Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 lens, two teleconverters officially announced





The Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 (model A022) lens and two new teleconverters are now officially announced. The US price is $1,399 (pre-orders: B&H | Adorama). Shipping in Japan will start on September 23rd. Few sample photos are available here. Additional information:

Lens design



MTF charts



Specifications

Model A022
Focal Length 150-600mm
Maximum Aperture F/5-6.3
Angle of View (diagonal) 16°25′ – 4°8′ (for full-frame format)

10°38′ – 2°40′ (for APS-C format)
Optical Construction 21 elements in 13 groups
Minimum Object Distance 2.2m (86.6 in)
Maximum Magnification Ratio 1:3.9
Filter Size Φ95mm
Maximum Diameter Φ108.4mm
Length* for Canon 260.2mm (10.2 in)

for Nikon 257.7mm (10.1 in)
Weight** for Canon 2,010g (70.9 oz)

for Nikon 1,990g (70.2 oz)
Aperture Blades 9 (circular diaphragm)
Minimum Aperture F/32-40
Image Stabilization Performance 4.5stops (CIPA Standards Compliant)

Using in VC MODE 3

(For Canon : EOS-5D MKIII is used / For Nikon : D810 is used)
Standard Accessories Lens hood, Lens caps, Lens case
Compatible Mounts Canon, Nikon, Sony***

Additional information:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Compatible with TAMRON TAP-in ConsoleTM, 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.



Tamron Teleconverter 1.4x (Model TC-X14)

Model TC-X14
Magnification* 1.4x
Optical Construction 6 elements in 3 groups
Maximum Diameter for Canon φ70mm

for Nikon φ62.6mm
Length** for Canon, Nikon 21.4mm (0.8 in)
Entire Length*** for Canon 34.1mm (1.3 in)

for Nikon 32.3mm (1.3 in)
Weight for Canon 205g (7.2 oz)

for Nikon 180g (6.3 oz)
Accessories Mount cap, Rear cap, Lens case
Compatible Mounts Canon, Nikon



Tamron Teleconverter 2.0x (Model TC-X20)

Model TC-X20
Magnification* 2x
Optical Construction 9 elements in 5 groups
Maximum Diameter for Canon φ69.8mm

for Nikon φ62.3mm
Length** for Canon, Nikon 53.6mm (2.1 in)
Entire Length*** for Canon 66.8mm (2.6 in)

for Nikon 65mm (2.6 in)
Weight for Canon 360g (12.7 oz)

for Nikon 305g (10.8 oz)
Accessories Mount cap, Rear cap, Lens case
Compatible Mounts Canon, Nikon

The US pricing for the teleconverters are $419 and $439. The new teleconverters are for now compatible only with the new SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 (Model A022) lens. Technical specifications and features:

  1. Increases maximum focal length

    Although the maximum focal length is increased, the minimum object distance remains nearly the same, so the magnification ratio during close focusing is enhanced. Both teleconverters are carefully designed and constructed to preserve the original superior image quality of the lens. The 2.0x model uses one LD (Low Dispersion) lens element to suppress aberrations. BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) coatings are deployed on both models to help minimize ghosting and flare.
  2. Autofocus and VC features are retained with compatible lenses

    Autofocus functions normally with compatible lenses (please refer to Compatible Tamron Lens List below). VC (Vibration Compensation) performance is maintained.
  3. Moisture-Proof and Dust-Resistant Construction

    The new teleconverters are ideal for use in outdoor photography when matched with any lens that has a Moisture-Resistant Construction because special seals that are dust-resistant and moisture-proof are used at every joint and seam.
  4. Sturdy, durable barrel design

    The barrel frame of the teleconverters are made of die cast aluminum, except for some parts of the exterior finish, to maintain extra strength when used with large lenses. The design utilizes a bayonet mount made of brass on the camera side and stainless steel on the lens side to ensure excellent durability even with repeated mountings and detachments.