Commack, NY—Tamron debuted a high-speed ultrawide-angle zoom lens, the Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 (model A041), for full-frame DSLR cameras. The new model will be available in the Nikon mount on September 21 and in the Canon mount on October 12. With the release of this model, three of Tamron’s high-speed, f/2.8 zoom lenses with VC (vibration compensation) are now Generation 2 (G2).
The new lens incorporates an XGM (eXpanded glass molded aspherical) lens element, as well as multiple LD (low dispersion) lens elements. As a result, the distortion and lateral chromatic aberrations common in wide-angle shooting is minimized.
Furthermore, a newly developed AX (antireflection eXpand) coating is applied to reduce ghosting and flare more thoroughly than before. In addition to enhanced optical performance, the lens’s built-in dual MPU (micro-processing unit) enables improved autofocus (AF) speed and precision, as well as increased image stabilization. The AF drive also uses Tamron’s USD (ultrasonic silent drive) to enable high torque, high response and silent operation. In addition, it comes with a full-time manual focus override system. As a result, photographers can make manual focus adjustments on the fly.
Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Details
Model A041 is an f/2.8 ultrawide-angle lens with a focal length starting at 15mm. Its AX coating controls rays that affect image quality. The new proprietary coating, developed in-house by Tamron, uses specialized deposition technology. The coating keeps the reflection factor for peripheral areas at the same high level as that for the center area. In addition, it not only overcomes standard curvature issues but also problems of conventionally produced convex surfaces with large curvatures, for which uniform deposition was difficult to achieve.
Furthermore, the new lens uses eBand (extended bandwidth & angular-dependency) coating utilizing nanotechnology. It also employs Tamron’s BBAR (broadband antireflection) coating, which uses three types of coatings to curtail ghosting and flare.
In addition, model A041 has a newly developed VC mechanism that surpasses former versions and reaches 4.5 stops. This makes it possible to shoot sharp photos over a range of photographic scenes. They include indoor and outdoor shots as well as handheld shots at stopped-down aperture settings for landscape photography.
Also, the version for Canon EF-mount cameras comes with a filter holder as a standard feature. The holder lets photographers insert gelatin and other sheet filters into the rear side of the lens. As a result, using filters is easier because the holder overcomes the problem of the curvature of the front lens elements that makes shooting with filters difficult.
Additional Features
Additionally, Tamron improved the abrasion resistance capability of this lens. A fluorine coating is applied to the front surface of the lens element. The coating uses a newly developed compound with high water- and oil-repellent properties. The lens surface is easier to wipe clean and less vulnerable to the damaging effects of dirt, moisture and fingerprints.
Also, the lens has seals at the lens mount and other critical locations to prevent infiltration of moisture and rain. The moisture-resistant construction affords an additional layer of protection when shooting outdoors under adverse conditions. The lens also has a minimum object distance of 11 inches and a 9-bladed circular diaphragm.
Model A041 is also compatible with the Tamron TAP-in Console. The optional accessory provides a USB connection to a PC for updating the lens’s firmware as well as customizing features. These include fine adjustments to the focus position of AF and VC control.
Tamron’s SP 15–30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 lens has a retail price of $1,299.
