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Tamron Announces Second Generation SP 150-600mm Zoom Share This on LinkedIn   Share This on Google   Tweet This   Forward This

1 September 2016

Tamron has announced its SP 150-600mm f5-6.3 Di VC USD G2, the second generation G2 zoom featuring superior optical performance for today's high resolution dSLRs with faster and more accurate autofocus and image stabilization. The new zoom also benefit from the new Flex zoom lock, flourine coating and two new teleconverters.

SP 150-600mm Zoom. New and improved ultra-zoom.

HIGHLIGHTS

Highlights of the new lens include:

  • Optical design enhanced to achieve even higher performance
  • Tamron's sophisticated eBAND Coating eliminates ghosting and flare
  • Minimum Object Distance reduced to 7 feet (1:3.9 max. mag. Ratio) to provide optimum tele-macro photography
  • AF speed is faster and much more responsive with moving subjects
  • VC performance is 4.5 stops (VC mode 3) and offers three modes optimized for different shooting situations
  • New Flex zoom lock mechanism quickly locks or unlocks the zoom at any position simply by sliding the zoom ring.
  • Fluorine coating and improved moisture-resistant construction
  • Lightweight and easy-to-hold tripod mount is compatible with an Arca-Swiss style quick release plate
  • Arca-Swiss style removable tripod mount
  • Compatible with Tamron TAP-in Console, an optional accessory product
  • Teleconverters (optional) designed exclusively for the new Tamron lens

SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications for the SP 150-600mm zoom include:

TAMRON SP 150-600mm G2 KIT LENS SPECIFICATIONS
Mount Canon, Nikon
Sony TBA
Focal Length 150-600mm
Aperture Maximum: f5 (wide) to f6.5 (telephoto)
Minium: f32 (wide) to f40 (telephoto)
9 circular diaphragm blades
Angle of View Full frame: 16°25' to 4°8'
APS-C: 10°38' to 2°40'
Minimum Focus 96.6 inches
Magnification 1:3.9
Optical Design 21 elements in 13 groups
Autofocus Yes
Image Stabilization Yes, up ot 4.5 stops using VC Mode 3
Filter Thread 95mm
Dimensions 10.2 inches long
Weight 70.9 oz.

PRICE, AVAILABILITY

Tamron said the $1,399 zoom would be available in Canon and Nikon mounts on Sept. 23 in Japan and "soon thereafter in the U.S. market." The Sony A-mount version will be available "at a later date."

Adorama is accepting pre-orders now for the Canon and Nikon mounts.

For more information see the news release below.

Introducing the Pinnacle of Ultra-Telephoto Zooms With Advanced Features, Enhanced Performance, and Improved Ergonomics

New generation G2 lens boasts faster AF speed and enhanced VC

COMMACK, N.Y. -- Tamron, a leading manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces the launch of the SP 150-600mm f5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 (Model A022). This second generation G2 lens builds upon the success of the SP 150-600mm f5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A011), which launched in December 2013 and continues to successfully meet photographers' needs in the ultra-telephoto category. The new G2 version was developed to provide superior optical performance with today's high resolution dSLRs and to add improvements to several features including speed and accuracy of AF and VC (Vibration Compensation). Also, several new features have been added: FLEX ZOOM LOCK mechanism, Fluorine Coating and optional teleconverters. The new lens delivers outstanding performance and a luxurious, upscale appearance, including a metal lens barrel. Delivery of the new lens in Canon and Nikon mounts will start on Sept. 23 in the Japanese market and soon thereafter in the U.S. market (Sony A-mount to be delivered at a later date) at a price of $1399.

Product Highlights

Optical design refreshed to achieve even higher performance

Three LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements completely eliminate axial and transverse chromatic aberrations. The design also features an upgraded optical construction (21 elements in 13 groups) and leverages improvements in manufacturing technology. As a result, the lens delivers high resolution, improved sharpness and overall better performance.

Tamron's sophisticated eBAND Coating for eliminating ghosting and flare

eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) Coating is a nano-structured layer deployed on the lens element surface. In addition to regular anti-reflection coatings, eBAND Coating offers higher light transmission and significant improvement in anti-reflection characteristics, especially against angulated incident rays. Combined with BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) coatings, flare and ghosting are reduced to imperceptible levels.

MOD reduced to provide optimum tele-macro photography

Tamron's advanced manufacturing technology has made it possible to reduce the MOD (Minimum Object Distance) to 86.6 in (2.2m), compared to 106.3 in (2.7m) for Model A011 and has allowed for the wonders of tele-macro photography with its 1:3.9 Maximum Magnification Ratio.

AF speed is faster and much more responsive with moving subjects

The Model A022 is equipped with a USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) ring-type motor that delivers excellent responsiveness and control. AF speed is significantly improved from the current model and it enables accurate high-speed focus even when capturing moving subjects.

When shooting with AF, the Full-time Manual Focus override allows you to instantly make fine-focusing adjustments manually, without having to switch between modes.

VC performance is now 4.5 stops and offers three modes optimized for different situations

The VC (Vibration Compensation) effectiveness is equivalent to 4.5 stops, based on image stabilization performance levels established by CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) when using VC MODE 3. Model A022 now has three types of VC modes and it is possible to choose the optimum VC mode according to the situation for taking a photograph, such as when panning.

  • VC MODE 1 is the standard mode that strikes a great balance between the stability of the viewfinder image and the stabilization effects.
  • VC MODE 2 is exclusively used for panning.
  • VC MODE 3 prioritizes the stabilization of the captured images and forgoes the stabilization of the viewfinder image.

A new VC Mode can be programmed with the optional TAMRON TAP-in ConsoleTM. You can overwrite VC Mode 1 with a new VC Mode that allows stabilization to be engaged constantly for videography purposes. In this mode, the LCD screen is used.

New FLEX ZOOM LOCK mechanism enables locking of the zoom ring at any position

The FLEX ZOOM LOCK mechanism quickly locks or unlocks the zoom at any position simply by sliding the zoom ring. Photographers can shoot from any angle without the zoom extending unintentionally. Additionally, the lens features the conventional Zoom Lock switch to prevent unwanted barrel extension during transportation.

Fluorine Coating and Moisture-Resistant Construction for a more user-friendly lens

The front surface of the lens element is coated with a protective fluorine compound that is water- and oil-repellent. The lens surface is easier to wipe clean and is less vulnerable to the damaging effects of dirt, dust, moisture and fingerprints. For greater protection when shooting outdoors, leak-proof seals throughout the lens barrel help protect your equipment.

Electromagnetic diaphragm system now used for Nikon-mount lenses

An electromagnetic diaphragm system, which has been a standard feature for Canon-mount lenses, is now employed in Nikon-mount lenses(1). More precise diaphragm and aperture control is possible because the diaphragm blades are driven and controlled by a motor through electronic pulse signals.

Lightweight and easy-to-hold tripod mount is compatible with an Arca-Swiss style quick release plate

A new textured grip and Arca-Swiss style tripod interface enhances both speed and utility. And because the tripod mount is made of lightweight magnesium, it is much easier to carry.

Compatible with TAMRON TAP-in Console, an optional accessory product

The optional TAP-in Console provides a USB connection to your personal computer, enabling you to easily update your lens's firmware as well as customize features including fine adjustments to the AF and VC.

Teleconverters exclusively for the Tamron lens now developed

Two exclusive teleconverters(2), which perfectly match the optics of the new SP 150-600mm G2 (Model A022), offer 1.4x and 2x magnification and provide a maximum zoom range up to 1200mm. These new teleconverters extend focal length of the master lens, making it possible to take pictures in farther ultra-telephoto ranges.

Changes in zoom range when used with SP 150-600mm f5-6.3 Di VC USD G2:

Full Frame APS-C Magnification
No teleconverter 150-160mm 233-930mm 1:3.9
1.4x teleconverter 210-840mm 326-1302mm 1:2.8
2.0x teleconverter 300-1200mm 465-1860mm 1:2

Based on the rigorous quality standards worthy of the SP series, this new lens is manufactured with thorough attention to details

For the SP series products in particular, Tamron has established rigorous design and quality standards. These standards apply to the optical design, mechanical design and the cosmetic appearance, as well as to such wide-ranging areas as the product's robustness and improvements in various individual functions. Tamron thoroughly reviews of all of the design and manufacturing processes in order to offer products to customers with ever-higher precision and quality levels.

For the SP 150-600mm G2 (Model A022), the optical design was refreshed, mechanical parts were improved and a new exterior design was adopted. To maximize the optical performance intrinsic to this product, Tamron improved the accuracy of component parts and increased the precision of the overall zooming mechanism.

Design Concept

The new design adopted for the four SP series lenses already on the market is essentially the fusion of engineering and style, the pursuit of functional beauty and craftsmanship achieved by giving meticulous attention to minute details. Using metal as the exterior material creates a high-grade design based on the concept that emphasizes "Human Touch" characteristics and significantly improves user-friendliness. The SP models feature a novel design for the switches, easy-to-read characters, an enlarged window over the distance scale and the adoption of organic forms easy for the photographer's fingers to hold onto.

This design philosophy -- the pursuit of functional beauty with a "Human Touch" -- is applied even to the most minute details of the new SP 150-600mm G2 (Model A022) ultra-telephoto zoom. By using metal for the exterior material and adding new functions such as the Flex zoom lock mechanism, the Model A022 achieves a size and weight that makes comfortable handheld shooting possible, with a slim and stylish appearance design to top it all off.


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