Macro Lenses

Internal Focusing (IF) System

Internal focusing (IF) provides numerous practical benefits to photographers including a non-rotating front filter ring that facilitates the positioning of polarizing and graduated filters, and more predictable handling because the lens length does not change during focusing. Even more important, Tamron’s Internal Focusing (IF) system provides a much closer minimum focusing distance (MFD) throughout its entire focusing range. In addition, IF improves optical performance by minimizing illumination loss at the corners of the image field, and helps to suppress other aberrations that become more troublesome at different focusing positions.

RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) Motor

RXD is a stepping motor with a drive element that precisely controls the angle of rotation. A sensor continuously determines the lens’s current focus setting, achieving quick and precise focusing that also allows videographers to keep moving objects in focus continually. All the while, the AF works so quietly that there is no interference in the video from focusing noise.

XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) Lens Elements

XLD lens elements made from specialized ultra-high-grade glass allow Tamron lens designers to achieve much greater control over chromatic aberration (color fringing) and magnification aberrations, the two major factors that inhibit image quality enhancement. In combination with LD lens elements, XLD lens elements are used to achieve sophisticated lenses that deliver the highest possible contrast, the finest detail, and superior imaging performance throughout the entire zoom range.

eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) Coating

This new coating technique developed by Tamron deploys a nano-structured layer (1nm = 1/1,000,000mm) of ultra-low refractive index, with dimensions smaller than the wavelengths of visible rays of light. This nano-structured layer coupled with the sophisticated multiple layer coatings underneath, yields significant anti-reflection properties, efficiently reducing undesired flare and ghosting to an absolute minimum to deliver sharp, crisp images.

Low Dispersion (LD) Glass for Greater Lens Sharpness

Low dispersion (LD) glass elements in a lens help reduce chromatic aberration; the tendency of light of different colours to come to different points of focus at the image plane. Chromatic aberration reduces the sharpness of an image, but glass with an extremely low dispersion index, has less of a tendency to separate (defract) a ray of light into a rainbow of colours.
This characteristic allows the lens designer to effectively compensate for chromatic aberration at the center of the field (on axis), a particular problem at long focal lengths (the telephoto end of the zoom range), and for lateral chromatic aberration (towards the edges of the field) that often occurs at short focal lengths (the wide-angle end of the zoom range.)

The Tamron SP (Superior Performance) series is a line of ultra-high-performance lenses designed and manufactured to the exacting specifications demanded by professionals and others who require the highest possible image quality.

In creating SP lenses, Tamron’s optical designers put their foremost priority on achieving superior performance parameters—they are all designed to a higher standard with little regard for cost constraints.

As a result, Tamron lenses bearing the SP designation feature impressive and innovative designs that have established an enviable reputation for excellence among those knowledgeable photographers that demand the very best.

USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive)

USD is an ingeniously upgraded AF drive system developed by Tamron to deliver the extraordinary autofocusing speed and precision needed to capture every nuance of high-speed sports action, along with virtually noiseless operation as required for discreet picture taking. Based on advanced motor technology and newly developed software, it employs a piezoelectric ceramic element to generate two high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations on the motor’s stator ring. This in turn causes the adjacent metallic rotor to rotate by means of deflective traveling waves when voltage of a specific frequency is applied. This advanced electronically controlled AF system is linked to a precision focusing helical that moves the lens to the precise focus point. The result: a remarkable new level of AF speed, accuracy, smoothness, and silence

Introducing “VC” — Tamron’s Unique
Vibration Compensation Mechanism

Tamron’s unique VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism uses a proprietary actuator and algorithms to deliver an extremely stable viewfinder image with excellent tracking. The mechanism uses a three- coil system to electromagnetically drive the lens element that compensates for vibration, which glides smoothly on three balls with little friction. This simple mechanical structure is one of the secrets to Tamron’s compact lenses.

XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) Lens Elements

XLD lens elements made from specialized ultra-high-grade glass allow Tamron lens designers to achieve much greater control over chromatic aberration (color fringing) and magnification aberrations, the two major factors that inhibit image quality enhancement. In combination with LD lens elements, XLD lens elements are used to achieve sophisticated lenses that deliver the highest possible contrast, the finest detail, and superior imaging performance throughout the entire zoom range.

The Tamron SP (Superior Performance) series is a line of ultra-high-performance lenses designed and manufactured to the exacting specifications demanded by professionals and others who require the highest possible image quality.

In creating SP lenses, Tamron’s optical designers put their foremost priority on achieving superior performance parameters—they are all designed to a higher standard with little regard for cost constraints.

As a result, Tamron lenses bearing the SP designation feature impressive and innovative designs that have established an enviable reputation for excellence among those knowledgeable photographers that demand the very best.

USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive)

USD is an ingeniously upgraded AF drive system developed by Tamron to deliver the extraordinary autofocusing speed and precision needed to capture every nuance of high-speed sports action, along with virtually noiseless operation as required for discreet picture taking. Based on advanced motor technology and newly developed software, it employs a piezoelectric ceramic element to generate two high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations on the motor’s stator ring. This in turn causes the adjacent metallic rotor to rotate by means of deflective traveling waves when voltage of a specific frequency is applied. This advanced electronically controlled AF system is linked to a precision focusing helical that moves the lens to the precise focus point. The result: a remarkable new level of AF speed, accuracy, smoothness, and silence

Introducing “VC” — Tamron’s Unique
Vibration Compensation Mechanism

Tamron’s unique VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism uses a proprietary actuator and algorithms to deliver an extremely stable viewfinder image with excellent tracking. The mechanism uses a three- coil system to electromagnetically drive the lens element that compensates for vibration, which glides smoothly on three balls with little friction. This simple mechanical structure is one of the secrets to Tamron’s compact lenses.

Anomalous Dispersion

Anomalous Dispersion glass is a special optical glass that delivers an abnormally large partial dispersion ratio (amount of dispersion at a given wavelength range within visible light) relative to a specific wavelength zone. By combining AD glass elements with elements made of normal glass with different dispersion characteristics, dispersion factors of a specific wavelength can be controlled, resulting in effective compensation of on-axis chromatic aberration on telephoto lenses, or lateral chromatic aberration often associated with wide-angle lenses of conventional optical configuration.

The difference in partial dispersion factors between normal
optical glass and AD glass elements (schematic diagram).

Hybrid Aspherical Lens Elements Provide the Ultimate in Image Quality and Compactness

Tamron uses several hybrid aspherical lens elements in many lenses bearing the Aspherical designation. These innovative optics allow us to achieve the ultimate in image quality, and at the same time produce lenses that offer remarkable zoom ranges in extraordinarily compact packages. By perfecting theses cutting-edge advances for series production, Tamron has advanced the state of optical design, and virtually eliminated spherical aberration and image distortion from the high-power-zoom series.Through the effective application of Hybrid Aspherical Technology, one lens element can take the place of multiple elements without compromising performance. This is what allows us to produce remarkably compact long-range lenses that deliver a uniformly high level of image quality at all focal lengths and apertures.

Low Dispersion (LD) Glass for Greater Lens Sharpness

Low dispersion (LD) glass elements in a lens help reduce chromatic aberration; the tendency of light of different colours to come to different points of focus at the image plane. Chromatic aberration reduces the sharpness of an image, but glass with an extremely low dispersion index, has less of a tendency to separate (defract) a ray of light into a rainbow of colours.
This characteristic allows the lens designer to effectively compensate for chromatic aberration at the center of the field (on axis), a particular problem at long focal lengths (the telephoto end of the zoom range), and for lateral chromatic aberration (towards the edges of the field) that often occurs at short focal lengths (the wide-angle end of the zoom range.)

ZL (Zoom Lock) Feature

The original Tamron mechanical engineering concept is ZL, a simple convenience feature that prevents undesired extension (creep) of the lens barrel when carrying the camera/lens unit on a neck strap. This enhances responsiveness in the field and helps protect the lens.

Hybrid Aspherical Lens Elements Provide the Ultimate in Image Quality and Compactness

Tamron uses several hybrid aspherical lens elements in many lenses bearing the Aspherical designation. These innovative optics allow us to achieve the ultimate in image quality, and at the same time produce lenses that offer remarkable zoom ranges in extraordinarily compact packages. By perfecting theses cutting-edge advances for series production, Tamron has advanced the state of optical design, and virtually eliminated spherical aberration and image distortion from the high-power-zoom series.Through the effective application of Hybrid Aspherical Technology, one lens element can take the place of multiple elements without compromising performance. This is what allows us to produce remarkably compact long-range lenses that deliver a uniformly high level of image quality at all focal lengths and apertures.

Internal Focusing (IF) System

Internal focusing (IF) provides numerous practical benefits to photographers including a non-rotating front filter ring that facilitates the positioning of polarizing and graduated filters, and more predictable handling because the lens length does not change during focusing. Even more important, Tamron’s Internal Focusing (IF) system provides a much closer minimum focusing distance (MFD) throughout its entire focusing range. In addition, IF improves optical performance by minimizing illumination loss at the corners of the image field, and helps to suppress other aberrations that become more troublesome at different focusing positions.

Low Dispersion (LD) Glass for Greater Lens Sharpness

Low dispersion (LD) glass elements in a lens help reduce chromatic aberration; the tendency of light of different colours to come to different points of focus at the image plane. Chromatic aberration reduces the sharpness of an image, but glass with an extremely low dispersion index, has less of a tendency to separate (defract) a ray of light into a rainbow of colours.
This characteristic allows the lens designer to effectively compensate for chromatic aberration at the center of the field (on axis), a particular problem at long focal lengths (the telephoto end of the zoom range), and for lateral chromatic aberration (towards the edges of the field) that often occurs at short focal lengths (the wide-angle end of the zoom range.)

Introducing “VC” — Tamron’s Unique
Vibration Compensation Mechanism

Tamron’s unique VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism uses a proprietary actuator and algorithms to deliver an extremely stable viewfinder image with excellent tracking. The mechanism uses a three- coil system to electromagnetically drive the lens element that compensates for vibration, which glides smoothly on three balls with little friction. This simple mechanical structure is one of the secrets to Tamron’s compact lenses.

XR (Extra Refractive Index) Lens Elements
UXR (Ultra Extra Refractive Index) Lens Elements

By minimizing the overall length of the optical system, Tamron has succeeded in drastically reducing lens diameter and reducing overall lens size for the same focal length and same maximum F-number. By utilizing XR lens element, Tamron has achieved a compact size together with good correction of aberrations while maintaining the optimum balance of overall optical power. Moreover, through the active utilization of UXR lens element, Tamron has developed even more compact designs while achieving good correction of aberrations.

Principles enabling more compact sizes at the same lens brightness

XR lens element, with its superior light-bending power, makes it possible to design a short-barrel lens with the same light-gathering ability (aperture value) as a long-barrel lens—even with a smaller lens diameter. By using this principle Tamron has been able to shorten the length of the entire optical system and produce lighter, more compact lenses of the same speed, and also to provide greater zoom ranges in lenses that are much more convenient to carry and hand-hold.

Hybrid Aspherical Lens Elements Provide the Ultimate in Image Quality and Compactness

Tamron uses several hybrid aspherical lens elements in many lenses bearing the Aspherical designation. These innovative optics allow us to achieve the ultimate in image quality, and at the same time produce lenses that offer remarkable zoom ranges in extraordinarily compact packages. By perfecting theses cutting-edge advances for series production, Tamron has advanced the state of optical design, and virtually eliminated spherical aberration and image distortion from the high-power-zoom series.Through the effective application of Hybrid Aspherical Technology, one lens element can take the place of multiple elements without compromising performance. This is what allows us to produce remarkably compact long-range lenses that deliver a uniformly high level of image quality at all focal lengths and apertures.

Internal Focusing (IF) System

Internal focusing (IF) provides numerous practical benefits to photographers including a non-rotating front filter ring that facilitates the positioning of polarizing and graduated filters, and more predictable handling because the lens length does not change during focusing. Even more important, Tamron’s Internal Focusing (IF) system provides a much closer minimum focusing distance (MFD) throughout its entire focusing range. In addition, IF improves optical performance by minimizing illumination loss at the corners of the image field, and helps to suppress other aberrations that become more troublesome at different focusing positions.

Low Dispersion (LD) Glass for Greater Lens Sharpness

Low dispersion (LD) glass elements in a lens help reduce chromatic aberration; the tendency of light of different colours to come to different points of focus at the image plane. Chromatic aberration reduces the sharpness of an image, but glass with an extremely low dispersion index, has less of a tendency to separate (defract) a ray of light into a rainbow of colours.
This characteristic allows the lens designer to effectively compensate for chromatic aberration at the center of the field (on axis), a particular problem at long focal lengths (the telephoto end of the zoom range), and for lateral chromatic aberration (towards the edges of the field) that often occurs at short focal lengths (the wide-angle end of the zoom range.)

Piezo Drive

Piezoelectric drive replaces traveling wave energy with more efficient standing wave energy for higher AF performance with less weight and bulk. A vital contributor to compactness, PZD focuses quickly and precisely, assuring sharper results in demanding conditions with speed that captures spontaneous moments crisply—moments that might otherwise be lost to image softness. PZD is exceptionally quiet, making it ideal for nature, live performance shooting, golf and other conditions that demand quiet operation.

Introducing “VC” — Tamron’s Unique
Vibration Compensation Mechanism

Tamron’s unique VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism uses a proprietary actuator and algorithms to deliver an extremely stable viewfinder image with excellent tracking. The mechanism uses a three- coil system to electromagnetically drive the lens element that compensates for vibration, which glides smoothly on three balls with little friction. This simple mechanical structure is one of the secrets to Tamron’s compact lenses.

XR (Extra Refractive Index) Lens Elements
UXR (Ultra Extra Refractive Index) Lens Elements

By minimizing the overall length of the optical system, Tamron has succeeded in drastically reducing lens diameter and reducing overall lens size for the same focal length and same maximum F-number. By utilizing XR lens element, Tamron has achieved a compact size together with good correction of aberrations while maintaining the optimum balance of overall optical power. Moreover, through the active utilization of UXR lens element, Tamron has developed even more compact designs while achieving good correction of aberrations.

Principles enabling more compact sizes at the same lens brightness

XR lens element, with its superior light-bending power, makes it possible to design a short-barrel lens with the same light-gathering ability (aperture value) as a long-barrel lens—even with a smaller lens diameter. By using this principle Tamron has been able to shorten the length of the entire optical system and produce lighter, more compact lenses of the same speed, and also to provide greater zoom ranges in lenses that are much more convenient to carry and hand-hold.

ZL (Zoom Lock) Feature

The original Tamron mechanical engineering concept is ZL, a simple convenience feature that prevents undesired extension (creep) of the lens barrel when carrying the camera/lens unit on a neck strap. This enhances responsiveness in the field and helps protect the lens.

Hybrid Aspherical Lens Elements Provide the Ultimate in Image Quality and Compactness

Tamron uses several hybrid aspherical lens elements in many lenses bearing the Aspherical designation. These innovative optics allow us to achieve the ultimate in image quality, and at the same time produce lenses that offer remarkable zoom ranges in extraordinarily compact packages. By perfecting theses cutting-edge advances for series production, Tamron has advanced the state of optical design, and virtually eliminated spherical aberration and image distortion from the high-power-zoom series.Through the effective application of Hybrid Aspherical Technology, one lens element can take the place of multiple elements without compromising performance. This is what allows us to produce remarkably compact long-range lenses that deliver a uniformly high level of image quality at all focal lengths and apertures.

Internal Focusing (IF) System

Internal focusing (IF) provides numerous practical benefits to photographers including a non-rotating front filter ring that facilitates the positioning of polarizing and graduated filters, and more predictable handling because the lens length does not change during focusing. Even more important, Tamron’s Internal Focusing (IF) system provides a much closer minimum focusing distance (MFD) throughout its entire focusing range. In addition, IF improves optical performance by minimizing illumination loss at the corners of the image field, and helps to suppress other aberrations that become more troublesome at different focusing positions.

Low Dispersion (LD) Glass for Greater Lens Sharpness

Low dispersion (LD) glass elements in a lens help reduce chromatic aberration; the tendency of light of different colours to come to different points of focus at the image plane. Chromatic aberration reduces the sharpness of an image, but glass with an extremely low dispersion index, has less of a tendency to separate (defract) a ray of light into a rainbow of colours.
This characteristic allows the lens designer to effectively compensate for chromatic aberration at the center of the field (on axis), a particular problem at long focal lengths (the telephoto end of the zoom range), and for lateral chromatic aberration (towards the edges of the field) that often occurs at short focal lengths (the wide-angle end of the zoom range.)

Piezo Drive

Piezoelectric drive replaces traveling wave energy with more efficient standing wave energy for higher AF performance with less weight and bulk. A vital contributor to compactness, PZD focuses quickly and precisely, assuring sharper results in demanding conditions with speed that captures spontaneous moments crisply—moments that might otherwise be lost to image softness. PZD is exceptionally quiet, making it ideal for nature, live performance shooting, golf and other conditions that demand quiet operation.

Introducing “VC” — Tamron’s Unique
Vibration Compensation Mechanism

Tamron’s unique VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism uses a proprietary actuator and algorithms to deliver an extremely stable viewfinder image with excellent tracking. The mechanism uses a three- coil system to electromagnetically drive the lens element that compensates for vibration, which glides smoothly on three balls with little friction. This simple mechanical structure is one of the secrets to Tamron’s compact lenses.

XR (Extra Refractive Index) Lens Elements
UXR (Ultra Extra Refractive Index) Lens Elements

By minimizing the overall length of the optical system, Tamron has succeeded in drastically reducing lens diameter and reducing overall lens size for the same focal length and same maximum F-number. By utilizing XR lens element, Tamron has achieved a compact size together with good correction of aberrations while maintaining the optimum balance of overall optical power. Moreover, through the active utilization of UXR lens element, Tamron has developed even more compact designs while achieving good correction of aberrations.

Principles enabling more compact sizes at the same lens brightness

XR lens element, with its superior light-bending power, makes it possible to design a short-barrel lens with the same light-gathering ability (aperture value) as a long-barrel lens—even with a smaller lens diameter. By using this principle Tamron has been able to shorten the length of the entire optical system and produce lighter, more compact lenses of the same speed, and also to provide greater zoom ranges in lenses that are much more convenient to carry and hand-hold.

ZL (Zoom Lock) Feature

The original Tamron mechanical engineering concept is ZL, a simple convenience feature that prevents undesired extension (creep) of the lens barrel when carrying the camera/lens unit on a neck strap. This enhances responsiveness in the field and helps protect the lens.

Internal Focusing (IF) System

Internal focusing (IF) provides numerous practical benefits to photographers including a non-rotating front filter ring that facilitates the positioning of polarizing and graduated filters, and more predictable handling because the lens length does not change during focusing. Even more important, Tamron’s Internal Focusing (IF) system provides a much closer minimum focusing distance (MFD) throughout its entire focusing range. In addition, IF improves optical performance by minimizing illumination loss at the corners of the image field, and helps to suppress other aberrations that become more troublesome at different focusing positions.

Low Dispersion (LD) Glass for Greater Lens Sharpness

Low dispersion (LD) glass elements in a lens help reduce chromatic aberration; the tendency of light of different colours to come to different points of focus at the image plane. Chromatic aberration reduces the sharpness of an image, but glass with an extremely low dispersion index, has less of a tendency to separate (defract) a ray of light into a rainbow of colours.
This characteristic allows the lens designer to effectively compensate for chromatic aberration at the center of the field (on axis), a particular problem at long focal lengths (the telephoto end of the zoom range), and for lateral chromatic aberration (towards the edges of the field) that often occurs at short focal lengths (the wide-angle end of the zoom range.)

The Tamron SP (Superior Performance) series is a line of ultra-high-performance lenses designed and manufactured to the exacting specifications demanded by professionals and others who require the highest possible image quality.

In creating SP lenses, Tamron’s optical designers put their foremost priority on achieving superior performance parameters—they are all designed to a higher standard with little regard for cost constraints.

As a result, Tamron lenses bearing the SP designation feature impressive and innovative designs that have established an enviable reputation for excellence among those knowledgeable photographers that demand the very best.

The Tamron SP (Superior Performance) series is a line of ultra-high-performance lenses designed and manufactured to the exacting specifications demanded by professionals and others who require the highest possible image quality.

In creating SP lenses, Tamron’s optical designers put their foremost priority on achieving superior performance parameters—they are all designed to a higher standard with little regard for cost constraints.

As a result, Tamron lenses bearing the SP designation feature impressive and innovative designs that have established an enviable reputation for excellence among those knowledgeable photographers that demand the very best.

Low Dispersion (LD) Glass for Greater Lens Sharpness

Low dispersion (LD) glass elements in a lens help reduce chromatic aberration; the tendency of light of different colours to come to different points of focus at the image plane. Chromatic aberration reduces the sharpness of an image, but glass with an extremely low dispersion index, has less of a tendency to separate (defract) a ray of light into a rainbow of colours.
This characteristic allows the lens designer to effectively compensate for chromatic aberration at the center of the field (on axis), a particular problem at long focal lengths (the telephoto end of the zoom range), and for lateral chromatic aberration (towards the edges of the field) that often occurs at short focal lengths (the wide-angle end of the zoom range.)

Hybrid Aspherical Lens Elements Provide the Ultimate in Image Quality and Compactness

Tamron uses several hybrid aspherical lens elements in many lenses bearing the Aspherical designation. These innovative optics allow us to achieve the ultimate in image quality, and at the same time produce lenses that offer remarkable zoom ranges in extraordinarily compact packages. By perfecting theses cutting-edge advances for series production, Tamron has advanced the state of optical design, and virtually eliminated spherical aberration and image distortion from the high-power-zoom series.Through the effective application of Hybrid Aspherical Technology, one lens element can take the place of multiple elements without compromising performance. This is what allows us to produce remarkably compact long-range lenses that deliver a uniformly high level of image quality at all focal lengths and apertures.

Internal Focusing (IF) System

Internal focusing (IF) provides numerous practical benefits to photographers including a non-rotating front filter ring that facilitates the positioning of polarizing and graduated filters, and more predictable handling because the lens length does not change during focusing. Even more important, Tamron’s Internal Focusing (IF) system provides a much closer minimum focusing distance (MFD) throughout its entire focusing range. In addition, IF improves optical performance by minimizing illumination loss at the corners of the image field, and helps to suppress other aberrations that become more troublesome at different focusing positions.

Low Dispersion (LD) Glass for Greater Lens Sharpness

Low dispersion (LD) glass elements in a lens help reduce chromatic aberration; the tendency of light of different colours to come to different points of focus at the image plane. Chromatic aberration reduces the sharpness of an image, but glass with an extremely low dispersion index, has less of a tendency to separate (defract) a ray of light into a rainbow of colours.
This characteristic allows the lens designer to effectively compensate for chromatic aberration at the center of the field (on axis), a particular problem at long focal lengths (the telephoto end of the zoom range), and for lateral chromatic aberration (towards the edges of the field) that often occurs at short focal lengths (the wide-angle end of the zoom range.)

The Tamron SP (Superior Performance) series is a line of ultra-high-performance lenses designed and manufactured to the exacting specifications demanded by professionals and others who require the highest possible image quality.

In creating SP lenses, Tamron’s optical designers put their foremost priority on achieving superior performance parameters—they are all designed to a higher standard with little regard for cost constraints.

As a result, Tamron lenses bearing the SP designation feature impressive and innovative designs that have established an enviable reputation for excellence among those knowledgeable photographers that demand the very best.

XR (Extra Refractive Index) Lens Elements
UXR (Ultra Extra Refractive Index) Lens Elements

By minimizing the overall length of the optical system, Tamron has succeeded in drastically reducing lens diameter and reducing overall lens size for the same focal length and same maximum F-number. By utilizing XR lens element, Tamron has achieved a compact size together with good correction of aberrations while maintaining the optimum balance of overall optical power. Moreover, through the active utilization of UXR lens element, Tamron has developed even more compact designs while achieving good correction of aberrations.

Principles enabling more compact sizes at the same lens brightness

XR lens element, with its superior light-bending power, makes it possible to design a short-barrel lens with the same light-gathering ability (aperture value) as a long-barrel lens—even with a smaller lens diameter. By using this principle Tamron has been able to shorten the length of the entire optical system and produce lighter, more compact lenses of the same speed, and also to provide greater zoom ranges in lenses that are much more convenient to carry and hand-hold.

ZL (Zoom Lock) Feature

The original Tamron mechanical engineering concept is ZL, a simple convenience feature that prevents undesired extension (creep) of the lens barrel when carrying the camera/lens unit on a neck strap. This enhances responsiveness in the field and helps protect the lens.

Internal Focusing (IF) System

Internal focusing (IF) provides numerous practical benefits to photographers including a non-rotating front filter ring that facilitates the positioning of polarizing and graduated filters, and more predictable handling because the lens length does not change during focusing. Even more important, Tamron’s Internal Focusing (IF) system provides a much closer minimum focusing distance (MFD) throughout its entire focusing range. In addition, IF improves optical performance by minimizing illumination loss at the corners of the image field, and helps to suppress other aberrations that become more troublesome at different focusing positions.

Low Dispersion (LD) Glass for Greater Lens Sharpness

Low dispersion (LD) glass elements in a lens help reduce chromatic aberration; the tendency of light of different colours to come to different points of focus at the image plane. Chromatic aberration reduces the sharpness of an image, but glass with an extremely low dispersion index, has less of a tendency to separate (defract) a ray of light into a rainbow of colours.
This characteristic allows the lens designer to effectively compensate for chromatic aberration at the center of the field (on axis), a particular problem at long focal lengths (the telephoto end of the zoom range), and for lateral chromatic aberration (towards the edges of the field) that often occurs at short focal lengths (the wide-angle end of the zoom range.)

The Tamron SP (Superior Performance) series is a line of ultra-high-performance lenses designed and manufactured to the exacting specifications demanded by professionals and others who require the highest possible image quality.

In creating SP lenses, Tamron’s optical designers put their foremost priority on achieving superior performance parameters—they are all designed to a higher standard with little regard for cost constraints.

As a result, Tamron lenses bearing the SP designation feature impressive and innovative designs that have established an enviable reputation for excellence among those knowledgeable photographers that demand the very best.