August 16, 2010, Commack, NY – Optical equipment manufacturer Tamron Co., Ltd. rings in its 60th anniversary by winning the prestigious EISA Award: Best Product Zoom Lens 2010-2011, for the SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD (Model A005) - a full-size telephoto zoom lens for digital SLR cameras.
EISA Awards
This marks the 5th consecutive year a Tamron lens has won the EISA (European Imaging and Sound Association) Award. EISA presents awards each year to products judged to be the best in photographic, audiovisual, and video product categories. A panel of editors from over fifty leading imaging, sound, and electronic industry magazines in nineteen European countries review and vote to determine the leading products on the market.
Tamron’s Most Recent EISA Awards:
2006-2007: SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] (Model A16)
2007-2008: AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model A18)
2008-2009: AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model A20)
2009-2010: AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model B003)
2010-2011: SP AF70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD (Model A005)
Excerpt from the Award Citation of the EISA Jury
“The Tamron SP70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD is a very compact, comfortable and easy-to-use zoom lens. Its greatest asset is the razor-sharp image quality that makes full-frame photos look like medium-format images. The near-silent auto focus system makes the lens ideal for wildlife as well as street photography, while the superb image stabilization makes it possible to take sharp and detailed pictures more easily in low-light conditions.”
Overview
The SP 70-300mm Di VC USD (Model A005) uses one LD (Low Dispersion) element to correct chromatic aberrations and an XLD (Extra Low Dispersion)1 element to deliver even greater correction capabilities for sharp, high contrast image performance.
Equipped with Tamron’s first USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive)2 , as well as their renowned image stabilization: VC (Vibration Compensation), this lens is ideal for photographing fast-moving subjects. It delivers the power of a telephoto zoom to shoot distant, fast-moving subjects such as sports, high-speed trains and cars, as well as aircraft. With this lens it’s now easy to shoot hand-held in low light adding precision and clarity to evening, night, and indoor scenes. Ultimately, the lens dramatically improves the photographic freedom of the photographer.
With best-in-class resolution, the Tamron image stabilization mechanism, and an ultrasonic motor, this 70-300mm telephoto zoom lens reaches new heights.
This is a lens that can be enjoyed by a wide range of enthusiasts - used with a full frame or 35mm-format SLR camera, it covers the full telephoto range for the mid-range of 70-300mm, and when used with digital SLR cameras with APS-C size image sensors, it covers the ultra-telephoto zoom range equivalent to 109 – 465mm3 . The lens is compatible with Canon, Nikon and Sony4 SLR cameras.
1 XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) lens. Made from specialized high-grade glass that has greater chromatic aberration correction properties
than standard LD (Low dispersion) lens elements.
2 USD - Ultrasonic Silent Drive is Tamron’s proprietary ultrasonic motor drive.
3 Tamron’s conversion value is 1.55x.
4 The Sony mount is not equipped with the VC image stabilization mechanism, as anti-shake functionality is included in the body of Sony digital cameras. Consequently, the name of the Sony mounted lens, SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di USD, does not include the VC description.
Tamron Lenses that have received the EISA Award
Year Awarded
1992-1993 SP AF35-105mm F/2.8 Aspherical (Model 65D)
1993-1994 AF28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 Aspherical (Model 71D)
1997-1998 SP AF90mm F/2.8 MACRO [1:1] (Model 72E)
1999-2000 AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model 185D)
2000-2001 AF28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 Aspherical [IF] Super II (Model 371D)
2002-2003 AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Ultra Zoom XR LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model A06)
2003-2004 SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model A09)
2006-2007 SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] (Model A16)
2007-2008 AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model A18)
2008-2009 AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model A20)
2009-2010 AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model B003)
Product Features
1. New optical system optimized for digital cameras achieves top resolution in the 70-300mm class with specialized glass elements including an XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) lens
This lens employs an XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) lens element, made from specialized high-grade glass with dispersive properties at a level similar to fluorite, and in combination with the LD (Low Dispersion) lens element results in an optimal optical design that delivers best-in-class resolution with advanced axial chromatic and magnification aberration correction – major inhibitors of image quality enhancement. The result is a lens that delivers sharp contrast and better descriptive performance throughout the entire zoom range.
2. Fast focusing USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive), the ultrasonic auto-focus drive
The lens is equipped with Tamron’s first-ever ultrasonic auto-focus drive USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive). It achieves faster focusing making this telephoto lens perfect for shooting sports, motor racing, and other fast-moving subjects. With advanced motor technology and newly developed software, Tamron’s USD delivers precise and noiseless focusing at turbo speed.
USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive)
Tamron’s USD works with the high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations that are produced by a ring called a ‘stator’. Energy from the vibrations is used to rotate an attached metallic ring known as the ‘rotor’. Piezoelectric ceramic, an element that produces ultrasonic vibrations when voltage of a specific frequency is applied, is arranged in a ring formation on the stator. This electrode configuration of piezoelectric ceramic causes two ultrasonic vibrations to occur in the stator.
By effectively combining these two ultrasonic vibrations, it is possible to convert the energy from the vibrations that produced simple motion into energy known as ‘deflective traveling waves’, which then moves around the circumference (rotation direction) of the ring.
With the USD, the friction between these deflective traveling waves created on the metallic surface of the stator and the surface of the rotor produce force, causing the rotor to rotate. The focusing ring lens, which is linked to the rotor, is thus moved, creating a fast and smooth auto-focus drive.
3. Equipped with Tamron’s VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization
The SP 70-300mm Di VC USD employs Tamron’s esteemed image stabilization mechanism-VC (Vibration Compensation) seen in both the AF18-270mm Di II VC (Model B003) and SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II VC (Model B005). With VC, the photographer has the freedom to shoot at a shutter speed an extra four stops slower without having to worry about blurring. This makes capturing handheld, evening, night and interior shots much easier.
VC (Vibration Compensation)
Tamron’s VC mechanism employs a three-coil system, whereby three driving coils activate the shake-compensating VC lens group electromagnetically via three steel balls. The VC lens elements are held in place only by contact with the steel balls, achieving smooth movement with little friction. This provides a stable viewfinder image with excellent tracking performance that eliminates the blur from camera shake for cleaner, crisper shots.
4. Full time manual focus at your fingertips
Auto-focus has many benefits but sometimes the photographer needs the control of manual focus. Full time manual offers just that: the crossover from auto-focus to manual focus by simply adjusting the focus ring, allowing the photographer to make adjustments on the fly. This feature helps the lens produce impressive results even in telephoto situations where the depth of field is narrow.
5. Better balance and consistent length with internal focusing (IF)
When focusing, the internal elements of the lens move and the lens’ external size does not change. This offers better balance and easier telephoto shots. Moreover, the barrel is not subject to stray light entering from external helicoids that can negatively affect images. And because the external elements do not move, it makes it easier to utilize polarizing filters and the flower shaped hood to control the amount of light that enters the lens.
6. Enjoyable photography for a wide range of enthusiasts, from those using traditional film cameras, to digital SLRs with full-frame or APS-C size sensors
With a full-frame digital or 35mm SLR, portrait and medium telephoto shots can be achieved on the wide 70mm end of the range and spectacular telephoto shots at the longer 300mm side. When using an APS-C sensor camera, the angle of view changes, giving it the equivalent range of 109-465mm5 for bold ultra-telephoto shots. And with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4, the lens can be used to explore the realm of semi-macro photography.
Focal length range for digital SLR cameras with full-size sensors and 35mm film format SLR cameras |
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Focal length range with converted angle of view for digital SLR cameras with APS-C size sensors
＊Tamron’s conversion value is 1.55x. |
Angle of view equivalent to approx. 109mm
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Angle of view equivalent to approx. 310mm
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Angle of view equivalent to approx. 465mm
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7. Uncompromising countermeasures to reduce ghosting and flare
Digital photography requires extreme precision, which is why Tamron incorporates new BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) multilayer coatings that reduce reflection into the lens elements. This ensures excellent performance in all photographic conditions and enhances light transmission on both long and short wavelengths. Also, Tamron applies internal surface coatings on cemented surfaces of lens elements to make images sharper with better color reproduction and balance.
8. Simple yet beautiful exterior design
Tamron adopted a simple design with a smooth silhouette to ensure that this lens fits well with various SLR cameras. The exquisite textured paint gives a well-crafted finish to the exterior.
9. Flower-shaped hood with excellent stray light shielding properties – a standard accessory
The flower-shaped hood has been designed specifically to block out damaging light rays and ensures clear, sharp descriptive performance.
5 Tamron’s conversion value is 1.55x.
| Specifications - Link to full spec page |
| SP AF70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD |
| Model Name |
A005 |
| Focal Length |
70-300mm |
| Maximum Aperture |
F/4-5.6 |
| Minimum Aperture |
F/32-45 |
| Angle Of View |
34° 21' - 8° 15' |
| Lens Construction |
17 elements / 12 groups |
| MFD (Minimum Focus Distance) |
59.1" |
| Diaphragm Blades |
9 |
| Filter Size |
Ø62mm |
| Diameter |
3.2 in. |
Length [1] |
5.6 in. * |
Full Length [2] |
5.9 in. * |
| Weight |
27.0 oz* |
| Max. Mag. Ratio |
1:4 (at f=300mm: MFD 59.1 in.) |
| Standard Accessory |
Flower-Shaped hood |
| Compatible Mount |
Canon, Nikon, Sony** |
*Length and weight figures are for Nikon mounts
[1] Length: Distance from the tip of the lens to the mount.
[2] Total length: Distance from the tip of the lens to the rear end of the lens including the protruding section.
Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc, may be changed without prior notice.
**The Sony mount does not include the VC image stabilization functionality, as the body of Sony digital SLR cameras contains built-in image stabilization functionality
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About Tamron Co., Ltd.
‘New Eyes for Industry’ is Tamron’s slogan, as they are a comprehensive manufacturer of a wide range of original optical products, from interchangeable lenses for SLR cameras to various optical devices for both the general consumer and OEMs. Tamron makes optical products that contribute to a wide range of different industries. As a leading manufacturer of optical devices, Tamron will continue to exercise its rich creativity and leading-edge technical prowess to make advances into various industrial fields.
Optical Product Line-up:
Interchangeable lenses for SLR cameras, digital camera lenses, video camera lenses, CCTV camera lenses, automotive lenses, lenses for cell phone cameras, ultra-precision optical components, etc.
Tamron is aware of their environmental responsibilities and aspires to preserve the environment in all business activities.
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