Tamron has released details of a new ultra-high-power zoom lens for digital SLR cameras, the Tamron AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO (Model B003).

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July 30, 2008: Tamron has released details of a new ultra-high-power zoom lens for digital SLR cameras, the Tamron AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO (Model B003).
The new lens – which is designed exclusively for DSLR cameras with APS-C sized image sensors – is constructed from 18 elements, arranged in 13 groups with two LD (Low Dispersion) glass elements and three aspherical elements to minimise major aberrations. Tamron employs multi-layer coatings in order to reduce reflections on lens surfaces as well as internal surface coatings (coatings on the cemented surfaces of lens elements) to minimise reflections from the sensor itself within the mirror box. Covering a zoom range equivalent to 28-419mm in 35mm format, the new lens offers a minimum focusing distance of 49 cm across the entire zoom range. The maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.5 is reached at the 270mm telephoto focal length.
One key feature of the new lens is its effective Vibration Compensation (VC) system. Tamron’s proprietary tri-axial VC mechanism, which uses three coils to drive a compensator lens electromagnetically via three steel balls. Since the compensator lens is supported on rolling steel balls with very low friction, photographers view stabilised viewfinder images. Because the mechanism is designed to allow parallel shifting of the compensator lens solely by means of electrical control, the mechanical construction is simpler and more compact, resulting in the smallest lightest DSLR lens possible. Tamron claims the new lens allows users to use shutter speeds that are up to four f-stops slower than they could with a non-stabilised lens.
A built-in zoom lock prevents the barrel from sliding forward or down when the lens is being carried on the camera. The lens is supplied with a flower-shaped lens hood as a standard accessory. The new lens will be made available in Canon and Nikon mounts. The price and launch date of the new lens have still to be announced. For more information, phone Maxwell International Australia on (02) 8756 6400 or visit www.maxwell.com.au.