Tamron Announces the Lightest, Most Compact Fast Standard Zoom Lens

September 25, 2002– Tamron Co., Ltd. (President CEO: Morio Ono) announces the release of the world’s lightest and most compact* fast standard zoom lens:

SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model A09)

The new Tamron SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO utilizes the XR size reduction technology developed for the AF28-200mm Super Zoom XR (Model A03) and AF28-300 Ultra Zoom XR (Model A06) to create a fast standard zoom lens. Furthermore, the XR design contributes to the lens’ almost unbelievably compact size for a lens of this type featuring a filter diameter of f67mm, maximum diameter of 73mm (2.9”), and length of only 92.05mm (3.6”). And at only 550g (19.4 oz.), the image of fast standard zooms as heavy and cumbersome is turned on its head. This lens represents the first in a new category – a fast standard zoom that can be used comfortably as the lens regularly attached to a camera body. 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:

Tamron XR technology gives birth to the world’s lightest and most compact* fast standard zoom lens
Enabling unprecedented reductions in size, XR technology symbolizes the new technologies developed by Tamron for the 21st century. Tamron’s XR technology was first used to create the AF28-200mm Super Zoom XR (Model A03) released in April 2001, the world’s lightest* 28-200mm zoom, and the AF28-300 Ultra Zoom XR (Model A06) released in June 2002, the world’s lightest and most compact* 28-300mm zoom lens. And now the same technology has been employed to create a new member of the SP series. Compactness and light weight are combined with high performance in the new SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di to create this unprecedented standard zoom lens.

The revolutionary use of XR (Extra Refractive Index) glass enables reduction in size while at the same time compensating for aberrations, resulting in the optimization of overall optical power distribution. Through an optimal arrangement of four hybrid aspherical elements, aberrations are ideally compensated for, while achieving a reduction in the dimensions of the overall optical configuration. The use of three LD (Low Dispersion) elements ensures superb image quality.

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

Minimum object distance of just 0.33m (13”) over the entire zoom range, and maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.92
The SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di boasts a minimum object distance (M.O.D.) of just 0.33m (13”) throughout the zoom range. At its telephoto end, macro shooting is available with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.92. While the M.O.D. of the earlier SP AF28-105mm F/2.8 changed according to focal length setting (0.5m/19.68” at 28mm and 105mm, 0.44m/17.32” at 70-85mm), improvements to the optical and structural design have enabled the reduction in the SP AF28-75mm’s M.O.D. to a constant 0.33m/13”.

Structural innovations enable significant downsizing, reduction in zoom torque and torque fluctuation.
Thanks to mechanical innovations that enable a very complex structure to be compressed into a compact barrel, the maximum lens diameter has been downsized considerably to a mere 73mm (2.9”). Handling is enhanced with the reduction of zoom torque and improved torque fluctuation. Tamron has also implemented advancements in manufacturing technology, enabling the production of lighter, stronger and higher precision parts.

Convenient zoom lock for photographers on the go
The SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di incorporates a convenient zoom lock mechanism that keeps the lens retracted when being carried on a camera, therefore helping to prevent the lens from accidentally being knocked or bumped when walking through crowds and the like.

Flower-shaped hood supplied as a standard accessory with excellent stray-light shielding properties
Supplied as a standard accessory, Tamron’s flower-shaped hood effectively cuts out stray light while staying out of the frame itself, resulting in clear and vivid images.

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 AF28-75mm features a sleek burnished-black finish on the lens barrel to impart a further touch of refinement.

Specifications
Focal Length: 28-75mm
Maximum Aperture: F/2.8
Angle of View: 75°~32°
Optical Construction: 16 elements in 14 groups
Minimum Object Distance: 0.33 m (13”) (entire zoom range)
Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:3.92 (at 75mm)
Filter Size: f67mm
Overall Length: 92.05mm (3.6”)
Maximum Diameter: f73mm (2.9”)
Weight: 550g (19.4 oz.)
Diaphragm Blades: 7 blades
Minimum Aperture: F/32
Standard Accessories: Flower-shaped hood
Compatible Mount Models: Canon AF, Minolta AF-D, Nikon AF-D and Pentax AF