Tamron announced a new SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 USD lens (model F017) for Sony A-mount and a corresponding TAP-in console. The US pricing is $649, shipping will start on August 25th (the Nikon and Canon versions of this lens are already available). Here are the lens specifications:
| Model | F017 |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 90mm |
| Maximum Aperture | F/2.8 |
| Angle of View (diagonal) | 27°2′ (for full-frame format) 17°37′ (for APS-C format) |
| Optical Construction | 14 elements in 11 groups |
| Minimum Object Distance | 0.3m (11.8 in) |
| Maximum Magnification Ratio | 1:1 |
| Filter Size | Φ62mm |
| Maximum Diameter | Φ79mm |
| Length* | for Sony 116.6mm (4.6 in) |
| Weight | for Sony 585g (20.6 oz) |
| Aperture Blades | 9 (circular diaphragm) |
| Minimum Aperture | F/32 |
| Standard Accessories | Lens hood, Lens cap |
Additional information:
Built upon the outstanding optical performance of the legendary Tamron 90mm Macro
- Inheriting the optical design of the previous 90mm Macro lens (Model F004), the new Model F017 delivers the same excellent resolving power and remarkably soft background blur effects (bokeh). The advanced construction includes one LD (Low Dispersion) glass element that maximally limits the dispersion properties of light and two XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) glass elements that correct dispersion properties to an even greater extent. The special elements optimally compensate for on-axis and lateral chromatic aberrations from macro shooting range to infinity. Furthermore, the design ensures the best imaging performance at any range by adopting the Floating System which shifts the location of a group of elements to the best possible position as the focusing group travels relative to shooting distances. From 1:1, life-size close-ups to the most distant horizon, this new 90mm Macro lens achieves outstanding image quality.
Optimized for spectacular background blur effects (bokeh)
- Earlier models of Tamron’s 90mm macro lens received high acclaim for their spectacular blur effects, and the new 90mm macro builds upon this legacy. To continue this commitment, thorough optical simulations were conducted. Careful examinations were performed to minimize any blurring with a doubled image appearing for a single line because that phenomenon has a considerably negative impact on background image quality. As a result, the lens achieves both sharp, vivid images and spectacular background blur effects. This combination is highly prized by portrait photographers.
Moisture-Proof and Dust-Resistant Construction
- Areas of possible ingress surrounding switches and the boundary between the focus ring and the lens barrel are protected by special seals. These provide stronger protection against the intrusion of dirt, dust and moisture compared to the Moisture-Resistant Construction used previously. This additional protection assures even more wide-ranging opportunities for using this lens.
A durable Fluorine Coating on the front element repels water and fingerprints
- The water and oil repellant coating applied to the front element surface allows instant removal of dirt or smudges with ease. The coating also provides a reasonable level of durability, and will sustain its effectiveness for years. The Fluorine Coating technology that Tamron developed for use in industrial optics applications was first used on the SP 15-30mm which was introduced in 2014.
USD actuator maximized for macro photography is fast, accurate and quiet
- The control software program for the USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) actuator has been revised to provide substantially improved focusing speed and accuracy when using AF. The USD quickly addresses any out-of-focus condition caused by back-and-forth camera movement (which commonly occurs during macro photography) ensuring better results when shooting at close range.
Advanced coating technology reduces flare and ghosting
- Two advanced coating technologies, both providing outstanding anti-reflection performance, are applied to critical element surfaces for maximum light transmission. eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) Coating boasts outstanding anti-reflection performance across nearly the entire range of visible rays, and BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) Coating utilizes traditional multi-layered, anti-reflection technology. This combination virtually eliminates extraneous reflections and substantially reduces ghosting and flare which enables the lens to achieve flawless, crystal clear images.
Use of circular aperture to achieve beautiful, rounded blur effects (bokeh)
- When shooting a scene that includes a point-source of light in the subject background, marvelously tuned blur (bokeh) can be obtained without generating undesirable polygonal shapes of aperture patterns thanks to the circular aperture. The 9-blade diaphragm retains a nearly perfect circular opening even when stopped down by two stops.
Focusing options perfectly suited to a macro lens
- The new 90mm macro has a focus limiter that makes it possible to shorten the time for accurately focusing on a subject when the working range is known. The lens also features an Internal Focusing system, so the overall length of the lens never changes, not even when focusing. As a result, the user is assured of a comfortable working distance of at least 139mm (5.5 in) from the front of the lens. In addition, the lens is equipped with a Full-time Manual Focus override mechanism which makes it possible to flexibly choose focal points. Even with the AF driving system in action, it is possible to instantaneously override it to make manual fine focusing adjustments without switching the AF-MF mode back and forth.
Compatibility with TAMRON TAP-in Console™
- Always as new as tomorrow: You can update firmware, customize autofocus positions and adjust the mechanical setup and preferences of the 90mm lens by simply attaching it to the TAMRON TAP-in Console and connecting it via USB to a personal computer. (The TAP-in Console is an optional accessory.)
