The Tamron 18-400 is an incredibly versatile lens crop sensor lens. In this video, I take it whale watching with San Juan Safaris in Friday Harbor and compare it against the Sigma 24-105 and the Sigma 100-400 telephoto lens.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNZEVT0edkQ
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:
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.
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
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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)
As Photokina nears we are getting a pile of announcements- some shipping soon, some just developments.
Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED
F Mount Lens/FX Format
Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
Aspherical and ED Elements
Nano Crystal Coating
Internal Focus, Silent Wave Motor
Soft Pouch, Lens Hood Included
The AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED from Nikon is a wide-angle lens that is compatible with both full frame FX and DX crop sensor cameras. The fast f/1.8 maximum aperture allows a shallow depth of field for selective focus use, as well as shooting in low-light situations.The lens provides a 94° angle of view (30mm, 70° equivalent on DX-format cameras), and has a minimum focus distance of 7.8", allowing you to get close to your subject while isolating it from the background.Aspherical and Extra-low Dispersion elements with Nano Crystal Coating reduce sagittal flare and chromatic aberration, producing sharp images throughout the frame. A Silent Wave Motor provides quick, near-silent autofocusing. A soft pouch and lens hood are included.Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G will be available September 25- Preorder from Amazon | B&H | Adorama
Nikon SB-500 AF Speedlight
Featuring an LED video light and a compact design, the SB-500 AF Speedlight from Nikon provides users with a portable unit compatible with Nikon's i-TTL metering. The flash has a good power rating with a guide number of 79' at ISO 100, and offers coverage for a 24mm lens with full frame cameras. Also, the 100 lux LED light has three output levels- quarter, half or full power- which is beneficial for both video and close up still photography.Versatility is important in this unit with the ability to tilt upward 90° and rotate left and right 180° for excellent bounce and swivel capabilities. The flash will also function wirelessly as either a commander unit or a remote slave for full compatibility with cameras, other flash units, and wireless flash controllers in Nikon's Creative Lighting System. The SB-500 will also transmit LED and flash color information to the camera for setting an optimal white balance and runs on 2 AA batteries, which provide a recycle time of 3.5-30 seconds. Included with the camera are a soft case and stand.
Offers test firing, the ability to monitor pre-flashes, and an LED modeling flash function
Flash compensation is available through camera settings
Head tilts up 90° with click-stops at 0°, 60°, 75°, and 90°
Head rotates horizontally 180° to the left and right with click-stops at 0°, 30°, 60°, 75°, 90°, 120°, 150°, and 180°
Four wireless channels are available in Commander mode while only 1 is available in Remote mode
Two wireless groups, A and B, are available
Flash-ready indicator lights up when fully recycled or flashes slowly as a warning
Receives about 100 flashes from a pair of Alkaline batteries and about 140 from Ni-MH
A thermal cut-out function protects the flash
Firmware can be updated
Nikon SB-500 will be available September 25- Preorder from Amazon | B&H | Adorama
Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 lenses - Yes TWO! And I am not talking about one for Canon and one for Nikon
Sigma announced two new telephoto zooms offering 150-600mm f/5-6.3 with full-frame compatibility. The share dust and weather proofing, SIgma's Optical Stabilizer (OS), Sigma's fast AF motors (HSM) and offer the excellent build quality that Sigma has used on many of their new lenses. both are also compatible with the Sigma USB Dock for lens adjustments and firmware updates. So why two different lenses that offer the same range? Two versions - Sports prioritizes optical performance and the Contemporary version prioritizes portability. Designed to offer a higher level of optical precision and contains 24 elements in 16 groups, with two FLD and three SLD elements to control aberrations and distortions. It has a minimum aperture of f/22, minimum focusing distance of 8.5', and maximum magnification ratio of 1:5. The lens measures 4.8 x 11.4", and weighs 6.3 lb. Sigma is targeting photographers who place the utmost value on performance over weight, along with refined handling capabilities. The lens will be available in Canon EF, Nikon F, and Sigma SA mounts.This Contemporary version contains 20 elements in 14 groups, with one FLD element and three SLD elements. It has a minimum aperture of f/22, minimum focus distance of 9.2', and maximum magnification ratio of 1:5 and shaves some dimensions off the Sports version to measure 4.1 x 10.2". Sigma has not determined the final weight yet, but it is safe to say it will be lighter than the Sports version, thanks to it is smaller dimensions and fewer optical elements. It, too, will be available in Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA, and Sony A mounts.
A new All-in-one (AIO) from Sigma 18-300
This APS-C-only, all-in-one zoom lens features a 27-450mm equivalent focal-length range and is targeted at photographers who want to travel as lightly as possible and don’t want to carry around multiple lenses. The lens’s design utilizes four FLD elements and one SLD element to help minimize chromatic aberration while maintaining consistent sharpness and clarity. Sigma has also incorporated a new Optical Stabilizer system, which should help with handheld shooting in difficult lighting, and a Hyper Sonic Motor for fast and quiet autofocus. I wonder how it will compare to the Tamron 16-300 I reviewed earlier this year. No word on pricing or release date.
Tamron Announces Development of Full Frame 15-30mm f/2.8 VC
press release
September 12, 2014, Saitama, Japan. – Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Morio Ono), a leading manufacturer of precision optics, announces development of a new ultra-wideangle zoom lens for full-frame DSLR cameras with a fast F/2.8 aperture and VC (Vibration Compensation), the world’s first in its category. The price and launch date are to be determined. The lens will be showcased at the Tamron booth at Photokina 2014, September 16- 21, 2014 in Cologne, Germany (Photokina Booth Number:Hall 4.2 D10 – E19).Since 2012, Tamron has been expanding its lineup of interchangeable lenses for 35mm full-frame DSLR cameras. SP 24-70mm F/2.8 was the first in the series, being integrated with VC, followed by the 70-200mm F/2.8, 90mm F/2.8 Macro, and 150-600mm F/5-6.3. The array of those new lenses have been highly acclaimed among the photo enthusiasts and working pros around the globe. To address the needs for more towards the wider angular field, Tamron spearheaded the development of SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD, a fast ultra-wideangle zoom lens with the image stabilization feature, setting itself apart from the rest of zooms in this category.
Interesting highlights here - image stabilization (VC), fast (f/2.8) and full frame- Those that need to shoot wide while on the move or for video work should stay tuned - this could be a very interesting lens.
Featuring an LED video light and a compact design, the SB-500 AF Speedlight from Nikon provides users with a portable unit compatible with Nikon's i-TTL metering. The flash has a good power rating with a guide number of 79' at ISO 100, and offers coverage for a 24mm lens with full frame cameras. Also, the 100 lux LED light has three output levels- quarter, half or full power- which is beneficial for both video and close up still photography.Versatility is important in this unit with the ability to tilt upward 90° and rotate left and right 180° for excellent bounce and swivel capabilities. The flash will also function wirelessly as either a commander unit or a remote slave for full compatibility with cameras, other flash units, and wireless flash controllers in Nikon's Creative Lighting System. The SB-500 will also transmit LED and flash color information to the camera for setting an optimal white balance and runs on 2 AA batteries, which provide a recycle time of 3.5-30 seconds. Included with the camera are a soft case and stand.
Designed to offer a higher level of optical precision and contains 24 elements in 16 groups, with two FLD and three SLD elements to control aberrations and distortions. It has a minimum aperture of f/22, minimum focusing distance of 8.5', and maximum magnification ratio of 1:5. The lens measures 4.8 x 11.4", and weighs 6.3 lb. Sigma is targeting photographers who place the utmost value on performance over weight, along with refined handling capabilities. The lens will be available in Canon EF, Nikon F, and Sigma SA mounts.
This Contemporary version contains 20 elements in 14 groups, with one FLD element and three SLD elements. It has a minimum aperture of f/22, minimum focus distance of 9.2', and maximum magnification ratio of 1:5 and shaves some dimensions off the Sports version to measure 4.1 x 10.2". Sigma has not determined the final weight yet, but it is safe to say it will be lighter than the Sports version, thanks to it is smaller dimensions and fewer optical elements. It, too, will be available in Canon EF, Nikon F, Sigma SA, and Sony A mounts.
press release
