PhotographySavvy: PMA 2008: Tamron Announces New and Updated Lenses

PMA 2008: Tamron Announces New and Updated Lenses

Tamron has announced the development of a new lens, the update of three lenses for Nikon mount cameras, and the launch of a lens from last year's PMA. First is a new ultra-wide angle lens for APS-C format sensors, the SP AF10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical (IF). The lens improves in both range and aperture from the existing SP AF11-18mm F/4.5-5.6 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) while keeping a relatively compact size. The lens is being developed for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and Sony mounts but no release information is available at this time.

Next, Tamron will be updating the AF18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF), SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF), and AF70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di LD Macro 1:2 with built in focusing motors for Nikon mount cameras. The addition of a focus motor will make these three lenses fully compatible with all of the current Nikon digital SLRs including the D40 series and D60 cameras. Release information is not available at this time.

Last, the SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro lens announced at last year's PMA will be launching for Canon users this spring with the Nikon, Pentax, and Sony versions arriving shortly thereafter for around $699.99. Despite the delay, Nikon users will be pleased to hear that the SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro will feature a built-in focus motor. This high-performance telephoto lens should be very popular, providing advanced amateurs and professionals with a light-weight, affordable, and fast zoom lens.

Logo and product information courtesy of Tamron USA.