Tamron Comes to PMA08 with SP AF10-24MM and SP AF70-200mm

Both Tamron and Sigma have not come empty handed at this year's PMA and they are trying to increase their user base with new products, some bearing specs we have all seen before in Nikon and Canon lenses and some completely innovative.

Let's start off with the new and the ultra wide, the SP AF10-24MM F/3.5-4.5 DI II LD ASPHERICAL (IF). Specifically designed for APS-C cameras, like the D300 and 40D, this UWA has a picture angle equivalent to that of a 15-36mm lens on a 35mm full-frame camera.

Similarly to the existing Tamron SP AF 11-18mm F4.5-5.6 Di II LD Aspherical [IF] and Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM, the new 10-24mm offers the best focal range and the most generous maximum apertures. At the widest end, the lens is able to go as fast as f/3.5, which drops to f/4.5 at the "long" end.

Optically speaking, Tamron has employed an impressive number of exotic glass elements to minimize chromatic and spherical aberrations. Therefore, the 12 elements include one HID (High Index/High Dispersion), two LDs (Low Dispersion), one glass-molded aspherical piece and no less than three hybrid aspherical units. Moreover, Tamron made use of internal surface coating to reduce ghosting and flare.

However, considering the generous focal range and the relatively fast apertures, it's likely that the lens will require some stopping down in order to achieve a decent sharpness.

The lens' autofocus is achieved internally, which improves speed and smoothness. Moreover, it eases the use of the 77mm polarizing filters the lens takes.

All in all, the SP AF10-24MM F/3.5-4.5 DI II LD ASPHERICAL (IF)'s specs and features gives Tamron an edge over the existing solutions. However, only a thorough review will tell whether its optical performance is satisfying.

The lens will be available for Canon, Nikon, Sony and Pentax and it will be shipped with a flower-shaped hood, but Tamron has not provided any availability and pricing information.

Tamron SP AF10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di-II LD Aspherical [IF]

Model Name AB001 Focal Length 10-24mm Maximum Aperture F/3.5-4.5 Minimum Aperture F/22 Angle Of View 108? 44' - 60? 20' (APS-C size equivalent) Lens Construction 12 elements / 9 groups MFD (Minimum Focus Distance) 0.24m (entire zoom range) Diaphragm Blades 7 Filter Size ?77mm Size (Diameter x Length) ?3.3 in. x 3.4 in. (?83.2mm x 86.5mm)* Weight 370g (13.1 oz)* Max. Mag. Ratio 1:5.1 (at f=24mm) Standard Accessory Flower-Shaped hood Compatible Mount Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony

The second on the list of new products is the SP AF70-200MM F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO. We are not sure why, but this one was already announced by Tamron in March 2007 and now the company is repeating the announcement.

Unlike the aforementioned UWA, this model can also work with 35mm full-frame cameras. When mounted on APS-C cameras, the picture angle becomes that of a 105-300mm (1.5x crop factor) lens on a full-frame SLR or DSLR.

Chromatic aberrations inherent to this focal range are controlled with the help of the three LD (low dispersion) elements. As a result, the optical system effectively compensates for lateral and on-axis chromatic aberrations. The manufacturer also uses internal surface coatings to prevent reflections from lens surfaces, ghosting and flare.

In the autofocus department, the internal system prevents the rotation of the front element and improves performance. Speaking of the front element, the lens takes 77mm polarizing filters. Canon and Nikon photographers also get an one-touch AF/MF switchover mechanism.

Tamron has not provided any pricing information, but the press release does mention something about availability. Canon photographers will be the first to get it, March 7 they say, but for the rest of the bunch, Nikon, Pentax and Sony, the date is yet to be determined.

Tamron SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD [IF] Macro

Model Name A001 Focal Length 70-200mm Maximum Aperture F/2.8 Minimum Aperture F/32 Angle Of View 34?21' - 12?21' Lens Construction 18 elements / 13 groups MFD (Minimum Focus Distance) 0.95m (37.4") (throughout the range) Diaphragm Blades 9 Filter Size ?77mm Size (Diameter x Length) ?3.52 in. x 7.7 in. (?89.5mm x 194.3mm)* Weight 1150g (39.2 oz) (without tripod holder) Max. Mag. Ratio 1:3.1 (at f=200mm, MFD 0.95m) Standard Accessory Flower-Shaped lens hood Compatible Mount Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony

Tamron has not forgotten Pentax and since they are always in need of AF lenses, the company has announced the availability of the TAMRON SP AF17-50MM F/2.8 XR DI II LD ASPHERICAL with a Pentax mount. Since it's not a new lens, we won't be bothering with specs and features. Suffice to say that Canon and Nikon users, especially those on low-budgets, prefer the Tamron over the proprietary solutions because of the low price. That's not to say that it's that good; it's just much cheaper and with satisfactory performances.

Nikon D40, D40x users and future Nikon D60 owners also get three new lenses with a built-in motor, the AF18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di II (model A14NII) and SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II (model A16NII) - and one zoom for full-size format - 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di (model A17NII). None of these are now, so once again we won't go into the technical specs. Availability is scheduled for March, but no pricing information has been released.