Category Archives: Lenses

Tamron SP AF 70-200mm F/2.8 with Built-in AF Motor for Nikon

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The Tamron SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO (Model A001N II) is a lightweight and fast F/2.8 tele-zoom lens designed for full-size SLR cameras with a built-in AF motor for use with Nikon cameras.

Tamron’s SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO (Model A001N II) was developed under the same concept as the SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di (Model A09) a lens highly evaluated by many users around the world as a compact and fast zoom lens boasting a high cost/performance ratio. The 70-200mm is a fast F/2.8 zoom lens that is compatible with full-size SLR cameras and covering an extended telephoto range.

While preventing the lens from becoming bulky, Tamron successfully realized the minimum focus distance of 0.95m over the entire zoom range for a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.1 at 200mm. Combined with the advantage of an internal focusing system, this lens enables the user to enjoy stress-free close-up photography.

The SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 zoom lens covers a focal length range from 70mm medium telephoto to 200mm real telephoto when mounted on a full-size SLR camera while covering a 35mm-equivalent focal length range from 109mm to 310mm ultra telephoto* (diagonal angle of view of 7°59’) when used with a digital SLR camera equipped with an APS-C sized image sensor.
*35mm format equivalent (Tamron’s conversion value is 1.55x)

Tamron SP AF 70-200mm

Main Features

1.  Minimum focus distance of 0.95m (in.) over the entire zoom range for 1:3.1 maximum magnification ratio
Tamron has realized the minimum focus distance of 0.95m (in.) over the entire zoom range for the first time in the class of F/2.8 fast tele-zoom lens compatible with 35mm full-size SLR cameras. The maximum magnification ratio at its 200mm tele end is 1:3.1. As a result of the thorough pursuit of ideal power distribution within the whole optical system, the lens accepts popular 77mm filters.

2.  Innovative optical design striking balance between soft out-of-focus effects and sharpness
In order to strike a balance between the capability to derive soft out-of-focus effects and sharpness for acknowledging Tamron’s tradition, the lens makes lavish use of as many as three LD (low dispersion) glass elements for minimizing on-axis and lateral chromatic aberrations which become major image degradation factors. Thanks to this innovative optical design, the lens realizes high definition and high contrast performance as well as optimum flatness of field, providing outstanding optical performance in all photographic situations and over the entire zoom range.

3.  Lightweight tele-zoom boasting F/2.8 constant maximum aperture
Tamron has realized the light weight of 1,150g ( oz.) for the F/2.8 fast tele zoom lens by using in its barrel parts made from engineering plastic materials having superior dimensional stability and strength even sufficing conditions for industrial applications.

4.  Thoroughgoing countermeasures against ghosting and flare, including internal surface coatings
Tamron employed multi-layer coatings in order to reduce reflections on lens surfaces as well as internal surface coatings (coatings on cemented surfaces of lens elements) in order to minimize reflections from the imager itself within the mirror box, a problem inherent to digital SLR cameras.

5.  "Focus ring switchover mechanismA allowing AF/MF switchover in a single action (for Nikon and Canon AF cameras only)
The lens in mount for Nikon or Canon AF cameras is designed to allow the user to change the focus mode mechanically and electrically by simply sliding the focus control ring to and fro, for switching from the AF mode to the MF mode or vice versa in one single action. (In case of the lens in mount for Sony and Pentax cameras, AF/MF switchover operations on both the lens and camera sides are required, same as before.)
Since the lens employs an internal focusing system, the focus control ring of the lens (in all mounts for Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony AF SLR cameras) does not rotate at time of focusing or zooming, providing good holding and balance in all photographic conditions in the AF mode, while focusing can be smooth and accurate in the MF mode just like a manual focus lens.

6.  A lightweight, detachable and durable tripod grip ring made of aluminum is supplied as a standard accessory.

7.  Flower-shaped lens hood as a standard accessory
The lens is supplied with a flower-shaped lens hood as a standard accessory designed to efficiently cut harmful light entering from angles other than intended angles at four corners of the frame in order to ensure clear descriptive performance.

Tamron AF 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 with Built-in AF Motor for Nikon SLR Cameras

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The Tamron AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO (Model A20N II) is a high power zoom lens compatible with 35mm full-size SLR cameras from Nikon with a built-in AF motor and featuring Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism.

Tamron’s AF28-300mm VC zoom lens has been highly evaluated by many photographers the world over since the introduction of the lens in October 2007, as a compact and high power zoom lens providing stabilized viewfinder images. The lens covers an angle of view equivalent to that of a 465mm ultra telephoto lens when mounted on a digital SLR camera equipped with an APS-C size image sensor. The ultra telephoto range is one where Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism exhibits its compensation performance to the maximum extent. The lens enables the user to enjoy ultra telephotography with amazingly stabilized viewfinder images. The lens covers an angle of view equivalent to 43mm at its wideangle end, allowing the user to respond to a wider variety of scenes than tele-zoom lenses in the 70-300mm class do.

The AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC (IF) MACRO (Model A20N II) is a compact and high power zoom lens that can be used as a standard zoom lens. It allows not only the users of conventional 35mm film SLR cameras but also owners of digital SLR cameras equipped with APS-C sized image sensors to enjoy comfortable SLR photography of up to 465mm-equivalent ultra telephoto without hand shake.

Tamron AF 28-300mm

Main Features:

1.  High-power zoom lens allowing comfortable ultra telephotography with stabilized viewfinder images
The lens covers everything from 28mm wideangle to 300mm ultra telephoto when mounted on a 35mm full-size film SLR camera and a range of angles of view equivalent to 43mm wideangle to 465mm ultra telephoto* (diagonal angle of view of 5°20’) when used with a digital SLR camera. Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism exhibits its power particularly in ultra telephotography, allowing the user to expand his/her photographic creativity while enjoying the world of ultra telephotography.
* When mounted on a digital SLR camera equipped an APS-C sized image sensor, converted to 35mm format (Tamron’s conversion value is 1.55x)

2.  Tamron’s VC mechanism compensates for hand shake
Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism employs a "three-coil" system that is designed to let three coils drive a compensator lens electromagnetically via three steel balls built in the mechanism. Since the compensator lens is supported with rolling frictions of the steel balls, follow-up performance is enhanced while the simple construction realizes the compactness of the mechanism itself. A highly accurate gyro sensor built in the mechanism to detect hand shake delivers comfortable hand-shake compensation performance in combination with a 32-bit RISC CPU.

3.  High power, yet features the VC mechanism and outstanding optical design
The AF28-300mm Di VC zoom lens is a product Tamron has developed by integrating advanced optical design technology Tamron has accumulated as the pioneer in high power zoom lenses, in order to strike an ideal balance between a vibration compensation mechanism and compactness. The optical system uses XR (high refractive index) glass elements, a GM (glass molded aspherical) element, hybrid aspherical elements, an LD (low dispersion) glass element and an AD (abnormal dispersion) glass element. The optical design designed to provide high definition and contrast performance as well as flatness of the field enables you to respond a wide variety of photographic scenes, as a lens designed by eyeing characteristics of digital SLR cameras.

4.  Minimum focus distance of 0.49m over the entire zoom range for 1:3 maximum magnification ratio
The AF28-300mm Di VC sports the minimum focus distance of 0.49m over the entire zoom range, the top class capability among high power zoom lenses compatible with 35mm full-size SLR cameras. The maximum magnification ratio of 1:3 at the 300mm telephoto end is also the top class capability.

5.  Internal surface coatings for thoroughly suppressing ghosting and flare
Tamron employed multi-layer coatings on lens elements for reducing reflections on lens surfaces as well as internal surface coatings (coatings on cemented surfaces of lens elements) in order to minimize reflections from the imager itself within the mirror box, a problem inherent to digital SLR cameras.

6.  High power, yet lightweight and compact, thanks to inventive mechanical design
In designing the lens, Tamron thoroughly reviewed roles of respective barrel components in order to make it as compact as possible. As a result, the increase in the overall length of the new model is confined to 17.8mm and 5mm in the maximum diameter compared to the conventional AF28-300mm (Model A061), despite the VC mechanism now incorporated.

7.  Zoom lock mechanism for convenience in carrying the outfit
The lens has a built-in zoom lock mechanism to prevent sliding fall of its barrel when the outfit is carried around.

8.  Flower-shaped lens hood as a standard accessory
The lens is supplied with a flower-shaped lens hood as a standard accessory designed to efficiently cut harmful light entering from angles other than intended angles at four corners of the frame in order to ensure clear descriptive performance.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm F/2.8 with Built-in AF Motor for Nikon

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The Tamron SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO zoom lens (Model A09NII) is a lightweight and compact standard zoom lens for Nikon and compatible with 35mm full-size SLR cameras featuring a fast maximum aperture of F/2.8 that is constant over the entire zoom range. The lens enables the user to enjoy the creative world of SLR photography by boldly exploiting attractive out-of-focus effects peculiar to the fast maximum aperture in portraiture or using high shutter speeds.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm

Main Features

1.  Lightweight, fast standard zoom lens featuring Tamron’s proprietary XR technology
The optical system designed to optimize the power distribution within the system by the innovative employment of XR (high refractive index) glass elements has realized the compactness while effectively compensating for various aberrations. Four hybrid aspherical elements placed at ideal positions ensure high depictive performance while contributing to downsizing the overall length. In addition, three LD (low dispersion) glass elements deliver high quality images.

2.  Minimum focus distance of 0.33m over the entire zoom range for 1:3.9 maximum magnification
The SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di sports the minimum focus distance of 0.33m over the entire zoom range, the closest distance among fast standard zoom lenses in the class. With Tamron’s conventional SP AF28-105mm F/2.8 zoom lens, the minimum focus distance changes (0.5m at 28mm/105mm but 0.44m in the 70-85mm range). However, the SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di retains the minimum focus distance of 0.33m over the entire zoom range thanks to improvements in its optical and mechanical designs. The maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.9 at the 75mm tele end enables you to enjoy close-up photography easily.

3.  Mechanical design improvements for downsizing the maximum diameter while minimizing changes in zooming torque
By the employment of various improvements in its mechanical design, Tamron has successfully packed the complicated lens configuration into a compact body for downsizing the maximum diameter of the lens. In addition, the improved mechanical construction minimizes changes in zooming torque for enhancing operational ease. Hidden improvements are also made from the perspective of manufacturing engineering to enhance the accuracy of parts, realizing the light weight and increasing durability.

4.  Zoom lock mechanism for convenience in carrying the outfit
The lens has a built-in zoom lock mechanism to prevent sliding fall of its barrel when the outfit is carried around.

5.  Flower-shaped lens hood as a standard accessory
The lens is supplied with a flower-shaped lens hood as a standard accessory designed to efficiently cut harmful light entering from angles other than intended angles at four corners of the frame in order to ensure clear descriptive performance.

6.  Form and texture appealing "high performance and the feel of high accuracy" worthy for the name "SP" – Outer design matching the new generation lens
1) Two gold-colored metal rings are placed at a key portion of the lens in order to enhance the visibility of the symbol of Tamron’s "SP" series.
2) The rubber pattern of the zoom and focus control rings has been changed to a pattern that is denser than the conventional rubber pattern, for better feel and touch in manipulating the lens.
3) Typefaces on the lens have been changed for better visibility.
4) Delicate matt-finish painting is added to the black painting over the lens barrel in order to enhance high quality image.

Nikon AF-S VR 70-200mm F2.8G Review at DP Review

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DP Review has just reviewed the Nikon AF-S VR Nikkor 70-200mm 1:2.8G and give the lens a ‘highly recommended’ rating for DX format cameras but a lower ‘recommend’ rating when used on full frame sensor FX format cameras. 

They write: The Nikon AF-S VR 70-200mm F2.8G is a lens which would, were it designated ‘DX’, be fully deserving of the highest accolades. On the smaller sensor format, results are nothing short of spectacular – resolution is excellent even wide open, chromatic aberration and geometric distortion are low, and falloff negligible. Combine this with the impeccable build quality, excellent autofocus, and effective image stabilisation, and this lens is getting close to flawless…. The problem is that, with the introduction of the D3, DX is no longer the pre-eminent format in Nikon’s DSLR line, and 35mm full-frame has re-arisen from the ashes in the guise of FX… the D3 is a top-end camera, so it seems reasonable to assume that Nikon’s workhorse professional lenses should give excellent results on it; sadly, the 70-200mm F2.8 VR doesn’t quite manage this, with signficant vignetting at wide apertures throughout the zoom range, and distinctly soft corners at longer focal lengths…. So overall we’re left with a lens which is a great option for most potential buyers, but simply isn’t quite up to the demands of full frame capture.” 

Nikkor 70-200mm

Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 Zeiss Lens Review at Pop Photo

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Sony 24-70mm f2.8 lensPop Photo have reviewed the Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 Zeiss Vario-Sonnar Lens, a full frame zoom lens and write: “not surprisingly for a Zeiss, sharpness and contrast scored in the SQF Excellent range. In DxO Analyzer 3.1 assessments of distortion control, we found only Slight barrel at 24mm (0.30%) and Imperceptible pincushion distortion at 50mm and 70mm (0.05 and 0.08%, respectively)… the lens’ superior sharpness, extremely rugged construction, and satisfying macro performance all add up to an undeniable best-in-class showing for this impressive offspring of German and Japanese manufacturing know-how.”

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm Lens

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Nikkor-16-85-VRNikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm Lens News Release

Nikon’s New AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm Lens Offers Broad Focal Range And Vr Image Stabilization For Photographers Of All Levels

Nikon, Inc., today announced the new AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens, which offers Nikon digital SLR photographers exceptional wide-angle capability along with superb telephoto versatility. The wide-ratio zoom makes this new lens suitable for a broad range of shooting situations, including indoor and outdoor events; streetscapes; and portraits and scenery, making it ideal for everyday use. It incorporates several of Nikon’s most advanced lens design attributes such as Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass, Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM) and Nikon VR (Vibration Reduction image stabilization), delivering the outstanding optical performance that has made NIKKOR lenses the choice of so many professional photographers.

"The new AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens fulfills a need among Nikon digital SLR customers for a compact wide ratio zoom lens that offers a dramatic wide angle perspective, up to a practical and useful telephoto view, as well as advanced optical features," said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon, Inc. "Whether on vacation or on assignment, the new 16-85mm lens’ versatility and remarkable image integrity are sure to make it one of Nikon’s most popular advanced performance Zoom-NIKKOR lenses."

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Nikon AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED Lens

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Nikkor-MC-60-EDNikon AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED Lens News Release

Nikon’s New AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED Lens Brings Sophisticated Technology and Design To Close-up Photographers.

Nikon, Inc., today introduced the new AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED lens engineered specifically for extreme close-up photography, and perfectly suited for general imaging as well. The new AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED lens can focus at a distance of approximately 0.185m (.6 ft.) at its closest, and allows photographers to capture breathtaking close-up photography with reproduction ratios up to 1:1 (life-size).

"Nikon is proud of its strong reputation for designing and producing some of the world’s finest close-up lenses, delivering faithful and consistent color reproduction, stunning sharpness and beautifully balanced contrast," said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon, Inc. "Serious close-up photographers are naturally demanding and we are confident that these discerning customers will be excited about the performance of the new 60mm f/2.8G ED Micro NIKKOR."

Engineered for use with Nikon’s digital and 35mm SLR systems, the new AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED lens incorporates a myriad of innovative features and technologies, including Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM), Nano Crystal Coat, Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass and Internal Focusing (IF) design.

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Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED Lens

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Nikkor-PCE-24-ED.jpgNikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED Lens News Release

Nikon’s New Wide-Angle PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED Lens Allows Photographers To Control Perspective.

Nikon, Inc., today introduced the new PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED lens, the latest in a series of lenses that are equipped with a tilt/shift mechanism that enables photographers the flexibility to effectively manipulate perspective, distortion and focus. Whether photographing architecture, landscapes, interiors or panoramas, this Perspective Control (PC) lens easily corrects linear distortion and aberration to deliver images that more accurately reproduce the view as the human eye sees it.

"Nikon optical engineers successfully overcame a number of design challenges while developing a new 24mm Perspective Control wide-angle lens that delivers in a variety of applications and fulfills the needs of photographers whose work demands the type of image control that only a lens of this design can provide" said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon, Inc. "This lens represents a significant addition to the field-proven NIKKOR lens lineup and allows photographers to create images that would, in many instances, not be possible otherwise. Additionally, many photographers will appreciate the ability to more effectively correct images while shooting, significantly reducing the time required to correct images afterwards with image editing software." Continue reading →