Saitama, Japan—Morio Ono, president and CEO of Tamron Co., Ltd., announced the development of an advanced All-in-One zoom lens (model B016) designed for DSLRs with APS-C-size image sensors and providing an impressive 18.8x zoom ratio. A sample of the 16–300mm f/3.5–6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro lens, which incorporates Tamron’s PZD (Piezo Drive) and exclusive VC (Vibration Compensation) system, will be on display at the Tamron booth at CP+ 2014, February 13–16, 2014 in Yokohama, Japan.
Since the launch in 1992 of the 28–200mm (model 71D) high-power zoom lens—which featured a compact, lightweight design—Tamron has been expanding its portfolio of world-class optics to benefit consumers. The company previously launched an 18–270mm (model B008) All-in-One zoom lens for DSLRs with APS-C-size image sensors that features a 15x zoom ratio, swift, quiet autofocus and Tamron’s VC mechanism in an ultracompact package.
Responding to consumer demand for expanded focal lengths, both at the wide-angle end of the zoom range and the telephoto end, Tamron announced it has begun development of a new AiO zoom lens design that provides a 16–300mm focal length range (24.8–465mm equivalent) with “the world’s first zoom ratio of approximately 18.8x.” Users can enjoy framing flexibility by adjusting the angle of view using its zoom ring.
The lens is constructed of 16 elements in 12 groups, including three molded-glass aspherical elements, one hybrid aspherical element, two LD (low dispersion) elements, one XR (extra refractive index) glass element and one element of UXR (ultra-extra refractive index) glass that has a greater refractive index than XR. The specialized glass elements in the design is said to contribute “to thorough compensation of optical aberrations.” And the latest coating technology for suppressing reflections on lens element surfaces was added to minimize flare and ghosting and help assure sharp, high-contrast images.
The lens’s ultracompact size was achieved by employing UXR glass, which helps reduce the size of the front lens diameter, an optimized layout of the molded-glass aspherical elements and adopting a five-lens-group zoom system.
Other features include: a minimum focusing distance of 15.3 inches over the entire zoom range, with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.9, to support a range of macro photography capabilities; a PZD (Piezo Drive) standing-wave ultrasonic motor system engineered to deliver faster, quieter, more precise AF action; full-time manual focus; Tamron’s VC mechanism, which is designed to reduce blur caused by camera shake, even when shooting handheld at long telephoto settings; and moisture-resistant construction.
Tamron is also upgrading the cosmetic design and finish of the lens to create a “more sophisticated, high-end look in keeping with the demands of discerning DSLR users.” It will sport a linear pattern rubber grip on the zoom and focus rings, as well as a tungsten-silver name-brand ring.
Tamron’s new 16–300mm f/3.5–6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro lens will be compatible with Canon, Nikon and Sony mounts. Pricing to be announced. tamron.com
