light fall-off.
6. High resolution performance
Since the lens was exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras, the zoom delivers high resolution and contrast performance for outstanding image quality with sufficient flatness of the field under an extremely wide range of photographic conditions.
7.Thorough countermeasures, including advanced internal surface coatings, prevent ghosting and flare
Tamron employs multi-layer coatings in order to reduce reflections on lens surfaces as well as internal surface coatings (coatings on the cemented surfaces of lens elements) in order to minimize reflections from the sensor itself within the mirror box, a problem inherent to all digital SLR cameras.
8.Compact, despite 15X zoom power and built-in VC mechanism
A large zoom range normally means that the components of the zoom have to go a long way, often resulting in big and heavy lenses. Despite the unique 15X zoom power and the integration of the VC mechanism; Tamron managed to keep the maximum diameter of the lens under 80mm. In order to reach this achievement, complex optical/mechanical components were incorporated as well as innovative manufacturing techniques. At the same time accuracy was further enhanced, reducing the overall weight whilst increasing the strength of many components.
9.Zoom lock mechanism
The lens has a built-in zoom lock mechanism to prevent its barrel from sliding forward when the lens is being carried on the camera.
10. Flower-shaped lens hood as a standard accessory
The lens is supplied with a flower-shaped lens hood as a standard accessory. It is designed to efficiently cut harmful light entering at angles other than intended angles at all four corners of the frame. This ensures clear, flare-free images.
11. New exterior design emphasizing the requirements of the newest generation of high power digital zoom lenses
(1) The lens employs a new exterior design that is smoother in its overall contours by minimizing concavity, convexity, and variations in profile in order to suit the latest digital SLR cameras.
(2) The “TAMRON" logo is centered in the gold-colored metal ring which is common to other Di II lenses, enhancing brand visibility and refining the overall design.
(3) A delicate matte finish underlines the superior quality standards of the lens.
(4) The textured rubber pattern of the zoom and focus control rings has been improved. A more pronounced, easy to grasp design was chosen for better handling.
Cologne, July 30, 2008 – TAMRONs newest megazoom development reaches a new record. The Tamron AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO (Model B003), the first digital SLR lens in the world that delivers a remarkable zoom ratio of 15X. Apart from its gigantic 28-419mm equivalent focal length range it is equipped with a highly effective Vibration Compensation (VC) mechanism. Designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras with APS-C sized image sensors, the new lens delivers outstanding image quality over the entire zoom range. Its exclusive VC anti-shake system facilitates sharp handheld photography even at the longest telephoto settings or in otherwise unfavorable lighting conditions.
Its gigantic zoom-range of 18-270mm makes it the ultimate universal lens; covering virtually any photographic subject from wide angle to ultra telephoto. When converted to 35mm format , the lens covers an angle of view equivalent to 28mm to 419mm. This breakthrough lens is equipped with Tamron’s proprietary tri-axial Vibration Compensation (VC) mechanism that eliminates or substantially reduces the effects of handheld camera shake, making it suitable for almost every imaginable photographic situation. News photography, events, sporting, people, nature and family can be captured with this lens as well as architecture and urban settings. Its universal character and its compactness make it an ideal travel companion, making other lenses redundant.
The new lens will be available with Canon and Nikon mounts. The price and launch date of the new lens will be announced at a later date.
The new milestone in the history of Tamron Megazooms
Tamron, the “pioneer in megazooms" has continued to optimize high power zoom lenses since the launching of the highly acclaimed Tamron AF28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 (Model 71D) in 1992 by implementing innovative ideas and improving usability. With the AF18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XI Di II (Model A14), designed for the exclusive use with digital SLR cameras Tamron realized an 11.1X zoom power for the first time and further expanded the telephoto range to 13.9X with the AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II (Model A18).
Tamron’s engineers faced the even more difficult challenge of finding solutions for the problem of “handheld camera shake" while expanding the telephoto range even further. Thanks to their advanced optical/mechanical design technologies, production know-how and ongoing commitment to research and development as the pioneer in megazooms, Tamron developed the AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC the worlds first 15X zoom for the exclusive use with digital SLR cameras. The VC Mechanism ideally complements the large focal length range and offers photographers new freedom and creative possibilities.
MAIN FEATURES
1.World’s first and greatest zoom ratio of 15X, covering 28-419mm when converted to 35mm-equivalent angle of view
Based on the original basic concept of “one lens covering everything from wide angle to telephoto," engineers at Tamron took up the difficult task of expanding the zoom range of Tamron’s megazooms beyond previous limits without a loss in image quality. The result is the first 15X zoom in the world for digital SLRs, achieved by using the most modern of materials and an optimal balance in optical design.
2.Tamron’s original VC mechanism for effective shake-free hand-held photography
Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism was built in the AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di VC (Model A20) for the first time. It demonstrated its powerful compensation effect employing a tri-axial system that is designed to let three coils drive a compensator lens electromagnetically via three steel balls. Since the compensator lens is supported on rolling steel balls with very low friction, follow-up performance is also enhanced, resulting in stabilized viewfinder images. Since the mechanism is designed to allow parallel shifting of the compensator lens solely by means of electrical control, the mechanical construction is simpler and more compact, so the lens can be kept as a small and light as possible.
3.Optimizing optical design for high performance
Tamron’s designers equipped with over 16 years of experience and know-how in megazoom design ensured an optimal balance in performance throughout the entire zoom range. The optical system uses two LD (Low Dispersion) elements and three aspherical elements to effectively compensate for various aberrations including astigmatism.
The design assures that the first optical group is small enough in diameter in order to realize the overall goal of a compact lens, despite the integration of the VC compensation mechanism.
4.Minimum focusing distance of 0.49m over the entire zoom range for the maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.5
The AF18-270mm Di II VC allows close focusing down to 0.49m throughout the entire zoom range, although it incorporates the VC mechanism. The maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.5 at its 270mm telephoto end marks top class capability among megazooms exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras.
5.Optical system optimized for use with digital SLRs
In order to effectively compensate for changes in aberrations due to zooming, the zoom employs an innovative optical system that is designed to converge the angles of rays of light entering from the center to the periphery of the lens. The light rays thus reach the image sensor within a defined circle that assures high imaging performance and reduces light fall-off.
6. High resolution performance
Since the lens was exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras, the zoom delivers high resolution and contrast performance for outstanding image quality with sufficient flatness of the field under an extremely wide range of photographic conditions.
7.Thorough countermeasures, including advanced internal surface coatings, prevent ghosting and flare
Tamron employs multi-layer coatings in order to reduce reflections on lens surfaces as well as internal surface coatings (coatings on the cemented surfaces of lens elements) in order to minimize reflections from the sensor itself within the mirror box, a problem inherent to all digital SLR cameras.
8.Compact, despite 15X zoom power and built-in VC mechanism
A large zoom range normally means that the components of the zoom have to go a long way, often resulting in big and heavy lenses. Despite the unique 15X zoom power and the integration of the VC mechanism; Tamron managed to keep the maximum diameter of the lens under 80mm. In order to reach this achievement, complex optical/mechanical components were incorporated as well as innovative manufacturing techniques. At the same time accuracy was further enhanced, reducing the overall weight whilst increasing the strength of many components.
9.Zoom lock mechanism
The lens has a built-in zoom lock mechanism to prevent its barrel from sliding forward when the lens is being carried on the camera.
10. Flower-shaped lens hood as a standard accessory
The lens is supplied with a flower-shaped lens hood as a standard accessory. It is designed to efficiently cut harmful light entering at angles other than intended angles at all four corners of the frame. This ensures clear, flare-free images.
11. New exterior design emphasizing the requirements of the newest generation of high power digital zoom lenses
(1) The lens employs a new exterior design that is smoother in its overall contours by minimizing concavity, convexity, and variations in profile in order to suit the latest digital SLR cameras.
(2) The “TAMRON" logo is centered in the gold-colored metal ring which is common to other Di II lenses, enhancing brand visibility and refining the overall design.
(3) A delicate matte finish underlines the superior quality standards of the lens.
(4) The textured rubber pattern of the zoom and focus control rings has been improved. A more pronounced, easy to grasp design was chosen for better handling.
Tamron AF18-270mm Di II VC ultra high power zoom lens
Tamron