Tamron unveils new 85mm f/1.8 and 90mm f/2.8 lenses

The new SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD lens. (Source: Tamron.)

The new SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD lens is the first of its type with integrated VC (Vibration Compensation), which enables it to be used hand-held in low light levels. Its optical design uses LD (Low Dispersion) and XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) glass elements to minimise colour fringing and achieve sharp images with faithful colour.
 

 The optical design of the SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD lens showing the locations of the exotic glass elements. (Source: Tamron.)

An electromagnetic diaphragm system, which has been a standard feature for Canon-mount lenses, is now employed in Nikon-mount lenses. More precise diaphragm and aperture control is possible because the diaphragm blades are driven and controlled by a motor through electronic pulse signals.

Fast, quiet autofocusing is achieved through use of a USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) ring-type ultrasonic motor which enables precise focusing with high torque and responsiveness. Full-time Manual Focus override is available at any point during the autofocus operation. This lens can focus to 80 cm and takes 67 mm filters. Canon mount versions are 91.3 mm long and weigh 700 grams, while Nikon versions are 88.8 mm long and weigh 660 grams.

Tamron’s SP 90mm F/2.8 MACRO 1:1 Di VC USD lens. (Source: Tamron.)

Heralded as ‘the rebirth of a classic’, the new SP 90mm f/2.8 MACRO 1:1 Di VC USD (Model F017) builds upon a legacy of superior optical performance. XY-Shift compensation has been added to the VC functionality to improve image stabilisation from infinity to macro. The optical design one LD (Low Dispersion) glass element and two XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) glass elements plus special elements to correct on-axis and lateral chromatic aberrations. Floating elements in the internal focusing system ensure the overall length of the lens never changes.
 

 The optical design of the 90mm F/2.8 MACRO 1:1 Di VC USD lens showing the locations of the exotic glass elements. (Source: Tamron.)

The 9-blade diaphragm retains a nearly perfect circular opening even when stopped down by two stops, ensuring smooth bokeh. The control software program for the USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) autofocus motor has been revised to provide substantially improved focusing speed and accuracy, ensuring better results when shooting at close range. This lens provides a comfortable working distance of at least 139 mm from the front of the lens for macro work. Full-time Manual Focus override mechanism is available. RRP for this lens is AU$1099.

Both lenses feature moisture-resistant construction and the addition of a durable fluorine coating to the front element surface to prevent condensation and repel grease. Two sophisticated lens coating technologies, eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) which uses nanotechnology, and BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection), combine to increase light transmission and reduce flare and ghosting. The Canon and Nikon versions of both lenses are available now, with the Sony version (which lacks VC stabilisation) will be released later in the year.

Announced concurrently with the new lenses is a new Tamron TAP-in Console, which enables lenses to be connected via USB to a personal computer for updating firmware, customising autofocus positions and adjusting the mechanical setup and preferences of compatible lenses. It is due for release in March.

For more information, visit http://www.maxwell.com.au/tamron/.