The new Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO (Model B016) lens will start shipping on April 24th
Few hours after Nikon announced their new 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR ($896.95), Tamron published the shipping date of their 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO lens (model B016) which was announced back in February: the new lens will start shipping on April 24th, 2014 in Japan. The US price is $629 (available also at B&H).
Full press release:
April 11, 2014, Commack, NY - Tamron USA, Inc. announced today the release date of its new advanced All-In-One™ zoom lens, designed exclusively for DSLRs with APS-C size image sensors, that provides an amazing 18.8X zoom ratio. The lens will be on sale in the USA starting May 15, 2014 at a street price of $629. The Canon and Nikon mount models will be launched simultaneously. The launch date of the Sony(4) mount model will be announced at a later date.
Since the launch in 1992 of the 28-200mm (Model 71D) high-power zoom lens – which featured a revolutionary compact, lightweight design – Tamron has been continually expanding its portfolio of world-class optics to benefit consumers.
Tamron previously launched an 18-270mm (Model B008) All-In-One™ zoom lens exclusively for digital SLR cameras with APS-C size image sensors that features a 15X zoom ratio, superior image quality, swift, quiet AF, and Tamron’s acclaimed VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism, in an ultra-compact package. This ground-breaking lens has won major plaudits throughout the world.
Responding to consumers’ demand for expanded focal lengths both at the wide-angle end of the zoom range and the telephoto end, Tamron developed a completely new All-In-One™ zoom lens design that provides an impressive focal length range extending from 16mm true wide-angle to 300mm super-telephoto.
(4) The Sony mount model does not include VC, since the bodies of Sony DSLR cameras include built-in image stabilization functionality. The name of the Sony mount model is “16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Macro” without the VC designation
Product Highlights
- A further expansion of the imaging range with a minimum focal length of 16mm (35mm film equivalent: 24.8mm) at the wide-angle end of the zoom range, and a maximum focal length of 300mm (35mm film equivalent: 465mm), this remarkable new lens provides the world’s first zoom ratio of approximately 18.8X.
Responding to requests from consumers who wanted to be able to photograph subjects with a wider viewing angle than is possible with conventional high-power zoom lenses, Tamron has developed a unique lens with a minimum focal length of 16mm. At the telephoto end, the maximum focal length has been increased to an impressive 300mm. Users of this new lens can enjoy unprecedented framing flexibility by easily adjusting the angle of view using the convenient zoom ring.
- Superior, reliable image quality.
The lens construction features 16 elements in 12 groups. This includes three Molded-Glass Aspherical elements, one Hybrid Aspherical element, two LD (Low Dispersion) elements, one XR (Extra Refractive index) glass element, and one element of UXR (Ultra-Extra Refractive Index) glass, which has a greater refractive index than XR. The full use of specialized glass elements in the design contributes to thorough compensation of optical aberrations. In addition, the use of the latest coating technology for suppressing reflections on lens element surfaces minimizes unwanted flare and ghosting and assures sharp, crisp, high-contrast images.
- Using a new design approach to create an ultra-compact lens.
The latest optical technology has been used to provide an expanded zoom range (compared to the B008) at both the wide-angle and telephoto ends, without necessitating the use of an oversized lens body. By employing UXR glass (which helps to reduce the size of the front lens diameter), an optimized layout of the Molded-Glass Aspherical elements, and adopting a 5-lens-group zoom system approach to provide enhanced design flexibility, the new lens embodies the fusion of state-of-the-art optical design, sophisticated mechanical design, and high-precision lens manufacturing technology, thereby attaining a compact size, an unprecedented zoom range, and superior image quality.
- A minimum focusing distance of just 15.3 inches supports an extensive range of macro photography capabilities.
The new lens provides a minimum focus distance of 15.3 inches over the entire zoom range, with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.9. This makes it possible to get right up close to the subject of the photo to enjoy easy, stress-free macro photography.
- PZD (Piezo Drive) delivers faster, quieter autofocus action.
The PZD (Piezo Drive) advanced standing-wave ultrasonic motor system delivers faster, quieter, more precise AF action when the autofocus is engaged. There is enhanced support for contrast-detection AF capabilities, and focusing when in live-view mode has been made smoother. The new lens also features full-time manual focus, a function that was not provided on the B008, making manual focusing more convenient.
- Sharper images with VC (Vibration Compensation)
Tamron’s acclaimed VC mechanism is incorporated into the new lens. VC reduces image blur caused by camera shake to deliver significantly sharper images even when shooting handheld at long telephoto settings.
- Moisture-resistant construction for worry-free outdoor shooting.
- Upgraded cosmetic design.
Tamron has upgraded the cosmetic design and finish of this lens to create a more sophisticated, high-end look in keeping with the demands of discerning DSLR users. Employing a sophisticated linear pattern rubber grip on the zoom and focus rings, and an elegant tungsten-silver name-brand ring, etc., this newly designed model accentuates its visceral presence with understated elegance and class.
| Specifications(5) | |
| Model | B016 |
| Focal Length | 16-300mm |
| Maximum Aperture | F/3.5-6.3 |
| Angle of view (diagonal) | 82°12’ - 5°20’ (for APS-C format) |
| Lens Construction | 16 elements in 12 groups |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 15.3 in (0.39m) |
| Maximum Magnification Ratio | 1:2.9 (at f=300mm: MFD 15.3in) |
| Filter Size | Ø67mm |
| Maximum Diameter | Ø75mm |
| Length (6) | 3.9in (99.5mm) |
| Weight | 19oz (540g) |
| No. of Diaphragm Blades | 7 (circular diaphragm) (7) |
| Minimum Aperture | F/22-40 |
| Standard Accessories | Flower-shaped Lens hood |
| Compatible Mounts | Canon, Nikon, Sony(8) |
| Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. may be changed without prior notice. | |
(5) Length and weight are based on figures for the Nikon-mount lens.
(6) Length is the distance between the front tip of the lens and the mount face.
(7) This circular diaphragm retains a nearly circular shape even when taken at two stops down from its maximum aperture.
(8) The Sony mount does not include VC, since Sony digital SLR bodies include built-in image