Press release: Tamron Announces the Development of Compact and Lightweight High-Speed Telephoto Zoom Lens for Sony E-Mount Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras

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Tamron Announces the Development of Compact and Lightweight High-Speed Telephoto Zoom Lens for Sony E-Mount Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras

October 23, 2019, Commack, NY – Tamron announces the development of a new high-speed telephoto zoom lens for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras, the 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A056). Availability of this new zoom is planned for Spring 2020. The lens will be on display at the upcoming Photo Plus Expo in New York City this week and Salon de la Photo in Paris next month.

Developed under the concept of “making high-speed zoom lenses user-friendly,” Model A056 features a compact and lightweight design, an ideal match for full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. The 67mm filter diameter is the same as all other Tamron lenses in this series. The optical design includes several specialized glass elements that contribute to the lens’s superb imaging performance and its very short 33.5 in MOD (Minimum Object Distance) expands overall versatility. The lens adopts Tamron’s newly developed VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism that produces a quiet, quick autofocus drive.

Other features that support a great shooting experience include a Moisture-Resistant Construction helpful for outdoor shooting and Fluorine Coating for easy maintenance. In addition, Model A056 is fully compatible with various camera-specific features including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF. This new model joins the 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A046) and the 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A036) and brings Tamron’s total of F/2.8 zoom lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras to three.

Main features

  1. Comfortably compact (149mm / 5.9 in) and light weight (815g / 28.7 oz).
  2. 67mm filter diameter, same as all other Tamron lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras.
  3. Superb optical performance and MOD of 5 in. for a broader range of photographic versatility.
  4. Extremely quiet and fast newly developed VXD linear motor focus mechanism.
  5. Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating contribute to a comfortable, user friendly photographic experience.
  6. Compatible with various camera-specific features including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF.

* Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. are subject to change without prior notice.

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Press release: Tamron Announces Three Close-Focusing Prime Lenses For Sony E-Mount Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras

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Preorders:
Tamron 20mm  f/2.8 at Adorama and BHphoto.
Tamron 24mm  f/2.8 at Adorama and BHphoto.
Tamron 35mm  f/2.8 at Adorama and BHphoto.

Tamron Announces Three Close-Focusing Prime Lenses For Sony E-Mount Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras

20mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2(Model F050)
24mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2(Model F051)
35mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2(Model F053)

October 22, 2019, Commack, NY – Tamron announces the launch of three prime lenses for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras: 20mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 (Model F050), 24mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 (Model F051), and 35mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 (Model F053). The 24mm and 35mm lenses will be available on November 20th and the 20mm will be available in January 2020. All three lenses will be available in the USA for approximately $349.

Having already produced award-winning zoom lenses[1] in this mirrorless category, we turned our attention toward prime lenses. When using a prime lens, the photographer must decide the composition based on their distance from the subject. This puts the joy of capturing the image exactly as envisioned and the pure fun of shooting on a different level.

The three new models include a 20mm focal length (Model F050) to fully explore the world of ultra-wide-angles, a 24mm focal length (Model F051) as the perfect general-purpose wide-angle lens, and the versatile 35mm focal length (Model F053) that is ideal for everyday/every subject use. Developed under the concept of “letting as many as possible learn the joy of prime lenses in a more accessible way,” each lens strikes a balance between gorgeous image rendering and superior operation.

We matched the same filter size (φ67mm) for all three prime lenses as well as the two previously launched zooms and achieved our aim of compactness. Furthermore, the 20mm, 24mm and 35mm lenses are all capable of focusing very close, to an unprecedented in this category magnification ratio of 1:2. Other features include Moisture-Resistant Construction (for outdoor shooting) and a Fluorine Coating on the front element for easy maintenance and fingerprint removal.

They also support various camera features offered by certain Sony cameras, such as Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF, and offer a multitude of advanced functions to ensure a pleasant shooting experience and fantastic results.

This series of highly practical lenses lets photographers enjoy the photographic expression of wide-angle lenses, often regarded as the sweet spot for most photographic pursuits, plus unprecedented light weight and full-blown performance.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

  1. Enhanced close-focusing capability expands lens usefulness and versatility

These prime lenses focus very close. The MOD (Minimum Object Distance) for the 20mm, 24mm and 35mm is 4.3, 4.7 and 5.9 inches respectively. Plus, the maximum magnification ratio for all three is 1:2. This remarkable performance allows users to create compositions that emphasize perspective (closer subjects are larger and distant ones are smaller) and that are unique to wide-angle lenses.

Being able to get in close is one of the most desirable specifications for a wide-angle lens. With dramatic closeup shooting performance for full-frame lenses, the series unleashes an unprecedented level of shooting freedom. Plus, by moving close to the subject, strongly blurred backgrounds are easier to attain.

  1. A compact, lightweight 67mm filter diameter system offering excellent portability

Weighing in at 7.8 oz for the 20mm (Model F050), 7.6 oz for the 24mm (Model F051) and 7.4 oz for the 35mm (Model F053), the lenses are exceptionally light, allowing photographers to enjoy shooting comfortably without hesitating about whether to carry the lens. All three lenses combined weigh under 1.5 pounds! Meanwhile other lenses in Tamron’s lightweight full-frame mirrorless series such as the 28-75mm F/2.8 (Model A036) standard zoom or 17-28mm F/2.8 (Model A046) ultra-wide-angle zoom make the perfect companions to broaden the range of shooting possibilities.

As testament to their compactness, all three new models feature the same 67mm filter diameter as Tamron’s zoom lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras. This significantly reduces cost and packing space when working with PL, ND and other filters. Even the front lens caps are the same size, eliminating the hassle of sorting caps when switching lenses. These features combine to produce a highly convenient and mobile system that adds more fun to photography.

  1. Superb high-resolution performance that matches the latest high-resolution image sensors

The sophisticated optical formula created with the latest lens design technologies boasts exceptionally high rendering performance from edge to edge thanks to the optimal arrangement of LD (Low Dispersion) and GM (glass-molded aspherical) lens elements. Any remaining minor distortions sometimes common in wide-angle lenses are corrected using in-camera functions.

Additionally, Tamron’s legendary BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) Coating effectively reduces ghosting and flare. With excellent resolving power achieved through uncompromising optical performance and camera-based distortion correction, these lenses can be used with complete confidence for a wide range of applications from casual family snaps to serious professional photography.

  1. Consistent 64mm (2.5 in) overall length facilitates ease-of-use

All three lenses are the same length: 2.5 in. Achieving excellent balance with Sony E-mount cameras, these compact lenses employ a front element extension system but are designed to maintain the same exterior length during focusing operations. Therefore, there is less chance of an extended front element accidentally coming into contact with a subject during closeup shooting. And optional manual focusing is easier because the focus ring is positioned toward the front of the lens within natural reach of the thumb and index finger.

  1. Silent autofocus driven by OSD (Optimized Silent Drive) DC motor

The AF drive system employs an OSD to ensure quiet operation. In comparison to conventional AF types with built-in DC motors, Tamron was able to greatly reduce the drive noise as well as vastly improve AF performance and speed. The lower ambient noise level is sure to be appreciated by video shooters.

Overall, this prime lens series provides superlative AF precision for exact focus even when shooting moving subjects, as well as outstanding accuracy and tracking capability. Additionally, this prime series supports various AF features offered by certain Sony cameras, including Fast Hybrid AF, Eye AF, and Direct Manual Focus (DMF) to ensure a pleasant shooting experience.

  1. Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating

Environmental seals are located at the lens mount area and other critical locations to prevent infiltration of moisture and/or rain drops and afford Moisture-Resistant Construction. This feature provides an additional layer of protection when shooting outdoors under adverse weather conditions.

Also, the front surface of the lens element is coated with a protective fluorine compound that has excellent water- and oil-repellant qualities. The lens surface is easier to wipe clean and is less vulnerable to the damaging effects of dirt, moisture or oily fingerprints, allowing for much easier maintenance. These protective features are keenly important for lenses that allow you to get in close to a subject.

  1. Compatible with main camera-specific features and functions[2]

All three of Tamron’s new prime lenses are compatible with many of the advanced features that are specific to certain mirrorless cameras. These include the following:

-Fast Hybrid AF
-Eye AF
-Direct Manual Focus (DMF)
-In-camera lens correction (shading, chromatic aberration, distortion)
-Camera-based lens unit firmware updates

[1] 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A036) standard zoom and 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A046).

[2] Features vary by camera. Please consult your camera’s instruction manual for details. As of September 2019

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First Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 size comparison and new Tamron FE primes introduction video

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This is an approximative size comparison between the Sony 70-200mm  f/2.8 GM, the new Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 FE and the slower Sony 70-200mm f/4.0. The only image of the Tamron we have so far is a  bit tilted so this is not a 100% accurate comparison. Still,  it’s clear that the Tamron is  more compact than the slower f/4.0 Sony and this is quite stunning!

And here is the official introduction video for the two new prime lenses:

Reminder: The lenses will be officially  announced today at 11pm New York time.

Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 FE:
In the USA at BHphoto, Amazon, FocusCamera, BuyDig and Adorama.
In Europe it’s available at Amazon DE, Calumet DE, WexUK, Park UK, Amazon IT, Amazon FR, Amazon ES, CameraTools NL.

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 FE:
Tamron 28-75mm lens at at Amazon, Bhphoto, FocusCamera and Adorama. in Europe at Amazon DE, Amazon UK and Amazon FR.

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Full details, specs, image samples of the four new Tamron FE lenses officially released!!!

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Tamron already published some info about he four new FE lenses today. The lenses will be officially unveiled at 11pm New York time today (that’s 5am tomorrow in Berlin). Probably the only small disappointment is that the zoom lens will be available sometimes in 2020  only  :(

PRESS TEXT:

Tonight, Tamron Lenses USA is proud to announce the release and availability of 3 new compact prime lenses (all with 1:2 macro capability), and the development of the final component to our light weight, high performance trinity of zoom lenses for Sony E-mount cameras. All sporting 67mm filter threads because, hey, it’s a good theme to maintain 

Tamron 20mm f/2.8 FE

Tamron 24mm f/2.8 FE

Tamron 35mm f/2.8 FE

 

The #F050 20mm f/2.8 Di III 1:2 Macro OSD, #F051 24mm f/2.8 Di III 1:2 Macro OSD, and the #F053 35mm f/2.8 Di III 1:2 Macro will all be street priced at $349. Weather-sealed, fluorine coated, street, macro, and dynamic scaping powerhouses in small bodies (each weighing under 8oz!!) will give both photographers on the go and videographers looking to lighten their gimbal load some proper versatility in their kit. The F051 and F053 will be joining the Tamron Sony family this December while the F050 will see its arrival in January of 2020. Your brick and mortar Tamron USA Authorized retailers are absolutely taking preorders as we speak.

The #F056 70-180 f/2.8 Di III VXD sports a brand new, Tamron exclusive take on linear motor focusing, allowing for extremely rapid, extremely precise AF capability in a lens essentially half the size of its known competition. With a minimum focusing distance of about 33″ at all focal lengths, the 70-180 may not quite have the 1:2 macro properties of its prime cousins but its ability to work in tight places will surely liberate more than a few imaging creatives who tire of never having quite enough space when looking for solid compression. While pricing is yet to be announced on for the F056, look for its release come Spring of 2020.SAR

Like their best selling counterparts, the A036 28-75 f/2.8 and A046 17-28 f/2.8, all four of the new lenses are built around the high resolution requirements of Sony’s most demanding sensors while keeping things portable; minimizing weight while still being built to play hard. These aren’t your normal plastic fantastic entry level primes, people. These bring SP level optical performance to a hobbyist price point with a moisture resistant construction many lenses that cost several times the price are lacking. Looking at you Fro Knows Photo. Just in case you had some inclination of calling us cheap, again.

All that being said: we will be pleased to be showcasing the primes at the booth at PhotoPlus, this year, while making sure the 70-180 stays tantalizingly under glass. It’s weather sealed, too but there’s only so much drool one lens can handle 🤩🤩

Check out the images attached and the product info leaflet that looks specifically at the release of the prime lenses. We will have more information on the F056 70-180 f/2.8 Di III VXD as it becomes available but for now: our little friends will do well enough on their own, I think. Any questions: be sure to bring them to the comments section so everyone can see the answers!

Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 FE:
In the USA at BHphoto, Amazon, FocusCamera, BuyDig and Adorama.
In Europe it’s available at Amazon DE, Calumet DE, WexUK, Park UK, Amazon IT, Amazon FR, Amazon ES, CameraTools NL.

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 FE:
Tamron 28-75mm lens at at Amazon, Bhphoto, FocusCamera and Adorama. in Europe at Amazon DE, Amazon UK and Amazon FR.

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