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Gallery and impressions: The Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 is light, sharp and stabilized

28 Jan

Shot on the Canon EOS 80D.
ISO 800 | 154mm | 1/200 sec | F5.6

The Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD is a well-priced ($ 800) telephoto lens with a useful zoom range. Available in both Canon EF and Nikon F mount, this lens is useful on both full-frame and crop bodies, offering a 150-600mm equiv. field of view on the latter. We first saw it at PPE 2017 and were impressed by its reasonable size and weight given its reach – at 1.11 kg / 2.45 lb – it is the lightest lens in its class.

See our Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 sample gallery Optically, the 100-400mm is constructed of 17 elements arranged in 11 groups, including low-dispersion elements to correct for aberrations. It also features multiple coatings to reduce ghosting and flare, as well as a protective fluorine coating on the front element. Image stabilization is crucial when it comes to long zoom lenses and Tamron’s optical Vibration Correction system offers the equivalent of 4 stops of correction (CIPA rated).

Shown with the optional tripod collar attached, sold separately for $ 130.

Key Specifications:

100-400mm zoom range
150-600mm equiv. field of view on APS-C
F4.5-6.3 maximum aperture
VC Image stablization
Dust and moisture resistant
Silent AF
Florine coating on front element
Minimum focus distance: 1.5m
Maximum magnification ratio: 1:3.6
Filter thread: 67mm
Available in Canon EF and Nikon F mount

Wildlife and outdoor sports shooters can take solace in the fact that this lens is moisture resistant, with eight rubber gaskets, including one at the base of the lens mount. It’s compatible with Tamron’s TAP-in Console, allowing users to update firmware and/or fine-tune AF. It can also be used with the company’s 1.4X and 2X teleconverters. An A035TM accessory tripod collar is sold separately for $ 130.

Shot on the Canon EOS 5DS R.
ISO 200 | 100mm | 1/1600 sec | F4.5

Design and Handling

According to Tamron the lightweight design of this lens is mostly due to its magnesium alloy internal construction, though it is worth noting the outer shell of the lens is plastic (the lens mount is metal). The lens telescopes when zoomed, increasing in length about 50%. At its most compact it is about 20 cm / 7.8 in long.

Well-constructed, solid feeling and well-balanced, nothing rattles around inside the lens when shaken (my favorite test). Zooming from 100mm to 400mm requires a one quarter turn of the large rubberized zoom ring (located at the front of the lens).

Zooming from 100mm to 400mm requires a one quarter turn of the large rubberized zoom ring

‘Lens creep’ is an annoying fact of life when using telescoping lenses, fortunately it was not an issue during field testing. Just in case, there is a lock on the lens barrel (which can only be used when the zoom is retracted in to 100mm).

Toward the base of the lens barrel you’ll find an AF/MF switch as well as as a controller for selecting one’s VC (vibration compensation) mode: Mode 1 is for normal stabilization, Mode 2 is for use when panning. Users can also turn off VC completely, which useful if you’re on a tripod. Just below the focus ring is the focus distance scale window.

Performance

Hand-held at 400mm, shot using a 1/125 sec shutter because I live in Seattle and it is always dark outside. Shot on the Canon EOS 80D
ISO 800 | 400mm | 1/125 sec | F6.3

Tamron is pitching this lens as appropriate for sports and wildlife shooters, two groups that require reliable AF and effective stabilization. Fortunately, our real world usage shows the 100-400mm excelling in both areas.

The image stabilization system proved effective at helping to eliminate camera shake at shutter speeds I’d ordinarily not feel comfortable using, given the focal length used. The moment you engage AF the IS system kicks in – with one’s eye to the finder the effectiveness of the compensation is immediately apparent.

Autofocus is both silent (hello ultrasonic drive) and fast (powered by two processors). Acquisition is nearly instant in AF-S and it’s equally fast and impressive in AF-C. Users can expect it to maintain focus on the moving subjects they point it at, assuming their camera body is up to the challenge.

Image Quality

The lens is sharp through the zoom range, out of focus areas are also inoffensive. Shot on the Canon EOS 5DS R.
ISO 400 | 400mm | 1/500 sec | F6.3

Though this lens has a slow maximum aperture and is best used for daylight shooting, all signs point to it being optically very good. Our copy of the 100-400mm was well-centered and universally sharp across the frame at all focal lengths we shot. Ghosting and flare are rare.

[It is] universally sharp across the frame at all focal lengths we shot

Chromatic aberration is also really well controlled, though it does appears in some images. Lateral CA is easy to correct in Adobe Camera Raw and other Raw processing programs.However axial CA, which you can see in this shot, is much more difficult to correct for. We also noted some vignetting when used on full-frame, but that is also fairly easy to correct in post.

Bokeh is about what we would expect for a complex telephoto lens. It can look nice toward the longer end, when there’s good subject separation, but closer to 100mm, it can look a little busy, as is the case in this shot.

Conclusion

For travel photographers looking for a casual, lightweight telephoto lens to explore with, the Tamron 100-400 F4.5-6.3 is a solid choice. Shot on the EOS 5DS R.
ISO 400 | 143mm | 1/1250 sec | F5

The Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 is a great telephoto lens for daylight photography, whether your subjects are moving or not. It offers fast, silent autofocus, good stabilization and is optically impressive at all focal lengths. All that comes in a weather-resistant package that also happens to be the lightest in its class.

We feel comfortable giving it our recommendation

Priced the same as the Sigma 100-400mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM, the most obvious difference between the two is the Tamron is faster on the wide end, F4.5 vs F5 (and it’s also a hair lighter). That aside, the two offer very similar features like image stabilization, multi layer coatings and special elements for dealing with CA. We’ll have to revisit the Sigma to see just how well the two compare. But having spent a good amount of time with the Tamron, we feel comfortable giving it our recommendation.

What we like:

Sharp, versatile zoom range on both APS-C and full-frame
Lightest lens in its class
Moisture and dust resistant
Impressive image stablization
Silent AF is fast and accurate

What we don’t:

Slow aperture range
Pricey tripod collar sold separately
Vignettes on full-frame (though easy to correct)

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Tamron unveils lightweight 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 ultra-telephoto zoom for $800

29 Oct

Tamron just revealed its newest ultra-telephoto zoom. Meet the Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A035) for full-frame Canon and Nikon DSLRs—a lens that combines compact, lightweight construction with ‘superior’ image quality and ‘fast and precise AF’, according to Tamron. The lens’ tagline: heavyweight performance in a lightweight lens.

The new lens was revealed this morning, and its claim to fame is its size and weight. At just 39.3 oz., the new 100-400mm lens is the lightest in its class thanks to the use of magnesium allow in ‘key areas’ of the lens barrel. Inside that barrel you’ll find 17 lens elements in 11 groups—including three low dispersion (LD) elements—and Tamron’s high-speed Dual MPU that allows for ‘fast and precise AF’ as well as four stops of stabilization.

Below are some sample photos captured with the new Tamron 100-400 F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD at the racetrack by photographer Takahito Mizutani for Tamron:

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The Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD will be available starting November 16th, in both Canon and Nikon mounts, for $ 800. To find out more or see more impressive sample photos, read the full press release below or head over to the Tamron website.

Press Release

100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A035)

Tamron announces the launch of a new ultra-telephoto zoom lens with fast and precise AF, superior image quality and a lightweight, compact design

October 26, 2017, Commack, New York— Tamron USA, Inc. , announces the launch of a new ultra-telephoto zoom lens, 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A035), for full-frame Canon and Nikon DSLR cameras. The Model A035 delivers fast and precise AF performance and consistently powerful VC (Vibration Compensation) 4 stops*¹benefits thanks to the high-speed Dual MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) control system that is found in the latest Tamron lens models. The advanced optical design of Model A035 includes three LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements for aberration reduction and Tamron’s original eBAND Coating for superior anti-reflection performance. At 1,115g (39.3 oz), the new lens is the lightest in its class^*2 and features magnesium alloy in key areas of the lens barrel to ensure weight reduction, and improve strength and portability. Model A035 is compatible with Tamron’s 1.4X tele converter and the Tamron TAP-in Console^TMthat enables lens customizations for focus adjustments, VC mechanism adjustments and more. Additionally, an Arca Swiss compatible tripod mount is available as an optional accessory. The new Tamron 100-400mm will be available in both Canon and Nikon mounts on November 16^th at $ 799.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

1. High-speed Dual MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) control system delivers quick and highly responsive autofocus performance plus outstanding VC image stabilization

The Dual MPU system includes an MPU dedicated to vibration compensation processing, enhancing the computational capacity of the entire system. An MPU with built-in DSP (Digital Signal Processor) provides high-speed digital signal processing and achieves outstanding autofocus performance and vibration compensation, both indispensable for ultra-telephoto photography.

2. Superb image quality in an ultra-telephoto zoom lens

The Model A035 includes three LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements for optimal optical design and aberration correction. Lighter weight, increased light transmission and crisp images with excellent contrast are achieved by reducing the number of lens elements while ensuring an appropriate balance with aberration correction. The A035 has minimum object distance (MOD) of 1.5 m (59 in) and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.6 for close-up work.

3. Exclusive eBAND Coating reduces flare and ghosting

The new A035 features Tamron’s eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) Coating, which has an extremely low refractive index and fine multiple-layer coating technology, to achieve outstanding antireflection performance. BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) Coating, with excellent antireflection characteristics, increases light transmission. These coating technologies greatly reduce the ghosting and flare that can occur when subjects are backlit.

4. Lightest weight, 1,115 g (39.3 oz) lens in the ultra-telephoto zoom lens class^*, and only 196.5 mm (7.7 in) long

Magnesium alloy is used in key areas of the lens barrel to improve weight reduction, strength and portability. Total length of 196.5 mm (Nikon mount) means a compact size for an ultra-telephoto zoom lens covering up to 400 mm, and the A035 can therefore be easily carried in a standard camera bag. Combined with excellent vibration compensation functions, the compact size enables successful handheld ultra-telephoto photography.

*Length is the distance from the front tip of the lens to the lens mount face.

5. Optional accessory tripod mount is Arca-Swiss compatible

An Arca-Swiss style tripod mount is available as an optional accessory. Designed exclusively for Model A035, it provides quick and secure attachment to a tripod and greater stability. An easy-to-hold grip shape includes an expanded mounting plane, and the use of magnesium helps achieve lighter weight, thereby further facilitating handheld photography.

6. Compatible with tele converters and TAP-in Console

Model A035 is compatible with tele converters designed exclusively for Tamron lenses to achieve 1.4X and 2X the original focal length*. It’s also compatible with Tamron’s TAP-in Console (Model TAP-01), an optional accessory enabling users to update lens firmware and customize the lens settings, including adjustments of focusing positions for autofocusing and the operation modes for the lens’s Vibration Compensation system.

*Use of the 1.4× tele converter results in light reduction of 1 F stop; use of the 2× tele converter results in the loss of 2 F stops

7. Moisture-Resistant construction and fluorine coating for enhanced weather protection

The surface of the front element is coated with a protective fluorine compound that has excellent water- and oil-repellant qualities. The front surface is easier to wipe clean and is less vulnerable to the damaging effects of dirt, dust, moisture or oily fingerprints, allowing for much easier maintenance. Also, with active use of the A035 for outdoor photography likely, sealant is used in each of the movable and joining areas of the lens barrel to resist the intrusion of moisture.

8. Electromagnetic diaphragm system now used also 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*. More precise diaphragm and aperture control is possible because the diaphragm blades are driven and controlled by a built-in motor through electronic pulse signals.

* Available only with cameras compatible with the electromagnetic diaphragm (D5, D4s, D4, D3X, Df, D850?D810, D810A, D800, D800E, D750, D600, D610, D300S, D500, D7500, D7200, D7100, D7000, D5600, D5500, D5300, D5200, D5100, D5000, D3400, D3300, D3200, D3100). (As of October, 2017; Tamron)

9. External design places importance on functionality and ease of use

While inheriting the design that makes use of many organic curves and the delicately polished form down to fine details that characterize the SP lens series, the new Model A035 comes with a highly sophisticated design that also places a lot of importance on the lens’s functionality and ease of use, featuring an overall form that faithfully encompasses the internal structures within, a slim Luminous Gold brand ring and the switch shape design.

Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type	Zoom lens
Max Format size	35mm FF
Focal length	100–400 mm
Image stabilization	Yes
CIPA Image stabilization rating	4 stop(s)
Lens mount	Canon EF, Nikon F (FX)
Aperture
Maximum aperture	F4.5–6.3
Minimum aperture	F32–45
Aperture ring	No
Number of diaphragm blades	9
Optics
Elements	17
Groups	11
Special elements / coatings	Three LD elements + eBAND coating
Focus
Minimum focus	1.50 m (59.06″)
Maximum magnification	0.28×
Autofocus	Yes
Motor type	Ring-type ultrasonic
Full time manual	Yes
Focus method	Extending front
Distance scale	Yes
DoF scale	No
Physical
Weight	1135 g (2.50 lb)
Diameter	86 mm (3.39″)
Length	199 mm (7.83″)
Materials	Magnesium alloy
Sealing	Yes
Colour	Black
Zoom method	Rotary (extending)
Filter thread	67.0 mm
Hood supplied	Yes
Tripod collar	No
Optional accessories	Tripod collar

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Hands-on with new Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD

27 Oct

Hands-on with new Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD

The new Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD is a lightweight telezoom aimed at enthusiast full-frame and APS-C DSLR users. The lightest zoom in its class (minus the optional tripod foot) the 100-400mm trades brightness for portability, weighing in at 40 ounces (roughly 1.1 kilograms).

Hands-on with new Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD

Optical construction comprises 17 elements in 11 groups, including extraordinary LD (low dispersion) elements. Minimum focus is a respectable 59 inches (1.5m) which works out at a a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.6.

The optical Vibration Correction system offers the equivalent of 4 stops of correction, which should make a big difference to usability for telephoto shots, at and around 400mm. We’ve been impressed by the performance of Tamron’s stabilization in the past, and in theory, the new 100-400mm should be hand-holdable down to 1/60sec at 400mm.

Hands-on with new Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD

Despite being a full-frame zoom, the 100-400mm feels relatively light, and very well-balanced. In the 100mm zoom position, the lens is 7.8 inches long.

Hands-on with new Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD

Zoomed out to 400mm, the 100-400mm gets longer by roughly 50%, but still feels well-balanced. The large zoom ring moves smoothly throughout the zoom range. A smaller focus ring is positioned behind it, but separated by enough space that you probably won’t grab the wrong ring by mistake.

Automatic focusing is powered by twin processors, and judging from a very quick test on the show floor (with a Nikon D500) AF seems fast and positive, at least in single-shot mode.

Hands-on with new Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD

Although the sample we tried out didn’t display any ‘zoom creep’ there is a lock on the barrel to prevent the lens extending when carried.

Hands-on with new Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD

The tripod ring is optional, but recommended. Although it makes the 100-400mm slightly heavier, it offers a very solid platform for tripod use. Although you can’t tell from this image, the base of the foot is Arca-SWISS compatible.

Hands-on with new Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD

The Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD is fully compatible with Canon and Nikon DSLRs, both full-frame and APS-C. We had the chance to use it (briefly) on a Nikon D500 and it balances well, both at 100 and 400mm positions. This view gives a sense of the relatively small size of the lens. Despite its telephoto reach, it’s about the same size and weight as a typical 70-200mm F4.

As we’d expect, the Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD is compatible with Tamron’s TAP-in Console and 1.4X and 2X teleconverters (although don’t expect stellar AF performance at the long end of the zoom with either!). It will be available starting November 16th for $ 800.

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Tamron developing lightweight, compact 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 lens

18 Sep

Third-party lens maker Tamron has officially announced that it is working on a new tele-zoom lens for full-frame cameras: the 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A035).

Thanks to the use of magnesium in key areas of the barrel, Tamron claims the lens is both durable and, weighing in at just 1.12kg, the lightest in its class. The optical design incorporates three low dispersion elements to control chromatic aberration and Tamron’s eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) coating to minimize reflections and flare.

Tamron also included a high-speed Dual MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) control system, which works in conjunction with Tamron’s Ultrasonic Silent Drive focusing motor to deliver AF speed and precision.

The lens will be compatible with Tamron’s 1.4X teleconverter and the Tamron TAP-in Console that lets you fine-tune and adjust focus and stabilization, among other parameters. An Arca Swiss compatible tripod mount will be available as an optional accessory.

If everything goes to plan, the 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD will be available by the end of 2017 in Canon and Nikon mount versions.

Press Release

Tamron announces the development of a new ultra-telephoto
zoom lens with superior image quality, advanced features
and lightweight, compact design

100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A035)

September 15, 2017 – Commack, New York – Tamron USA, Inc. announces the development of a new ultra-telephoto 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD zoom lens (Model A035) for full-frame DSLR cameras. The advanced optical design of Model A035 includes 3 LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements for greater aberration reduction and Tamron’s original eBAND Coating for superior anti-reflection performance.

At 39.3 oz., the new lens is the lightest weight in its class[1] and features magnesium material in key areas of the lens barrel to improve weight reduction, strength and portability.

The Model A035 delivers fast and precise autofocus performance and consistently powerful VC (Vibration Compensation) benefits thanks to the high-speed Dual MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) control system that is found in the latest Tamron lens models.

Model A035 is fully compatible with Tamron’s 1.4X teleconverter and the Tamron TAP-in ConsoleTM that enables lens customizations for focus adjustments, VC mechanism adjustments and more. Additionally, an Arca Swiss compatible tripod mount is available as an optional accessory.

This combination of features and optional accessories join to create a lens that photographers everywhere will enjoy using in various shooting situations, including low-light conditions that require handheld operation as well as those where convenient attachment to a tripod is preferred.

[1] Among 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 lenses for 35mm full-frame DSLR cameras (As of September 15, 2017; Tamron)

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

3 LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements effectively compensate for axial chromatic aberrations, a potential issue for ultra-telephoto lenses, and other various aberrations.
eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) Coating, with superior anti-reflection performance to eliminate flare and ghosting, provides flawless, crystal clear images.
High-speed Dual MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) control system delivers quick and highly responsive autofocus performance and outstanding vibration compensation.
Lightest weight (39.3 oz.) lens in the ultra-telephoto zoom lens category.
Optional accessory tripod mount is Arca Swiss-compatible.
MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 59″ and maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.6
Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating for weather protection
Fully compatible with 1.4X teleconverter and TAP-in ConsoleTM

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Pentax 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE real world sample gallery

18 Oct

The Pentax 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE is a new variable aperture ultra telephoto zoom that is the first Pentax lens to use their new ‘Pulse Autofocus Motor’. Although it is a bit darker than the old 55-300, autofocus is much faster and virtually silent. Take a look at our samples to see how sharp this handy new zoom is.

See our Pentax 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE sample gallery

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Affordable reach: Ricoh announces Pentax 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 lens

09 Jun

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Ricoh Imaging has announced the HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE lens. The new version builds in some new features and sheds some weight compared to the company’s previous 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED WR lens, but at the expense of a slightly smaller maximum aperture range.

Namely, this new lens features a pulse motor (PLM) and adopts a ‘rear-focus’ system – both of these changes result in faster autofocus acquisition times (8.3x at wide angle and 1.7x at telephoto), as well as quieter overall autofocus performance when compared to its predecessor. Ricoh also claims that, when the lens is mounted on the new K-70 DSLR, a new autofocus algorithm ensures greater precision and faster operation with dimly lit subjects.

The lens is 10% lighter than the old 55-300mm, is fully weather-sealed and focuses down to 0.95m/3.1ft Rounding out the key specs and changes is an electromagnetic diaphragm control system, which, according to Ricoh, will provide smoother aperture control during video recording.

The HD Pentax-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE lens will retail for $ 399.95/£399.99 when it becomes available – Ricoh will make an availability announcement in July.

Press release:

Ricoh Imaging announces compact, lightweight and weather-resistant HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE lens

Advanced-design telephoto zoom lens delivers high-speed, quiet autofocus and outstanding optical performance in an extremely portable package

DENVER, Colo. June 8, 2016 – Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the
HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE lens. Designed for use with PENTAX K-mount digital single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras, this new, weather-resistant 5.5X telephoto zoom lens provides enhanced autofocus (AF) and outstanding optical performance in a compact and lightweight package.

The lens provides effective focal lengths between 84.5mm and 460mm when mounted on a PENTAX APS-C format digital SLR, including the new PENTAX K-70 announced today (see separate news release). Its design enables quiet, high-speed AF operation in still-image shooting, as well as smooth and quiet AF tracking operation during video recording, with minimal mechanical noise created by focus and aperture shifts.

PENTAX HD (high-definition) coated optics deliver sharp, bright, high-contrast images free of flare and ghosting. The HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE lens offers a minimum focusing distance of 37.4 inches (0.95 meters) to further expand the range of photographic applications. With a fully retractable design, the lens measures only 3.5 inches (89 millimeters) long when retracted, and weighs less than one pound (442 grams), making it easy to carry around, even for casual shooting.

Fully weather-sealed, this lens is a durable and dependable companion for outdoor shooting—even in rain, snow or other wet conditions—when used with any of the many weather-resistant PENTAX DSLRs, such as the new K-70.

| Pricing and Availability |

Availability of the HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4.5-6.3ED PLM WR RE lens will be announced in early July. When available, it can be purchased at www.ricohimaging.com for $ 399.95, as well as at Ricoh Imaging-authorized retail outlets throughout North America.

Main Features

1. High-speed AF operation

With the adoption of a rear-focus system, the lens is almost 10 percent lighter than the PENTAX’s previous 55-300m lens—the HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8ED WR. By driving this focusing lens using a pulse motor (PLM), which is directly linked to a lead screw, this zoom lens also operates faster — approximately 8.3 times at its wide-angle end and approximately 1.7 times at its telephoto end —and quieter than its predecessor. When mounted on the new PENTAX K-70 digital SLR camera body (also announced today), it assures smoother, faster AF operation with dimly lit subjects, thanks to an improved AF algorithm that exchanges AF data between the camera body and the lens with greater precision. Operability of its power-assisted focus system during manual-focus operation has also been improved. Since its distance ring is designed to accurately detect the angle of rotation and swiftly react to a change of angle, this zoom lens can shift its focusing lens smoothly in response to distance ring operation.

2. Quiet AF operation and electromagnetic diaphragm control, perfect for video recording

This is the first K-mount lens to feature an electromagnetic diaphragm control system.* When mounted on the new PENTAX K-70 digital SLR or other compatible camera body, it assures smooth, high-precision aperture control during video recording. This state-of-the-art system shifts the aperture setting automatically and smoothly to result in more natural, true-to-life videos, even when the brightness level of the subject changes drastically, such as a live theater performance or a sunlight- streaked forest scene, or with active subjects such as athletes and animals. Coupled with the PLM mechanism, the system also assures smooth AF tracking operation and exposure control, while minimizing the intrusion of focus- and aperture-shift noises during video recording.

* NOTE: This lens’ KAF4 mount is compatible with an electromagnetic diaphragm control system. In order to use this lens, the camera’s firmware must be upgraded to the latest version (except for the PENTAX K-70). Cameras compatible with this system are: K-1, K-3 II, K-S2 and K-S1. If this lens is mounted on a camera without proper firmware upgrade, its diaphragm control mechanism becomes inactive, making it impossible to obtain correct exposure.

3. High-quality images, with a minimum focusing distance of 37.4 inches (0.95 meters)

With focal lengths from 84.5mm to 460mm (in the 35mm format), this telephoto zoom lens provides approximately 5.5-times zoom coverage from medium- to super-telephoto ranges. Its 14-element, 11- group optics include an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) optical element to effectively minimize spherical and chromatic aberrations, while delivering high-resolution, finely detailed images with rich contrast from the image’s center to its edges and minimal color bleeding at any focal length setting. In addition to a short minimal focusing distance of 0.95 meters, made possible by the rear-focus system, the lens barrel has also been designed to be free of extension during AF operation.

4. Compact telephoto zoom lens

Thanks to its retractable structure, the lens is only 3.5 inches (89 millimeters) long and weighs less than one pound (442 grams).

5. Weather-resistant construction

The lens features dependable, weather-resistant construction with 11 sealed parts to effectively prevent the intrusion of water into the lens interior. When paired with a weather-resistant PENTAX digital SLR camera body, the result is a durable, dependable digital imaging system that performs superbly in demanding shooting settings.

6. HD Coating to optimize image description

The lens is treated with high-grade, multi-layer HD (high definition) Coating. Compared with conventional multi-layer coatings, this PENTAX-original coating assures higher light transmittance and less reflection to deliver bright, high-contrast images free of flare and ghost images, even under demanding lighting conditions.

7. Other features

?Quick-Shift Focus System allows the user to instantly switch to manual-focus operation, even when the camera’s AF system is in operation.

?SP (Super Protect) Coating applied to the front surface of the lens to effectively repel water and grease.

?Rounded diaphragm with nine blades to produce a smooth, beautiful bokeh (defocus) effect. Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Pentax 55-300mm F4.5-6.3 ED PLM WR RE lens specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type	Zoom lens
Max Format size	APS-C / DX
Focal length	55–300 mm
Image stabilisation	No
Lens mount	Pentax KAF3
Aperture
Maximum aperture	F4.5–6.3
Minimum aperture	F22–32
Aperture ring	No
Number of diaphragm blades	9
Aperture notes	Rounded blades
Optics
Elements	14
Groups	11
Special elements / coatings	ED elements + HD and SP coatings
Focus
Minimum focus	0.95 m (37.4″)
Maximum magnification	0.3×
Autofocus	Yes
Motor type	Stepper motor
Full time manual	Yes
Focus method	Extending front
Distance scale	No
DoF scale	No
Focus distance limiter	No
Physical
Weight	471 g (1.04 lb)
Diameter	77 mm (3.01″)
Length	89 mm (3.5″)
Sealing	Yes
Colour	Black
Zoom method	Rotary (extending)
Power zoom	No
Filter thread	58.0 mm
Hood supplied	Yes
Hood product code	PH-RBK58
Tripod collar	No

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Canon UK announces EF-M 55-200mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM for EOS M

18 Jun

Canon UK has announced the EF-M 55-200mm f/4-6.3 IS STM, a compact telephoto zoom for the EOS M mirrorless system. Canon claims the new lens offers high-end optical performance, a ‘near-silent’ stepping motor and a 3.5-stop optical image stabilization system. Providing an 88-320mm equivalent range on the EOS M, it’s the fourth lens in the series, priced at €389.99/£329.99 with availability (at least in Europe) in July.

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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