Tamron announced two new lenses to its amazing lineup of professional quality SP lenses. According to Tamron, the company “has utilized a new design concept to enhance the outstanding performance provided by the SP Series. Our attention to every engineering detail has resulted in the most advanced optical and electro-mechanical designs being incorporated in SP Series, creating a new benchmark for high performance and visual elegance. The design philosophy embraces the importance of comfortable, ergonomic operation and positive tactile feedback, crucial factors in all types of photography. The newly designed all-metallic barrel features an embedded concave ring at the base of the lens—for a firm hold and comfort necessary for a steady shot. Switches are larger and reconfigured for smoother function and the typeface has been redesigned for intuitive legibility. The Tamron SP Series is the superlative example of the Lensmaker’s art.” Englewood Camera is accepting preorders of the new Tamron products, so please call us at (303) 797-0700 or email erin@englewoodcamera.com to do so.
Coming in March 2016, the new SP 90mm f/2.8 VC USD 1:1 Macro will be available in Canon, Nikon, and Sony A mounts. According to the Tamron Press Release, this newly designed lens includes “XY-Shift compensation has been newly added to reinforce VC functionality, further improving image stabilization from infinity to macro. Advancements in USD control software have also increased AF focusing speed, and optimally fine-tuned for various framing conditions. In addition, a high standard of Moisture-Proof and Dust-Resistant Construction has been added to prevent intrusion of dust or moisture, and a highly durable Fluorine Coating has been applied to the top element surface to prevent condensation and repel smudge-causing substances.”
This macro lens has been designed from its predecessor, the 90mm f/2.8 model F004, but with advanced construction, including the addition of a floating element system that shifts the location of a group of elements to the best possible position as the focusing group travels relative to shooting distances, one LD (Low Dispersion) specialized glass element that maximally limits the dispersion properties of light, and two XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) glass elements that correct dispersion properties to an even greater extent.
In addition to the new macro lens, Tamron also announced an SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD, the first full-frame lens of its kind. According to Tamron, “the 85mm SP lens uses LD (Low Dispersion) and XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) glass elements in the optical design to minimize color fringing and to achieve sharp and clear image quality with high-fidelity color. It also achieves attractive bokeh that draws attention to the image foreground subject. In addition, Moisture-Resistant Construction has been added to prevent intrusion of moisture, and a highly durable Fluorine Coating has been applied to the top element surface to prevent condensation and repel smudge-causing substances. This new lens joins the 35mm F/1.8, 45mm F/1.8 and 90mm Macro in a lineup of SP series prime lenses that has been expanding since 2015.”
An excellent addition to the 35mm f/1.8 VC and 45mm f/1.8 VC prime lenses, the new 85mm f/1.8 VC will be shipping sometime in April 2016, though pricing information is currently unavailable. This new lens not only offers VC, Tamron’s vibration control feature, it includes “experienced optical design technique combined with LD and XLD lens elements have virtually eliminated on-axis and lateral chromatic aberrations that might otherwise appear as color fringing. In addition, by thoroughly reducing comatic aberrations (distortion of off-axis point source) and astigmatism, subjects that appear as a distinct point source will be captured as a distinct point source even at the edges and corners of the frame. Furthermore, optical simulations were thoroughly conducted, and the 85mm achieves natural bokeh— that dreamy, semi-focus blur that separates the portrait subject from the background with a snap.” This will be the go-to lens for professional portrait photographers!
In addition to these two lenses, Tamron also announced its new TAP-in Console™, a new lens accessory that enables firmware updating and customized setups for selected Tamron lenses. The TAP-in Console™ is expected to be available in March 2016. Englewood Camera anticipates the use of this new accessory in its repair department, allowing for accurate customization’s of certain Tamron lenses, including focus and VC adjustments, and firmware updates. Customers will also be able to purchase the TAP-in Console accessory to perform calibrations and firmware updates from the comfort of their own home or studio. The retail price for this accessory has not yet been announced, but you can check back with us shortly if interested!
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