Tamron announced the Japanese released date and price for the SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD (model A011) lens: ¥140,000 (around $1,350), shipping will start on December 19th (update: the US press release is now up and the release date is listed as January 17, 2014, the US price will be $1069):
Tamron launches a revolutionary new 150-600mm Ultra-Telephoto Zoom Lens for full-frame and APS-C format DSLR cameras
SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A011)
Cutting-edge eBAND Coating*¹ and three LD (Low Dispersion) glass elements deliver superior imaging performance, while the latest built-in VC (Vibration Compensation)*²system broadens users’ horizons in achieving sharper handheld photographs.
November 26, 2013, Saitama, Japan - Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Morio Ono), a leading manufacturer of precision optics, has announced the release of an innovative ultra-telephoto zoom lens with a focal length range of 150mm to 600mm for full-frame and APS-C format DSLR cameras.
Tamron’s previously announced 200-500mm (Model A08), still currently available, is a popular, compact, easy-to-use ultra-telephoto zoom lens, but customers have shown great interest in having a lens that provide an even greater focal length range.
This all-new ultra-telephoto zoom lens features VC (Vibration Compensation)*² image stabilization, speedy, precise USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive)*³, state-of-the-art eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) Coating*1, which significantly reduces the unwanted light reflections that cause flare and ghosting, and, in addition a sophisticated and stylish new external finish.
Its 4x ultra-telephoto zoom capabilities, with a focal length range from 150mm to 600mm, enhance the creative potential of telephoto photography, a captivating feature for all photographers, particularly nature, wildlife, and sports shooters.
| Product Name | Date of Launch (in Japan) |
|---|---|
| SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A011) | December 19, 2013 |
| *The Canon mount model will be released first in Japan on December 19, 2013 and subsequently elsewhere. The launch dates of the Nikon and Sony compatible mount models will be announced at a later date. | |
Product Highlights
- 4x ultra-telephoto zoom lens with a focal length range of 150mm to 600mm
The focal length range of this lens was extended by 50mm on the wide-angle side and 100mm on the telephoto side compared to the existing model (Model A08), making it possible to take even more striking photographs of birds, wildlife, sports, and other distant subjects. Mounted on APS-C DSLR cameras, it has a stunning equivalent focal length range of 233mm to 930mm, almost to 1000mm. - World class image quality
Employing 20 elements in 13 groups and boasting an advanced optical design, it delivers a superior balance of resolution and contrast for sharp, clear images. The front group contains three LD (Low Dispersion) glass elements (two in the first group, one in the third) for enhanced optical correction effectiveness, enabling the lens to thoroughly compensate for on-axis aberrations at the telephoto end.
The lens also adopts eBAND Coating*¹, developed from state-of-the-art coating technologies, and conventional BBAR(Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) Coating to greatly suppress ghosting and flare even when shooting under adverse lighting conditions. - Achieves a 600mm focal length in a compact easy-to handle package
Ingenious optical design features minimize the movement of lens groups within the lens when zooming. This reduces the amount of barrel extension needed to cover the complete focusing range, making the entire lens more compact. - Beautiful background blur effects
Adopting a 9 blade circular diaphragm enables users to create beautiful background blur effects (bokeh), which provide even greater potential for creative expression. This circular diaphragm retains a nearly circular shape even at two stops down from its maximum aperture. - VC (Vibration Compensation)*² mechanism creates greater opportunities for sharper handheld photography.
Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization system uses a three-coil system, delivering significantly sharper images and creating greater opportunities for handheld ultra-telephoto photography. - Comfortable autofocus
Tamron’s new SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD features a USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) ultrasonic motor drive*³ for swift and accurate AF response, it delivers high torque, very fast response times, and very low noise. The full-time manual focus mechanism allows users to make fine manual focus adjustments at any time even when AF is engaged. - New elegant, high-class external finish
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 full-frame DSLR users.
Employing a sophisticated linear pattern rubber grip on the zoom and focus rings and an attractive and stylish tungsten silver name-brand ring, this newly designed model accentuates its visceral presence with understated elegance and class. - Easy to use tripod mount
The tripod mount has been completely redesigned to provide superior stability, durability, ease of use, and portability. - Comes with "SILKYPIX Developer Studio for Tamron", RAW image development processing software for Tamron’s SP lenses
| *1 | The eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) Coating is a new nanotechnology-based coating technique developed by Tamron to reduce unwanted reflection. |
| *2 | VC (Vibration Compensation) is Tamron's proprietary image stabilization mechanism. |
| *3 | USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) is Tamron's proprietary ring-type ultrasonic motor. |
| *4 | The Sony mount does not include VC, since Sony digital SLR bodies include built-in image stabilization functionality. The product name for Sony cameras is "SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di USD (Model A011)”, without the VC designation. |
Specifications
| Model | A011 |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 150－600mm |
| Maximum Aperture | F/ 5-6.3 |
| Angle of View (diagonal) | 16°25’ - 4°8’ (for full frame format) |
| 10°38’ - 2°40’ (for APS-C format) | |
| Lens Construction | 20 elements in 13 groups |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 2.7m |
| Maximum Magnification Ratio | 1:5 |
| Filter Size | Φ95mm |
| Maximum Diameter | Φ105.6mm |
| Length* | 257.8mm |
| Weight | 1951g (68.8 oz) |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 (circular diaphragm)*5 |
| Minimum Aperture | F32-40 |
| Standard Accessories | Lens hood, detachable tripod mount |
| Compatible Mounts | Canon, Nikon, Sony |
Length and weight are based on figures for the Nikon-mount lens.
* Length is the distance between the front tip of the lens and the mount face.
*5 This circular diaphragm retains a nearly circular shape even when taken at two stops down from its maximum aperture.
Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. may be changed without prior notice
