WPPI News: Tamron Unleashes New Zoom Lenses

Tamron hit WPPI 2017 with updates to its 70-200mm and 10-24mm zoom lenses.

Both new lenses have been given thorough makeovers to improve image stabilization, focus speed and accuracy and build quality.

SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 (Model A025)
For the new full frame 70-200mm, Tamron went back to the drawing board to revamp the earlier design to improve autofocusing speed and precision and improve image stabilization (or Vibration Compensation, as Tamron calls it). VC is now able to deliver up to five stops of image stabilization, per CIPA standards. It’s available in three modes: Mode 1 balances between the stability of the image in the viewfinder with the stability of the final image. Mode 2 is dedicated to stabilizing your image during panning. Mode 3 prioritizes the stability of the final image and won’t stabilize the viewfinder image.

The lens now features Tamron’s eBAND Coating and fluorine coating on the front of the lens to make it easier to clean. The lens is sealed against dust and moisture. The lens is also now compatible with teleconverters to extend its reach.

Additional features include:
* 9-blade aperture
* a minimum focusing distance of 37.4 inches (down from 50.7 inches on the prior model)
* Ultrasonic Silent Drive motor for quiet, speedy AF
* full-time manual focus override
* Extra Low Dispersion and Low Dispersion lens elements
* compatibility with Tamron’s 1.4x teleconverter (TC-X14) and the 2.0x converter (TC-X20)
* compatibility with the TAP-in Console (optional) to customize VC, update firmware and make other lens adjustments
* electromagnetic diaphragm now available for Nikon-mount lenses for better exposure control during continuous shooting (a feature that was long standard on Canon-mount lenses)

The lens is expected to be available in the U.S. in March for $1,299.

10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD (Model B023)

Tamron also refreshed its 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 wide angle zoom lens (16-37mm, 35mm equivalent). The new version of this APS-C DSLR lens (Model B023, for those keeping track) offers vibration compensation good for four stops. It also incorporates a new High/Low torque modulated autofocus drive system. You’ll have full-time manual focus override to make manual tweaks to focus while in autofocus.

Additional features include:

* Broad-Band Anti-Reflection coating
* fluorine coating on the front of the lens
* moisture-resistant build
* Nikon versions of the lens will now incorporate an electromagnetic diaphragm
* compatibility with the optional TAP-in Console
* seven blade aperture diaphragm

Tamron expects the 10-24mm to ship in the spring for $499.