Japanese optical manufacturer Tamron has announced it is to launch its exiting 90mm macro lens in a Sony A-mount, and that Sony users will now be able to update and customise some of their Tamron lenses using the company’s TAP-in lens console. The Sony version of the SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 USD will be the same as the versions produced for Canon and Nikon users, but will not feature Tamron’s Vibration Correction system as Sony cameras have their own in-body stabilization.
The TAP-in console allows customers to tune focus, update firmware and customize features such as focus limiters and full-time manual focus in those lenses that offer them. The console is compatible with the latest batch of Tamron fixed focal length lenses, including the 85mm f/1.8 which the company has yet to launch in Sony mount.
The SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 USD and the TAP-in console will be available from 25th August. Although the press release doesn’t mention prices, the console for Canon and Nikon users currently sells for $ 60/£55 and the lens for $ 749/£579.
For more information visit the Tamron website.
Tamron announces the launch of the SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 USD (Model F017) for Sony mount
August 18, 2016, Saitama, Japan – Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Shiro Ajisaka), a leading manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces the launch of the SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 USD (Model F017) for Sony mount.
Model F017
MACRO 1:1 USD (Model F017) for Sony mount*
Date of Launch: August 25, 2016
*The Sony mount model does not include VC (Vibration Compensation), since the bodies of Sony DSLR cameras include built-in image stabilization functionality. The name of the Sony mount model is “SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 USD” without the VC designation
Product Highlights
Built upon the outstanding optical performance of the legendary Tamron 90mm Macro
Inheriting the optical design of the previous 90mm Macro lens (Model F004), the new Model F017 delivers the same excellent resolving power and remarkably soft background blur effects (bokeh). The advanced construction includes one LD (Low Dispersion) glass element that maximally limits the dispersion properties of light and two XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) glass elements that correct dispersion properties to an even greater extent. The special elements optimally compensate for on-axis and lateral chromatic aberrations from macro shooting range to infinity. Furthermore, the design ensures the best imaging performance at any range by adopting the Floating System which shifts the location of a group of elements to the best possible position as the focusing group travels relative to shooting distances. From 1:1, life-size close-ups to the most distant horizon, this new 90mm Macro lens achieves outstanding image quality.
Optimized for spectacular background blur effects (bokeh)
Earlier models of Tamron’s 90mm macro lens received high acclaim for their spectacular blur effects, and the new 90mm macro builds upon this legacy. To continue this commitment, thorough optical simulations were conducted. Careful examinations were performed to minimize any blurring with a doubled image appearing for a single line because that phenomenon has a considerably negative impact on background image quality. As a result, the lens achieves both sharp, vivid images and spectacular background blur effects. This combination is highly prized by portrait photographers.
Moisture-Proof and Dust-Resistant Construction
Areas of possible ingress surrounding switches and the boundary between the focus ring and the lens barrel are protected by special seals. These provide stronger protection against the intrusion of dirt, dust and moisture compared to the Moisture-Resistant Construction used previously. This additional protection assures even more wide-ranging opportunities for using this lens.
A durable Fluorine Coating on the front element repels water and fingerprints
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. The Fluorine Coating technology that Tamron developed for use in industrial optics applications was first used on the SP 15-30mm which was introduced in 2014.
USD actuator maximized for macro photography is fast, accurate and quiet
The control software program for the USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) actuator has been revised to provide substantially improved focusing speed and accuracy when using AF. The USD quickly addresses any out-of-focus condition caused by back-and-forth camera movement (which commonly occurs during macro photography) ensuring better results when shooting at close range.
Advanced coating technology reduces flare and ghosting
Two advanced coating technologies, both providing outstanding anti-reflection performance, are applied to critical element surfaces for maximum light transmission. eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) Coating boasts outstanding anti-reflection performance across nearly the entire range of visible rays, and BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) Coating utilizes traditional multi-layered, anti-reflection technology. This combination virtually eliminates extraneous reflections and substantially reduces ghosting and flare which enables the lens to achieve flawless, crystal clear images.
Use of circular aperture to achieve beautiful, rounded blur effects (bokeh)
When shooting a scene that includes a point-source of light in the subject background, marvelously tuned blur (bokeh) can be obtained without generating undesirable polygonal shapes of aperture patterns thanks to the circular aperture. The 9-blade diaphragm retains a nearly perfect circular opening even when stopped down by two stops.
Focusing options perfectly suited to a macro lens
The new 90mm macro has a focus limiter that makes it possible to shorten the time for accurately focusing on a subject when the working range is known. The lens also features an Internal Focusing system, so the overall length of the lens never changes, not even when focusing. As a result, the user is assured of a comfortable working distance of at least 139mm (5.5 in) from the front of the lens. In addition, the lens is equipped with a Full-time Manual Focus override mechanism which makes it possible to flexibly choose focal points. Even with the AF driving system in action, it is possible to instantaneously override it to make manual fine focusing adjustments without switching the AF-MF mode back and forth.
Compatibility with TAMRON TAP-in Console™
Always as new as tomorrow: You can update firmware, customize autofocus positions and adjust the mechanical setup and preferences of the 90mm lens by simply attaching it to the TAMRON TAP-in Console and connecting it via USB to a personal computer. (The TAP-in Console is an optional accessory.)
TAMRON TAP-in Console™ (Model TAP-01)
Sony mount model launched
Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Shiro Ajisaka; Headquarters: Saitama City), a leading manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces the launch of the TAMRON TAP-in Console (Model TAP-01), a lens accessory that enables firmware updating and customized setups for selected Tamron lenses, for Sony cameras (Sony A mount model).
For the first time, customers can update firmware in selected Tamron lenses and customize various lens functions to meet their needs simply by attaching a TAMRON TAP-in Console and running the TAMRON TAP-in Utility software on their PC or Mac.
Previously, firmware updates could be performed only at a TAMRON Customer Service Center. Using the new accessory and an internet connection, customers can access a dedicated website and update firmware themselves anytime, anywhere. In addition, selected lenses can be customized by changing various settings (described below) to match the customer’s preferences based on how they like to use the lens, making it even more versatile and user-friendly.
Custom Options
With a TAMRON TAP-in Console, customers can do the following things.
- Update firmware
- Update the firmware of compatible lenses
- Update the firmware of the TAP-in Console itself
- Customize functions of selected lenses
- Focus adjustment
- Focus distance limiter customization (only for lenses that have the Focus Limiter feature)
- Full-time Manual Focus override customization (only for lenses that have the Full-time Manual Focus feature)
- Save customized data files
Because Tamron lenses compatible with Sony cameras are not equipped with the VC (Vibration Compensation) system, the Customize function for VC adjustment, which is available for the Nikon and Canon mount models, is not available for the new Sony mount model.
TAMRON TAP-in Utility Software
Customers download the free TAMRON TAP-in Utility and install it on their Mac or PC. Updating firmware and customizing various lens functions is as easy as connecting the TAP-in Console with a USB cable and making selections. An internet connection is required for firmware updates.
Updating Firmware
Customers can update firmware of selected Tamron lenses using this utility software. Additionally, the firmware in the TAP-in Console unit can be updated as needed. Using an internet connection and the utility software, users can access a dedicated website and easily confirm that the lens attached to the TAP-in Console—and the Console itself—have the most up-to-date firmware. If a newer version is available, updating is quick and secure.
Customization of Selected Tamron Lenses
Various lens functions can be customized, depending on the lens model and built-in features.
(1) Focus adjustment
Focus can be adjusted in three distance regions: close, intermediate, and far ranges. For zoom lenses with variable focal length ranges, adjustments can be made for up to eight segments, which means that focus adjustment for a combined total of up to 24 regions is possible. Fixed-focal length lenses have only one segment, so customization for the three distance regions is possible. The conditions and range of possible adjustments may differ according to the lens model.
(2) Focus distance limiter customization
For lenses equipped with a Focus Limiter switch, it is possible to adjust the autofocus drive range by setting the near and far limits according to user preferences. If the Focus Limiter switch has three positions, setting the middle position is also possible. Only lens models equipped with the Focus Limiter function can be adjusted. The conditions and range of possible adjustments may differ according to the lens model.
(3) Full-time Manual Focus override customization
For any lens with a Full-time Manual Focus override system, you can set the mode to ON or OFF. In addition, you can optimize the sensitivity of the focus ring to your preference relative to its angular rotation anywhere between High and Low, when setting the manual focus mode menu button to ON.
Compatible Tamron Lenses (As of August 2016)
- SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F016) for Sony: To be launched soon
- SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F017) for Sony: To be launched on August 25, 2016
- SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F013) for Sony
- SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F012) for Sony
