Tele-Zoom Lens targets digital SLR cameras.October 17, 2005 -
Covering focal length range equivalent to 85-310 mm when converted to 35 mm format, Model A15 AF55-200mm F/4-5.6 Di II MACRO LD lens realizes MFD of 0.95 m for 1:3.5 macro capability over entire zoom range. It employs 9-blade diaphragm, providing blurred background effect when natural out-of-focus effect is desired. Low Dispersion glass element compensates for on-axis and lateral chromatic aberrations, while internal surface coating minimizes ghosting and flare.
(Archive News Story - Products mentioned in this Archive News Story may or may not be available from the manufacturer.)
Original Press release
Tamron USA Inc.
10 Austin Boulevard
Commack, NY, 11725
USA
Tamron Introduces AF55-200MM F/4-5.6 Di II LD Macro
September 20, 2005, Commack, New York-Tamron announced the winter delivery of the AF55-200mm F/4-5.6 Di II MACRO LD (Model A15), a new tele-zoom designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras with smaller-size image sensors* that will be available at an affordable price.
*Di (Digitally integrated)-II lenses are designed for exclusive use on digital cameras with smaller-size imagers. This lens is not designed for use with 35mm film cameras or digital SLR cameras with image sensors larger than 24mm x 16mm.
For photographers who bought their digital SLR camera in a kit with a standard zoom lens but are dissatisfied with the telephoto capability of the standard lens, the new AF55-200mm F/4-5.6 Di II LD MACRO offers in a second lens a desirable telephoto range at an affordable price. The new tele-zoom from Tamron will allow these photographers to enjoy the telephoto capabilities that yield dynamic images in many photographic situations including sporting events, large wildlife, scenery and portraiture.
MAIN FEATURES
o Popular-type Tele-zoom for Exclusive Use on Digital SLR Cameras
This is a telephoto zoom for exclusive use on digital SLR cameras that covers the focal length range equivalent to 85-310mm when converted to a 35mm format. The lens will allow owners of digital SLRs fitted with standard zoom lenses to enjoy with ease the professional-looking "pulling" and "compression" effects particular to telephoto lenses.
o Lightweight and Compact Design Thanks to Optical System for Exclusive Use on Digital Cameras
Since the optical system is designed for exclusive use on digital cameras, the image circle is smaller, resulting in a compact package measuring 83.0mm (3.3"), accepting a 52mm standard filter and weighing a mere 295 grams (10.4oz.)*.
*Values given are the lens for Nikon AF cameras.
o Revolutionary Minimum Focus Distance of 0.95m (37.4") for 1:3.5 Macro Capability over the Entire Zoom Range
The new 55-200mm zoom lens realizes an MFD (Minimum Focus Distance) of 0.95m (37.4") over the entire zoom range, the top level of the closest focusing distance among tele-zoom lenses. Since the maximum magnification ratio at f=200mm is 1:3.5, you can enjoy easy and convenient close-up photography.
*The Maximum Magnification Ratio of 1:3.5 is equivalent to 1:2.3 when converted to 35mm film format.
o Nine-blade Diaphragm Construction for Natural Out-of-focus Effect
Since the lens employs a nine-blade almost circular diaphragm construction, it provides naturally blurred background effects when a natural out-of-focus effect is desired. Such effects are done by using the shallow depth of field of a telephoto lens or in close-up photography, exploiting the outstanding specifications of 0.95m MFD over the entire zoom range and 1:3.5 maximum magnification ratio.
o Optical System Uses Special Glass and is Optimized for Digital SLR Characteristics in order to Enhance Optical Quality in a Compact Design
The new AF55-200mm zoom lens features an entirely new optical design for optimizing the overall distribution of optical power while reducing various aberrations to the absolute minimum and achieving remarkable downsizing at the same time. In addition, an LD (Low Dispersion) glass element is used to accomplish effective compensation of on-axis and lateral chromatic aberrations, a critical factor to enhance the optical quality in digital photography. As a result, the lens provides outstanding optical performance over the entire zoom range.
o Optical Design Dedicated to Digital SLR Photography by Optimizing the Angles of Incidence of Light Rays Reaching the Image Sensor
The zoom lens uses a new optical system designed to confine the changing angles of incidences of light rays reaching the imager within a certain scope over the entire image field by considering the effects of variances due to zooming.
o Enhanced Peripheral Illumination
Peripheral light fall-off is minimized when compared with that of conventional lenses for film cameras, so images are uniformly bright from the center to the periphery.
o Outstanding Resolution
Since the lens is designed exclusively for digital SLR photography, it provides high image quality resolution, contrast and flatness of image field.
o Internal Surface Coating to Reduce Ghosting and Flare
By the employment of "Internal Surface Coatings" (i.e., multiple-layer coatings on cemented surfaces of plural elements) and new multiple-layer coating technology on ordinary elements, ghosting and flare due to reflections that occur when light enters through the front element and reflections caused by the imagers themselves are reduced to the absolute minimum.
o New External Design on the New Di II Series Conveys "High Performance, High Precision Image"
Improvements have been made to the external design by adding a gold-colored band between the focus and zoom rings to enhance the appearance and make it stand out as a Di-II lens. The rubber patterns of the zoom and focus control rings have been improved at the same time to compliment the digital camera design style and to provide better handling.
o Super Hybrid Mount for High Durability and Lightweight Design
The lens features a super hybrid mount made of highly durable, lightweight engineering plastic precisely molded around a stainless steel "core" that is also highly durable. The lens mount portion weighs 70% less than a brass-made mount.
SPECIFICATIONS
Model Name : A15
Focal Length : 55-200mm
Maximum Aperture : F/4-5.6
Angle of View : 28°28' - 7°59' (APS-C size equivalent)
Lens Construction : 13 elements in 9 groups
Minimum Focus Distance : 37.4" (Over the entire zoom range)
Maximum Magnification Ratio : 1:3.5 (at f=200mm, MFD 0.95m)
Filter Diameter : 52mm
Overall Length : 3.3 inches*
Maximum Diameter : 2.8 inches
Weight : 10.4oz.*
Diaphragm Blades : Nine blades
Minimum Aperture : F/32
Standard Accessory : Lens hood
Compatible Mount : Canon AF
*Values given are for Nikon AF cameras
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