Tamron has just announced the worlds first 85mm f/1.8 lens for full-frame DSLRs with Vibration Compensation, as also revives its classic 90MM f/2.8 1:1 macro lens, adding advanced features and improved optical performance. Tamron claims a 3.5-stop improvement in image stabilization.
Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD 1:1 Macro
Tamron has updated its classic 90mm macro lens, adding VC (vibration control) to improve image stabilization, an important feature that will improve your chances of getting a sharp image when shooting true macro handheld. Tamron has been making 90mm macro lenses since 1979. This latest model includes cutting-edge technology.
Key features:
- 90mm f/2.8 lens
- 1:1 true macro magnification
- Closest focus 11.8 inches
- Accepts 62mm filters
- 9 aperture blades
- Circular diaphragm
- Nikon, Canon, Sony mounts
Sealed against moisture and dust, the lens (referred to as Model F107 to distinguish it from its predecessors) has 9 glass elements, including one LD (Low Dispersion) element and two XLD (Extra-Low Dispersion) glass elements, which limit light dispersion and improve image sharpness. A floating system shifts the position of the elements as the focusing group travels relative to shooting distances. Tamron deploys two advanced coating technologies to reduce internal reflections and ghosting, eBand (Extended Bandwidth & Angular Dependency) and BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) coatings. A Fluorine coating on the front element repels water and fingerprints. The resulting images are said to be flawless and clear.
Tamron says they tested the 9-bade, circular aperture ring design carefully to optimize Bokeh and eliminate doubled images of blurred single line, a common but distracting phenomenon. The result, they say, is pleasing out of focus areas to accompany the sharp in-focus details—a feature that’s prized by portrait photographers.
Vibration compensation (VC) is accomplished via an accelerometer working in tandem with a gyro sensor to detect and compensate for camera shake on the x-y plane. The software that controls the USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) has been updated to improve focusing speed and accuracy, with back-and-forth focus, which is common when autofocusing in macro, much rarer. Gone are the decorative gold rings, replaced by an all-business, black with silver base design.
A major design change is that the lens features an internal focusing system, even when shooting 1:1 macro. This means a working distance of 5.5 inches in front of the lens. A full-time manual focus override lets you control focus, as does a focus limiter. The optional Tap-In Console attaches to the lens and connects to a PC via a USB cable, and lets you update firmware, customize autofocus positions and adjust the mechanical setup of the lens. Included with the lens is Silkypix Developer Studio, a RAW conversion and editing program that is pre-loaded with Tamron lens profile information.
The Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 DI lens is available for Canon, Nikon, and Sony DSLRs and will be available from Adorama for $649.00.
Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 DI VC USD
Designed especially for portrait photographers, the Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 DI VC USD is the world’s first 85mm fast-aperture lens for full-frame sensor DSLRs with VC image stabilization. It features coated elements to improve image quality, is moisture-resistant, and is said to serve up pleasing Bokeh.
Key features:
- 85mm f/1.8 lens
- VC Vibration Compensation
- 13 elements in 9 groups
- Closest focus 31.5 inches
- Accepts 67mm filters
- 9 circular aperture blades
- Smallest aperture f/16
- 3.5-stop image stabilization performance
- Canon, Nikon, Sony mounts
As with the 90mm Macro, the Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 DI VC USD eschews the former gold accented design for a solid black look. The first 85mm fast-aperture lens to offer image stabilization, it is said to offer a 3.5-stop improvement in reduction of camera shake making it a good choice for low-light portraits.
Optically, the lens features LD and XLD lens elements, which Tamron says have virtually eliminated color fringing by reducing on-axis and lateral chromatic aberrations. Comatic aberrations and astigmatism have been reduced to render subjects at the edge of the frame more realistically. The elements have been coated with eBand (Extended Bandwidth and Angular Dependency) nanotechnology and BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) coatings to increase light transmission, and reduce flare and ghosting. A fluorine coating repels water and oil, making it easier to remove fingerprints from the front element.
An electromagnetic diaphragm system, which provides more exact diaphragm and aperture control via electronic pulse signals is now available for Nikon users; it has until now only been available for Canon mount lenses. The USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) is said to provide precise, fast focus and responsiveness; full-time manual focus override is also available. An optional Tap-in Console attaches to the lens and connects to a PC via USB to access software so you can customize focus and other features.
The Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 DI VC USD lens will be available in Canon, Nikon, and Sony A mounts. Pricing and availability to be announced.
Tap-In Console
The Tap-In Console, which allows you to update firmware and features on Tamron lenses, will be available soon for Canon, Nikon, and Sony lenses. Pricing and availability to be announced.
