Tamron has announced two fixed focal length lenses – the Tamron SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD & SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD. These new lenses provide the ultimate in functionality and operation being equipped with fast f1.8 apertures together with Tamron’s renowned VC (Vibration Compensation) Image stabilization system. Both the SP45mm and SP35mm are compatible with full-frame DSLR cameras and APS-C format cameras.
Tamron SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD & SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD
The SP 35mm and SP45mm lenses will be launched and available from October 2015 in Canon & Nikon mounts. The launch date of the Sony mount is to be announced at a later date and will not include image stabilisation since this is provided in-camera.
The design philosophy of these new fast fixed focal length lenses opens a new chapter in the SP legend. Engineering processes and opto-mechanical construction have been totally integrated in the design process to create great feel to these lenses and deliver exceptional resolving power whilst reproducing fine details with subtle tonal gradations.
A fast F/1.8 aperture has been chosen to deliver more light to the viewfinder and sensor allowing use even in dim lighting conditions, with impressively smooth bokeh (background blur) when used wide open. This also allows an astonishingly short MOD (Minimum object distance) giving photographers a new opportunity to create stunning close focus images, even at the maximum F/1.8 aperture.
VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization also adds to the low light capability allowing photographers to enjoy the fast F/1.8 maximum aperture to the fullest extent, as well as assuring high quality images. Modern high pixel density sensors can also be more sensitive to minute vibrations that can cause the degradation of image quality, making VC an important feature to capture the best quality images.
Externally, the new design creates the best possible comfort and confidence under a product design philosophy of “Human Touch”. Metal-based barrel materials provide a pleasant feeling of comfort, high quality and durability, fitting firmly in the hands of the photographer.
SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD
35mm Standard Wide-Angle Lens with VC and World’s First 0.2m (7.9”) Minimum Object Distance for Full-Frame DSLR Cameras
- A fast, primary standard lens for those who prefer wide-angle shooting.
- Provides an equivalent focal length of 54mm on APS-C cameras.
SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD
First High-Speed 45mm Fixed Focal Standard Lens in Full-Frame Format with VC, Offers Unique Perspective with Significantly Shorter Minimum Focusing Distance
- Slight wide-angle delivers a new photographic perspective.
- Provides an equivalent focal length of 70mm on APS-C cameras.
Key features
1. Outstanding optical quality, even wide open
Even when used wide open at F/1.8 aperture, the lens design provides outstanding image quality with maximum aberration compensation, thanks to optimal use of sophisticated glass materials and highly advanced optical design
SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F012) is a 10-element, 9-group construction, utilizing two molded glass aspherical elements, one LD (Low Dispersion) and one XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) element
SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F013) is a 10-element, 8-group construction, utilizing two molded glass aspherical elements and one LD (Low Dispersion) element.
Two of the aspherical elements effectively correct the field curvature to ensure planarity of the image plane, while efficiently compensating for spherical and comatic aberrations to achieve superb uniformity across the field with high-fidelity point spread reproducibility. Outstanding resolution is rendered from corner to corner and the sagittal comatic flare (a type of aberration that a point image at corners induces a comet tail-like blur), which tends to become prominently noticeable in night scenes, is corrected.
The LD elements and the XLD glass element (SP 35mm) optimally compensate for chromatic aberrations, which tend to become particularly prominent in fast-aperture lenses in general, and deliver crystal clear images without any residual color fringe.
2. Fast F/1.8 maximum aperture and integral VC (Vibration Compensation)
The desirable maximum aperture of F/1.8 was chosen as part of the very challenging design goals which included achieving superb optical performance, minimizing the closest shooting distance and integrating VC functionality while packaging those key attributes in a reasonably-sized barrel construction for better practical handling.
Repeated performance simulations were conducted throughout the entire design phase to assure achieving the essential, fundamental property of a fast-aperture lens in full-frame format, namely the harmony between excellent resolving power and beautifully-tuned background blur (bokeh).
The VC feature has become virtually indispensable in the era of high-pixel-density cameras. Freedom in handheld shooting at dusk or in a dimly lit room is dramatically expanded by cancelling the camera shake that often occurs under such low light conditions due to slower shutter speeds. Minute vibrations that plague cameras with high pixel count can also be well controlled to make the most of the sensor’s performance.
The SP 45mm lens is also the worlds first full-frame fixed focal length standard lens to be equipped with VC.
3. Best-in-class MOD (Minimum Object Distance) close-focusing capability
Since the lens allows for shooting at distances extremely close to the subject (similar to a macro), close-up pictures with spectacular background blur effect (bokeh) can be obtained with the aperture wide open, thereby expanding the scope of photo opportunities. Tamron’s proprietary Floating System, which places a group of elements at the optimal location as the focusing group travels relative to shooting distances, ensures the best imaging performance at any range. From the closest distance right through the focal range, image quality is excellent.
4. Optimal relative illumination means no dark corners
Some fast-aperture lenses “vignette” or have darkened corners due to uneven light distribution, especially wide open. However, even at the full open aperture, the overall illumination level across the entire field is well balanced and optimized.
5. eBAND Coating deployed to thoroughly suppress ghosting and flare
eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) and BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) coatings, both providing outstanding anti-reflection effect, are applied to critical element surfaces for maximum light transmission. Internal reflections from element surfaces which cause ghosting and flare are reduced to an absolute minimum. Flawless, crystal clear images can be obtained.
eBAND Coating, a hybrid nano-structured layer with extremely low refractive index coupled with multi-layered anti-reflection coating technology, efficiently minimizes reflection of extremely angulated incident light—something that cannot be achieved by conventional anti-reflection coatings alone.
6. High-speed AF with USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive)
Fast, quiet AF is achieved by employing a USD ring-type ultrasonic motor which enables remarkably precise focusing drive with high torque and responsiveness. Because the rotational torque of the USD is generated by waves of ultrasonic vibrations, inherent operating noise is extremely low and practically unnoticeable. In addition, Full-time Manual Focus override is available at any point during the autofocus operation for deliberately shifting focus without switching the AF-MF mode back and forth.
7. Fluorine coating on the front element repels water and fingerprints
Fluorine coating technology, developed for use in industrial optics applications, has been adapted to photographic lenses. The water and oil repellant coating applied to the front element surface allows instant removal of dirt or smudges with ease. The coating also provides a reasonable level of durability, and will sustain its effectiveness for years.
8. Moisture-resistant construction
Seals are located at the lens mount area and other critical locations to prevent infiltration of moisture and/or rain drops and provide moisture-resistant construction. This feature provides an additional layer of protection when shooting outdoors under adverse weather conditions.
9. Circular aperture for enhanced bokeh
The 9-blade diaphragm retains a nearly circular opening even when stopped down by two stops. Marvelously tuned blur in the subject background can be obtained without generating undesirable shapes of aperture patterns.
SPECIFICATIONS SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD
| Maximum Aperture | : F/1.8 |
| Angle of View (diagonal) | : 63°26′ (for full-frame format) |
| : 43°29′ (for APS-C format) | |
| Optical Construction | : 10 elements in 9 groups |
| Minimum Object Distance | : 0.2m (7.9 in) |
| Maximum Magnification Ratio | : 1:2.5 |
| Filter Size | : φ67mm |
| Maximum Diameter | : φ80.4mm |
| Length* | : for Canon 80.8mm (3.2 in) |
| : for Nikon 78.3mm (3.1 in) | |
| Weight | : for Canon 480g (16.9 oz) |
| : for Nikon 450g (15.9 oz) | |
| Aperture Blades | : 9 (circular diaphragm**) |
| Minimum Aperture | : F/16 |
| Standard Accessories | : Flower-shaped lens hood, Lens caps |
| Compatible Mounts | : Canon, Nikon, Sony*** |
Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. are subject change without prior notice.
* Length is the distance from the front tip of the lens to the lens mount face.
** The circular diaphragm stays almost perfectly circular up to two stops down from maximum aperture.
*** The Sony mount model does not include VC, since the bodies of Sony DSLR cameras include built-in image stabilization functionality
SPECIFICATIONS SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD
| Maximum Aperture | : F/1.8 |
| Angle of View (diagonal) | : 51°21′ (for full-frame format) |
| : 34°28′ (for APS-C format) | |
| Optical Construction | : 10 elements in 8 groups |
| Minimum Object Distance | : 0.29m (11.4 in) |
| Maximum Magnification Ratio | : 1:3.4 |
| Filter Size | : φ67mm |
| Maximum Diameter | : φ80.4mm |
| Length* | : for Canon 91.7mm (3.6 in) |
| : for Nikon 89.2mm (3.5 in) | |
| Weight | : for Canon 540g (19 oz) |
| : for Nikon 520g (18.3 oz) | |
| Aperture Blades | : 9 (circular diaphragm**) |
| Minimum Aperture | : F/16 |
| Standard Accessories | : Flower-shaped lens hood, Lens caps |
| Compatible Mounts | : Canon, Nikon, Sony*** |
Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. are subject to change without prior notice.
* Length is the distance from the front tip of the lens to the lens mount face.
** The circular diaphragm stays almost perfectly circular up to two stops down from maximum aperture.
*** The Sony mount model does not include VC, since the bodies of Sony DSLR cameras include built-in image stabilization functionality
For more information visit www.tamron.co.uk