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Tamron Releases World's First 18-400mm Lens

Tamron has announced a new 18-400mm F3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD APS-C lens billed as the world's first to cover the extended range. Having reviewed the Sigma and Tamron 18-300's in a previous video this might be the one for those that prioritize convenience. For $649 you get 22.2x zoom ratio covering wide angle shots from 28mm to ultra-telephoto 640mm (Canon crop ratio). The lens also features a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.9 so you can enjoy tele-macro photography. With the new design comes their new LD (Low Dispersion Glass) with an ashperical lens to control the chromatic aberration (color fringing) all-in-one lenses are known for typically. For it's size, Tamron managed to make it quite small at 4.8 inches long and 24.9 ounces, in comparison Sigma's 18-300 Contemporary Lens clocks in at 4 inches and 20.6 ounces with 100mm less in focal length. The 18-400mm lens also incorporates 2.5 stops of stabilization with a zoom lock to get the sharpest shots possible from the 640mm focal range. If you are interested the 18-400mm gets you that all-in-one convenience for a decent price. As with our 18-300mm comparison, there is a cost for the benefit, we'll have a review out soon on this new lens.Interesting to note, rumor held the new Tamron 24-70 was also to be announced with advanced notice going to the press. With a Sigma 24-70 also being released this week it seemed the announcement has been postponed for now.Pre-order today at B&H, available in Canon and Nikon mounts:Tamron 18-400

Sample ImagesPhotographer: Billion Lim[gallery td_select_gallery_slide="slide" ids="15170,15171,15172,15173,15174,15175,15176,15177,15178,15179,15180,15181,15182"]Press release[quote_box_center]

Introducing the world’s first*1 ultra-telephoto all-in-onezoom lens with an extended range that covers 18-400mm18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD (Model B028)

Dramatic extended range achieved by combining cutting-edge optical design andother new breakthrough technologies including a redesigned cam structure

June 23, 2017, Saitama, Japan - Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Shiro Ajisaka), a leading manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces the launch of the new 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD (Model B028), the world’s first ultra-telephoto all-in-one zoom lens for APS-C DSLR cameras, which covers a focal length range of 18-400mm. Since the 1992 launch of its AF28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 Aspherical (Model 71D), Tamron has dominated the all-in-one zoom category and has produced many lenses that cover wide-angle to telephoto zoom ranges. Tamron has now developed an ultra-telephoto all-in-one zoom that extends to 400mm (35mm equivalent of 620mm) and a 22.2x zoom ratio. Packed in a light, compact body (121.4mm/705g)*2 is Tamron’s accumulated knowledge and experience for all-in-one zoom lenses, including the most advanced optical and mechanical designs, an HLD (High/Low torque modulated Drive) for the AF system and the Vibration Compensation system. Photographers can now enjoy wide-angle to ultra-telephoto photography using one lens, which is ideal for travel photography and eliminates the need to carry extra lenses. The new Model B028 lens enables a wide variety of ultra-telephoto images including everyday casual scenes.

lens: Model B028
PRODUCT NAME 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD(Model B028)
DATE OF LAUNCH July 20, 2017The Canon and Nikon mount models will be launched simultaneously.

*1 Among interchangeable lenses for DSLR cameras (As of May 2017; Tamron)*2 Length and weight are based on the Nikon-mount lens.

Product Information

  1. The world’s first*1 ultra-telephoto all-in-one zoom lens to achieve 400mm telephoto

    The new Model B028 is the world’s first lens for APS-C DSLR cameras that covers a focal length range of 18-400mm and achieves a zoom ratio of 22.2x. The focal length of 400mm on the telephoto end enables the capturing of ultra-telephoto pictures with the 35mm equivalent of 620mm angle of view. Now, with just this one lens, a photographer can readily enjoy the power of the ultra-telephoto to bring distant subjects closer as well as the perspective-flattening effects that only extreme telephoto settings can achieve. This all-in-one zoom lens is ideal for travel and everyday carry. It allows a photographer to switch from wide-angle to ultra-telephoto without changing lenses, making it faster and easier to capture a much wider range of subjects including travel scenes, wildlife, action sports, landscapes, cityscapes, portraits and food.*1 Among interchangeable lenses for DSLR cameras (As of May 2017; Tamron)

  2. Excellent image quality across the entire zoom range, from wide-angle to ultra-telephoto

    The optical construction of the B028 consists of 16 lens elements in 11 groups. The use of specialized glass elements such as LD (Low Dispersion) and aspherical lens elements effectively minimizes wide-ranging aberrations, including chromatic aberrations and distortion, thereby assuring outstanding image quality. Optimum power distribution among the individual lens element groups achieves both the optical performance and the compact size necessary for an ultra-telephoto all-in-one zoom lens that boasts 400mm focal length. Also, it enables tele-macro photography with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.9.

  3. Lightweight and compact design exhibits Tamron’s basic philosophy for all-in-one zoom lenses

    Despite being an all-in-one zoom lens that achieves 400mm ultra-telephoto, Model B028 is light and compact with a total length of 121.4mm and a weight of 705g*2. A new lens barrel design utilizing three-step extensions was developed to enable the necessary elongation to produce a 22.2x zoom ratio. Compared to the conventional approach, the division into a larger number of cams ensures comfortable operation and stability while zooming. Tamron’s philosophy for all-in-one zoom lenses is to allow each photographer to casually capture everyday images with a lens of a practical size, and Model B028 fulfills this philosophy.*2 Length and weight are based on figures for the Nikon-mount lens.

  4. HLD motor provides high-precision AF and enables compact lens construction

    The AF drive system for Model B028 uses Tamron’s exclusive HLD (High/Low torque modulated Drive) motor. The power-saving HLD motor produces outstanding driving torque, and adjusts motor rotation from low to high speed to enable accurate and quiet focusing. The HLD motor takes up less space thanks to its small size and circular arc shape that allows the size of the lens to be reduced.

  5. Equipped with the Vibration Compensation system necessary for ultra-telephotography at 400mm

    Despite its compact size, Model B028 is equipped with Tamron’s original VC (Vibration Compensation) system, which effectively curbs camera shake under low light conditions (such as a dimly lit room or at dusk) and while taking ultra-telephoto pictures. This greatly expands opportunities for casual handheld shooting. The jitter-free stability of the viewfinder image allows for easier framing and enables the photographer to compose the subject quickly and comfortably.

  6. Electromagnetic diaphragm system now used also for Nikon-mount lenses

    The electromagnetic diaphragm system, which has been a standard feature for Canon-mount lenses, is now employed in Nikon-mount lenses*3. More precise diaphragm and aperture control is possible because the diaphragm blades are driven and controlled by a motor through electronic pulse signals.*3 Available only with cameras compatible with the electromagnetic diaphragm (D3100, D3200, D3300, D3400, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, D5600, D7000, D7100, D7200, D300S, D500) (As of May, 2017; Tamron)

  7. User-friendly features for everyday comfortable use

    With an eye toward active outdoor photography, Model B028 features Moisture-Resistant Construction to ensure worry-free shooting as well as confidence while shooting under adverse weather conditions. Also, the Zoom Lock mechanism prevents undesired movement of the lens barrel under its own weight when the camera is angled downward while walking.

  8. Compatible with TAP-in ConsoleTM, an optional accessory product

    The optional TAP-in Console provides a USB connection to a personal computer, enabling the user to easily update the lens’s firmware as well as to customize features, including fine adjustments to the AF and VC.

  9. External design placing importance on functionality and ease of use

    While inheriting the design that makes use of many organic curves and the delicately polished form down to fine details that characterize the SP lens series, the new Model B028 comes with a highly sophisticated design that also places a lot of importance on the lens’s functionality and ease of use, featuring an overall form that faithfully encompasses the internal structures within, a slim Luminous Gold brand ring and the switch shape design.

Tamron, the pioneer of all-in-one zoom lenses

Tamron launched the world’s first all-in-one zoom, the AF28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 Aspherical (Model 71D), in 1992, thereby establishing this exciting and popular market category and making Tamron truly the pioneer of all-in-one zoom lenses. Because of this innovation, photographers can change the composition and the angle-of-view easily by zooming instead of changing lenses or distance from the subject. This benefit made all-in-one zoom lenses widely popular among consumers all over the world. In the course of developing and refining its lens products over the years, Tamron has developed key innovative technologies such as groundbreaking optical systems, compact lens barrels and complex, high-precision cam configurations—in addition to durable and attractive design aesthetics. Now equipped with Tamron’s proprietary Vibration Compensation system, the Tamron all-in-one zoom lenses continue to exceed the user's expectations.

<Tamron’s all-in-one zoom lens products over the years>

Released year Product name
1992 AF28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 Aspherical (Model 71D)
1996 AF28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 LD Aspherical [IF] Super (Model 171D)
1999 AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 LD Aspherical IF MACRO (Model 185D)
2000 AF28-300mm F/3.8-5.6 LD Aspherical IF Super II MACRO (Model 371D)
2001 AF28-200mm Super Zoom F/3.8-5.6 Aspherical XR [IF] MACRO (Model A03)
2002 AF28-300mm Ultra Zoom XR F/3.5-6.3 LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model A06)
2004 AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model A061)
2005 AF18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model A14)
2006 AF28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 XR Di Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model A031)
2007 AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] Macro (Model A18)
2007 AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD Aspherical [IF] Macro (Model A20)
2008 AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model B003)
2010 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD (Model B008)
2010 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III VC (Model B011)
2014 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO (Model B016)
2014 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD (Model A010)
2014 14-150mm F/3.5-5.8 Di III (Model C001)
2015 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC (Model B018)
2017 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD (Model B028)

Specifications

Model B028
Focal Length 18-400mm
Maximum Aperture F/3.5-6.3
Angle of View (diagonal) 75°33' - 4° (for APS-C format)
Optical Construction 16 elements in 11 groups
Minimum Object Distance 0.45m (17.7 in)*
Maximum Magnification Ratio 1:2.9
Filter Size Φ72mm
Maximum Diameter Φ79mm
Length** for Canon 123.9mm (4.9 in)for Nikon 121.4mm (4.8 in)
Weight for Canon 710g (25 oz)for Nikon 705g (24.9 oz)
Aperture Blades 7 (circular diaphragm)
Minimum Aperture F/22-40
Image Stabilization Performance 2.5stops (CIPA Standards Compliant)(For Canon : EOS-80D is used / For Nikon: D7200 is used)
Standard Accessories Flower-shaped lens hood, Lens caps
Compatible Mounts Canon, Nikon

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