Mid-Range Telephoto Lens enables 1:1 macro shooting.
Press Release Summary:
With respective min and max apertures of f/32 and f/3.5, SP AF180mm F/3.5 Di LD [IF MACRO 1:1 (Model B01) features floating internal focus, which enables constant lens length. With min object distance of 18.1 in., 1:1 macro shooting can be carried out at working distance of 9.4 in. from front of lens. Additional features include 2 low dispersion lens elements, 7-blade diaphragm, rotation of polarizing filters, and focus ring switching feature.
Original Press Release:
New SP AF180mm F/3.5 Di LD [IF Macro 1:1 Emulates Merits of the Famous SP 90mm Macro
October 30, 2003, Photo Plus Expo, New York, NY - Tamron's mid-range telephoto lens enabling 1:1 macro shooting is one of five new lenses featuring Di (Digitally Integrated Design):
SP AF180mm F/3.5 Di LD [IF MACRO 1:1 (Model B01)
Emulating the design merits of the Tamron SP 90mm Macro, renowned and trusted by professional and amateur photographers throughout the world, the new SP AF180mm F/3.5 LD [IF Macro 1:1 is a mid-range telephoto lens that gives the user a longer working distance needed for some macro subjects. In addition, to meet the needs of this dual-format world (silver-halide and digital), the optical system of the lens is designed to provide optimum performance when used with the latest digital SLR cameras that are becoming more popular than ever.
o Di: Stands for "Digitally integrated design", the designation Tamron puts on lenses featuring optical systems designed to meet the performance characteristics of digital SLR cameras.
Main Features
- Floating IF (Internal Focus) enables constant lens length for steadier macro photography
Tamron's proprietary floating IF technology gives this lens its ease of use and superb image quality. Since the lens length remains constant, the user will not be disturbed by fluctuations in balance while focusing. With a minimum object distance (M.O.D.) of 0.47m (18.1"), 1:1 macro shooting can be carried out at a working distance of 24cm (9.4") from the front of the lens (as opposed to 9cm (3.5") with the SP 90mm F/2.8 Model 172E).
- Two LD lens elements provide effective compensation of chromatic aberration
Two LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements are arranged in such a way as to effectively compensate for the chromatic aberration that tends to be a characteristic problem of telephoto lenses.
- Superb image quality with emphasis on contrast
Superbly balanced optics ensure the achievement of both high contrast at the low wavelength end, and high resolution. Images are rendered with uniform sharpness from center to periphery, resulting in excellent image quality.
- Beautiful soft background blurring
Thanks to reduced chromatic aberration ensured by the optics, and the 7-blade diaphragm, this lens enables the same beautifully soft blurring of backgrounds as Tamron's renowned SP 90mm Macro. This feature is especially important to the portrait and macro photographers who will find this new lens to be quite invaluable.
- Rotation of polarizing filters possible even with lens hood attached
A Polarizing filter is an essential accessory for shooting scenery, but adjusting it to the desired effect has always been a problem when lens hoods are used simultaneously. However, with the SP AF180mm F/3.5 Di LD [IF Macro 1:1, the new Filter Effect Control (FEC) solves this common problem. Now, rotation of the polarizing filter can be accomplished even when a hood is attached by rotating the filter mount periphery.
- Focus ring switching feature enables one-touch AF/MF switching (Nikon and Canon AF versions only)
The Nikon and Canon AF versions of this lens enable both mechanically and electronically mediated one-touch switching between auto and manual focus modes by merely sliding the focus ring forwards or backwards. (The Minolta version requires both lens and body AF/MF switching as in the past.) Moreover, while in the AF mode on all versions, the focus ring does not rotate during focusing operation, enabling unhindered holding. And in the MF mode, this lens affords the same smooth and firm focusing feel as a manual focus lens, for easy and reliable focus adjustment.
- Quick release Magnesium Alloy tripod mount
The lens' tripod mount, made of lightweight and highly durable magnesium alloy, enables one touch tripod attachment and release, enhancing its use with a tripod, while at the same time greatly improving the grip for handheld shooting.
- Form and texture that embodies the high performance, high precision qualities of the SP series, and a design to match a new generation of lenses
This lens features the two gold metal rings that symbolize the SP series, and other design elements that boost its looks and make it even more recognizable as a Tamron SP series lens. A more detailed pattern has been employed for the rubber covering of the zoom and focus rings to improve grip and visual uniformity when the lens is attached to a camera body. Tamron has also improved the readability of important imprinted information on the lens such as the distance scale and f-numbers. The SP AF180mm macro 1:1 features a sleek burnished-black finish on the lens barrel to impart a further touch of refinement.
SPECIFICATIONS*
Tamron SP AF180mm F/3.5 Di LD [IF MACRO 1:1 (Model B01)
Model Name: B01
Focal Length: 180mm
Maximum Aperture: F/3.5
Angle of View: 14°
Optical construction: 14 elements in 11 groups
Minimum object distance: 0.47cm (18.1")
Maximum magnification ratio: 1:1
Angle of View: 13.9°
Diaphragm Blades: 7 blades
Filter Size: 72mm
Overall Length: 165.7mm (6.5")
Maximum Diameter: 84.8mm (3.3")
Weight: 975g (34.4 oz.)*
Minimum Aperture: F/32
Standard Accessory: Lens hood, soft case
Compatible Mounts: Canon AF, Minolta AF-D, and Nikon AF-D
10/30/03
*Specifications based on Nikon mount
*Specifications subject to change
