Tamron today introduced two new Di III series zooms for Sony, a super-tele for full-frame cameras and a wide zoom for APS-sensor models. Both will be available in June.

The Tamron 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD (Model A057) is a relatively compact super-tele that will especially appeal to wildlife and sports photographers. Its closest competitor in Sony’s own lens lineup is arguably the FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G OSS, and though the Tamron’s range is shorter, the lens is more compact even when fully extended to 500mm and priced about $600 less than the Sony.

As a full-frame model, the lens can also be used with APS-sensor cameras, providing an equivalent range of 225-750mm. The lens includes Tamron’s Vibration Compensation system, but the press release doesn’t specify the number of stops of image stabilization provided. It can focus as close at 23.6 inches at the wide end of its range and 70.9 inches at the telephoto end. List price is $1,399, and availability is expected on June 10.

For APS-sensor Sony cameras, the Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Model B060) is equivalent to approximately 16.5mm-30mm, giving it a versatile range for wide-angle landscapes, architecture and general travel use. The lens is roughly comparable to Sony’s E 10-18 mm F4 OSS, but it’s a full stop faster and priced at $829, about $70 less than the Sony.

The lens can focus as close as 5.9 inches at 11mm, extending out to 9.4 inches at the 20mm end of the range. It’s expected in stores on June 24.

For more details on both of these lenses, see the press releases below.

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TAMRON Announces Compact 500mm Ultra-Telephoto Zoom for Sony E-mount Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras

150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD Model A057 High-speed, high precision AF and TAMRON’s VC make comfortable handheld photography with a compact 500mm zoom a reality.

April 22, 2021, Commack, NY – TAMRON announces the launch of the 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD (Model A057), an ultra-telephoto zoom lens for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras on June 10, 2021 at approximately $1,399 USD. Due to the current global health crisis, the release date or product supply schedule could change.

The 150-500mm F5-6.7 is TAMRON’s first ultra-telephoto zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras that reaches the 500mm focal length and when used on APS-C mirrorless format cameras, the zoom range is an approximate 225-750mm full-frame equivalent. Even when extended to the 500mm telephoto end, the lens is still compact enough for comfortable handheld shooting. This zoom lets users enjoy casual shooting with steady performance and high image quality in the ultra-telephoto realm where conventional wisdom once dictated a tripod. To support handheld shooting in the ultra-telephoto range, the 150-500mm is equipped with VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive), a linear motor focus mechanism that delivers excellent quietness and agile performance, and TAMRON’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism for high-level image stabilization. At the 150mm end, the lens offers an MOD of 23.6” for powerful and dramatic close-ups.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

A hand-holdable full-frame 500mm lens that defies conventional wisdom

The 150-500mm F5-6.7 is just 8.3” long with a maximum diameter of Ø93mm, an astoundingly compact size for a 500mm-class ultra-telephoto zoom for full-frame mirrorless cameras. Even when extended to the 500mm telephoto end, the lens is still remarkably compact at only 11.1”. The lens zooms from 150mm to 500mm by rotating the zoom ring through an arc of just 75° — less than one-quarter of a turn. This feature enables rapid adjustment to the desired angle of view with minimal movement, avoiding missed opportunities and facilitating intuitive composition. TAMRON’s renowned VC mechanism also significantly improves handheld performance by counteracting camera shake.

Amazing high image quality despite its compact size

The optical construction features 25 elements in 16 groups. The generous and effective use of special lens elements including one XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion), five LD (Low Dispersion), and two Hybrid Aspherical lens elements thoroughly controls aberrations including axial chromatic aberrations. This 150-500mm F5-6.7 ultra-telephoto zoom lens is designed and constructed with strong emphasis on compact size and usability without compromising image quality, so users can enjoy exceptionally high resolving power across the entire image. 

VXD AF motor provides high speed, high precision, and excellent quietness

The 150-500mm F5-6.7 features the same highly acclaimed VXD linear motor focus mechanism that was first introduced in the 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A056). VXD delivers extreme high-speed and high-precision movement and ensures exceedingly responsive performance. Even when shooting at the ultra-telephoto end with a focal length of 500mm, the 150-500mm provides fast, comfortable and accurate focusing at all shooting distances, from near to far.

Focus tracking has been vastly improved to facilitate capturing fast-moving subjects like sports, birds, and aircraft. This ensures that those dramatic, action-packed moments are never missed, whether shooting still photos or video. Additionally, the linear motor also reduces drive noise and vibrations produced during focusing (as compared to a conventional drive system), making it ideal for shooting both still photos and video in low-noise environments.

TAMRON’s acclaimed Vibration Compensation delivers excellent image stabilization

The slim, compact 150-500mm F5-6.7 is equipped with TAMRON’s VC mechanism. The lens features a VC mode selection switch with three settings (Mode 1: Standard, Mode 2: Exclusively for Panning, and Mode 3: Framing Priority) so the ideal VC mode can be invoked to match shooting conditions. This functionality delivers excellent image stabilization performance, enabling efficient reduction of image blurring caused by camera shake.

Exciting telephoto macro focuses as close as 23.6”

The 150-500mm F5-6.7 offers excellent close-up shooting capabilities for an ultra-telephoto lens. The MOD is 23.6” at the 150mm end and 70.9” at the 500mm telephoto end. The maximum magnification ratio at 150mm is exceptionally high at 1:3.1. Users can shoot powerful telephoto-macro images of subjects including flowers and insects while maintaining a reasonable shooting distance — closer than you can get with conventional ultra-telephoto zoom lenses.

Additional features for greater convenience

– Arca-Swiss compatible tripod mount with strap attachment holes included

– Lens hood with flexible, protective front portion

– New switch design for improved operability

– FLEX ZOOM LOCK mechanism to support greater usability

BBAR-G2 Coating minimizes ghosting and flare Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating provide extra protection Compatible with many camera-specific features and functions, including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF

SPECIFICATIONS

Model	: A057
Focal Length	: 150-500mm
Maximum Aperture	: F5-6.7
Angle of View (diagonal)	: 16° 25′-4° 57’　(for full-frame mirrorless format)
Optical Construction	: 25 elements in 16 groups
Minimum Object Distance	: 23.6“ (WIDE), 70.9“ (TELE)
Maximum Magnification Ratio	: 1:3.1 (WIDE) / 1:3.7 (TELE)
Filter Size	: Ø82mm
Maximum Diameter	: Ø93mm
Length*	: 8.3“
Weight	: 60.8 oz. (without tripod mount) / Tripod mount 5.5 oz.
Aperture Blades	: 7 (circular diaphragm)**
Minimum Aperture	: F22-32
Standard Accessories	: Round-shaped hood, Lens caps, Tripod mount
Compatible Mounts	: Sony E-mount

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

** The circular diaphragm stays almost perfectly circular up to two stops down from maximum aperture.

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TAMRON Announces World’s First Compact, Lightweight F2.8 Ultra Wide-Angle Zoom Lens for Sony E-mount APS-C Mirrorless Cameras

11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Model B060)

April 22, 2021, Commack, NY – TAMRON announces the launch of the 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Model B060), a fast-aperture ultra wide-angle zoom lens for Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras on June 24, 2021 at approximately $829. Due to the current global health crisis, the release date or product supply schedule could change.

The new 11-20mm F2.8 zoom is the world’s first[1] ultra wide-angle zoom lens for Sony E-mount APS-C[2] mirrorless cameras that features an aperture of F2.8. Despite its fast F2.8 aperture, the lens is very small (3.4”) and feels perfectly balanced attached to a compact APS-C mirrorless camera body. It is the ideal ultra wide-angle lens for regular use. At the 11mm ultra wide-angle end, the lens exhibits stunning close-range shooting performance, achieving an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 5.9” and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4. This feature invites wide-angle macro shooting that exploits the creative effects of naturally occurring distortion that only ultra wide-angle lenses can provide.

The new zoom is protected by Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating in consideration of outdoor shooting. Its Ø 67mm filter size is identical to TAMRON’s 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Model B070) fast-aperture standard zoom lens for Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras and nearly all TAMRON’s lenses in the series of full-frame mirrorless cameras that sit nicely on APS-C cameras as well. Compatible with many of the features that Sony builds into its cameras, including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF, the lens is packed with features that support comfortable shooting. The highly practical features let photographers enjoy the superb image quality of this ultra wide-angle, fast F2.8 aperture lens.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

The world’s first F2.8 ultra wide-angle zoom lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras

The 11-20mm F2.8 is a bona fide ultra wide-angle zoom lens with an aperture of F2.8 across the entire zoom range. Meanwhile, it is compact, lightweight and very practical. You can enjoy the unique and powerful world of ultra wide-angle photography at the 11mm end (the full-frame equivalent of 16.5mm). Ideal for regular use, the 20mm focal length (the full-frame equivalent of 30mm) is well suited for casual snapshot photography such as street shooting. With its usefulness rooted in its compact, lightweight design and fast F2.8 aperture, the 11-20mm F2.8 provides an exciting shooting experience with greater freedom in diverse shooting situations. 

Compact and lightweight for superior usability

The 11-20mm F2.8 is only 3.4” in length and weighs just 11.8 oz. For a fast-aperture F2.8 ultra wide-angle zoom lens, this is remarkably compact and light. When used with an APS-C mirrorless camera body, it enables photographers to enjoy a responsive image capture system without being hindered by the size or weight of the lens. It provides a comfortable user experience for still photography and for shooting video using a small tripod or gimbal stabilizer.

Outstanding optical performance

The 11-20mm F2.8 construction includes 12 elements in 10 groups. Two precisely located GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) lens elements assure high resolution across the entire image, from edge to edge. In addition, the 11-20mm F2.8 incorporates one XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) and two LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements to produce sharp images with optical aberrations highly corrected. It also features the BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) Coating that suppresses ghosting and flare to a minimum level and reveals the minute details of objects even when the subject is backlit. The combination of features harmonizes to provide sharp images with natural colors and rich saturation.

MOD of 5.9” at the 11mm focal length

The 11-20mm F2.8 boasts an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 5.9” at the 11mm focal length setting and 9.4” at the 20mm end. This results in better and more versatile close-range shooting performance than existing ultra wide-angle zoom lenses at their widest focal length. At the widest 11mm setting it has an astonishing maximum magnification ratio of 1:4 to provide wide-angle macro photography that parlays the perspective unique to ultra wide-angle lenses, while also leveraging the expressive bokeh provided by the fast, bright maximum aperture of this lens. 

A user-friendly unified Ø67mm filter size across the series

The 11-20mm F2.8 is so light that the total weight of it and the 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Model B070) standard zoom lens for Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras together is only approximately 30.3 oz. The combination of these two lenses covers an extreme range of focal lengths from 11mm to 70mm (equivalent to 16.5mm to 105mm on full-frame cameras) with a fast, wide-open aperture of F2.8 at every focal length, thereby enabling the size and weight of an entire mirrorless system to be massively reduced without sacrificing capabilities. Just like nearly all of TAMRON’s lens models for Sony E-mount cameras, it has a unified Ø67mm filter size that allows reciprocal sharing of filters such as PL and ND, and lens caps.

The RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) stepping motor unit is exceptionally quiet and perfect for video use Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating provide extra protection Compatible with many camera-specific features and functions, including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF

SPECIFICATIONS

Model	: B060
Focal Length	: 11-20mm (16.5-30mm full-frame equivalent field-of-view)
Maximum Aperture	: F2.8
Angle of View (diagonal)	: 105° 20′-71° 35’　(for APS-C mirrorless format)
Optical Construction	: 12 elements in 10 groups
Minimum Object Distance	: 5.9“ (WIDE), 9.4“ (TELE)
Maximum Magnification Ratio	: 1:4 (WIDE) / 1:7.6 (TELE)
Filter Size	: Ø67mm
Maximum Diameter	: Ø73mm
Length*	: 3.4“
Weight	: 11.8 oz.
Aperture Blades	: 7 (circular diaphragm)**
Minimum Aperture	: F16
Standard Accessories	: Flower-shaped hood, Lens caps
Compatible Mounts	: Sony E-mount

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

** The circular diaphragm stays almost perfectly circular up to two stops down from maximum aperture.

[1] Among interchangeable F2.8 ultra wide-angle zoom lenses for Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras (As of March, 2021: TAMRON)

[2] Di III-A: For APS-C format mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras

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