TAMRON REVIVES ICONIC MACRO LENS
LENS-MAKER TAMRON IS continuing its program of high-end prime lenses, announcing the introduction of a new SP Series 90mm f2.8 true macro model and an 85mm f1.8 fast short telephoto. These lenses join the SP 35mm f1.8 and 45mm f1.8 released towards the end of 2015.
The new SP 90mm f2.8 Macro Di VC USD (Model F017) incorporates an upgraded version of Tamron’s ‘VC’ (Vibration Compensation) optical image stabilisation which provides correction in the x-y plane via an accelerometer. This is particularly beneficial when working at very short focusing distances. Tamron says this lens’s image stabilisation provides up to 3.5 stops of correction for camera shake.
The new 90mm macro also has a redesigned optical construction comprising 14 elements in 11 groups which include one low dispersion (LD) type and two extra-low dispersion (XLD) types which correct for on-axis and lateral chromatic aberrations. A ‘floating’ focus configuration ensures optimum sharpness across the focusing range and down to 1:1 (i.e. lifesize) close-ups. The minimum focusing distance is 30 centimetres (the minimum working distance is 13.9 centimetres) and the minimum aperture is f32. A focus limiter is provided to shorten the focusing range for faster AF operation. Autofocusing is via Tamron’s USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) which uses new control software to improve both speed and accuracy. A ninebladed diaphragm gives smoother out-of-focus effects while Tamron’s ‘eBAND’ (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) and BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) multi-coating technologies are employed to optimise light transmission and minimise internal reflections. Designed for use with D-SLRs using full-35mm size sensors, the new Tamron SP 90mm macro is available now in the Canon EF and Nikon F mounts with a Sony mount version to follow.
This is also the case with the new SP 85mm f1.8 Di VC USD (Model F016) which shares most of the 90mm’s key features, including the updated image stabilisation, ultrasonic focusing motor, nine-blade diaphragm and advanced multicoatings. However, it also has a weatherised barrel construction and a fluorine coating on the front element to better repel moisture and dirt. A 13-element/nine-group construction includes both LD and XLD glass types to reduce chromatic aberrations and enhance sharpness. This model has a minimum focusing distance of 80 centimetres and a minimum aperture of f16. The Nikon mount version has an electromagnetic diaphragm for more precise control of aperture setting (already a standard feature on Tamron’s Canon mount lenses).
The new Tamron 90mm f2.8 1:1 macro lens is priced at $1099. The price for the 85mm f1.8 short telephoto has yet to be finalised. For more information visit www.tamron.com.au