Tamron Announces Fast, Lightweight, High Performance Telephoto Zoom

September 25, 2002– Tamron Co., Ltd. (President CEO: Morio Ono) announces the release of a fast, lightweight, high performance telephoto zoom lens:

SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD [IF] (Model A01)

Magnesium alloy and engineering plastics were employed as materials for the lens barrel of the SP AF70-200mm Di, enabling the creation of a lens weighing only 1,189g (41.9 oz.), the world’s lightest fast telephoto zoom lens*. It is equipped with a host of features, including Filter Effect Control (FEC), a new design that makes the rotation of a polarizing filter easy even with the lens hood attached, plus one touch switching between AF/MF, a quick release tripod mount and more. In addition, to meet the needs of this dual-format world (silver-halide and digital), the optical system of the lens is designed to provide optimum performance when used with the latest digital SLR cameras that are becoming more popular than ever.

* As of August 31, 2002. Based on Tamron surveys of lenses in the same class.
* Di: Stands for “Digitally integrated”, a designation Tamron puts on lenses featuring optical systems designed to meet the performance characteristics of digital SLR cameras.

Main Features:

Two LD lens elements for effective compensation of chromatic aberration
Two LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements are arranged in the optical pattern in such a way as to effectively compensate for the chromatic aberration that is a characteristic problem of telephoto lenses.

Superb image quality with emphasis on contrast
Superbly balanced optics ensure the achievement of both high contrast at the low wavelength end and high resolution. Images are rendered with uniform sharpness from center to periphery, resulting in superb image quality.

Beautiful soft background blurring
Thanks to reduced chromatic aberration ensured by the optical design, the lens provides beautifully soft blurring of backgrounds in portrait images, which are commonly shot at mid-range focal lengths.

Rotation of polarizing filters possible even with lens hood attached
A polarizing filter is an essential accessory for shooting scenery, but adjusting it to the desired effect has always been a problem when lens hoods are used simultaneously. However, with the SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD [IF], the new Filter Effect Control (FEC) solves this common problem. Now, rotation of the polarizing filter can be accomplished even when a hood is attached by rotating the filter mount periphery.

Engineering plastics employed to reduce weight
The lens barrel parts are made from engineering plastics known for its dimensional stability. Using this material results in the Tamron SP AF70-200mm being the world’s lightest fast telephoto zoom lens* at only 1,189g (41.9 oz.).

* As of August 31, 2002. Based on Tamron surveys of lenses in the same class.

Focus ring switching feature enables one-touch AF/MF switching (Nikon and Canon AF versions only)
The Nikon and Canon AF versions of this lens enable both mechanically and electronically mediated one-touch switching between auto and manual focus modes by merely sliding the focus ring forwards or backwards. (The Minolta version requires both lens and body AF/MF switching as in the past.) Moreover, while in the AF mode on all versions, the focus ring does not rotate during focusing operation, enabling unhindered holding. And in the MF mode, this lens affords the same smooth and firm focusing feel as a manual focus lens, for easy and reliable focus adjustment.

Quick release tripod mount
The lens’ tripod mount, made of lightweight and highly durable magnesium alloy, enables one touch tripod attachment and release, enhancing its use with a tripod, while at the same time greatly improving the grip for handheld shooting.

Form and texture that embodies the high performance, high precision qualities of the SP series, and a design to match a new generation of lenses
This lens features the two gold metal rings that symbolize the SP series, and other design elements that boost its looks and make it even more recognizable as a Tamron SP series lens. A more detailed pattern has been employed for the rubber covering of the zoom and focus rings to improve grip and visual uniformity when the lens is attached to a camera body. Tamron has also improved the readability of important imprinted information on the lens such as the distance scale and f-numbers. The SP AF70-200mm features a sleek burnished-black finish on the lens barrel to impart a further touch of refinement.

Specifications
Focal Length: 70-200mm
Maximum Aperture: F/2.8
Angle of View: 34°~12°
Optical Construction: 18 elements in 14 groups
Minimum Object Distance: 1.4m (55.1”) (entire zoom range)
Filter Size: f77mm
Overall Length: 184.7mm (7.3”)
Maximum Diameter: f89.5mm (3.5”)
Weight: 1,189g (41.9 oz.)
Diaphragm Blades: 7 blades
Minimum Aperture: F/32
Standard Accessories: Flower-shaped hood, case
Compatible Mount Models: Canon AF, Minolta AF-D and Nikon AF-D