SP 180mm F/3.5
Di LD [IF] MACRO 1:1
Model B01

Autofocus/Manual focus switch

The ability to switch quickly between autofocus (AF) and manual focus (MF) is a great asset in many types of shooting, especially sports and nature photography. This is easily accomplished with Tamron's ingenious AF/MF system. By simply sliding the focus ring back and forth between the two positions you can select either the AF or the MF focusing position. In manual focus mode Tamron lenses provide smooth, precise manual focusing by turning their wide, well-textured focusing rings.

Filter Effect Control

Some filters, such as graduated NDs (neutral density) or polarisers, require rotation to maximise their impact. When a lens has a long hood attached, access to the filter to adjust its angle can be difficult. A Filter Effect Control, either detachable or built into the lens, solves this problem.

Super Performance series

Performance takes priority for superb image quality

This line of ultra-high-performance lenses is designed and manufactured to the exacting specifications demanded by professionals and others who require the highest possible image quality. The foremost priority is achieving superior performance parameters – high design standards take priority over cost constraints. As a result, Tamron SP lenses feature innovative designs that have established an enviable reputation for excellence amongst demanding photographers.

Low Dispersion

Sharpens edges by reducing 'colour fringing'

Chromatic aberration occurs when a lens element refracts different wavelengths of a ray of light – its rainbow colours – at very slightly different angles. This results in the 'colour fringing' that reduces the sharpness of an image. LD elements are made from special glass materials with extremely low dispersion indices (i.e. the refraction of a ray of light into rainbow colours is extremely narrow). Thus they effectively compensate for chromatic aberration at the centre of the field (on axis), a particular problem at long focal lengths (the telephoto end of the zoom range), and for lateral chromatic aberration (toward the edges of the field) that often occurs at short (wideangle) focal lengths.

Although costly, LD glass materials result in clear, vivid image quality.

Internal Focusing

Focusing elements inside the optical design make for better handling

In many lenses, the front elements move back and forth to alter the focus distance. With an internal focusing (IF) mechanism, the focusing elements are inside the optical design. Because the front lens elements remain static, the lens’ actual length does not change. This provides several benefits both to the image and during photography:

• The barrel is not subject to stray light entering from external helicoids that can adversely affect image quality
• A non-rotating front filter thread makes it easier to use filters such as graduated filters and polarisers
• A flower-shaped lens hood will remain in the correct position to most effectively shield the lens from stray light
• Better balance and more predictable handling because the lens length does not change during focusing
• Generally, a much closer minimum focusing distance throughout the zoom range
• Improved optical performance by minimising loss of illumination at the corners of the image field (vignetting)
• Suppression of other aberrations that become more troublesome at different focusing positions.

Integrated focus cam optimises internal focusing

Tamron's Integrated Focus Cam is a precision mechanical component that optimises the co-ordinated movement of the Internal Focusing (IF) system with the Multiple Cam Zoom Mechanism. This ingenious mechanism ensures accurate and seamless positioning of all the internal elements within the lens and coordinates them with the external zoom and focus controls.

Digitally Integrated

Optimal image quality on both digital and film SLRs

Di is a Tamron designation that applies to lenses that have been optimised for digital capture using advanced multi-coating techniques and optical designs that assure excellent image quality across the entire picture field. Because of these characteristics, Di lenses provide outstanding performance on cameras with full-frame and APS-C format sensors as well as on 35mm film.

Tamron's Di range

• SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR (Model A09)
• SP 24-70mm Di VC USD (Model A007)
• AF28-300mm F3.5-6.3 XR (Model A061)
• AF28-300mm F3.5-6.3 XR VC (Model A20)
• SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 (Model A001)
• SP AF70-300mm F/4-5.6 VC USD (Model A005)
• AF70-300mm F/4-5.6(Model A17)
• AF200-500mm F/3.5-6.3 (Model A08)
• SP AF90mm F/2.8 Macro (Model 272E)
• SP AF180mm F/3.5 Macro (Model B01)

New classifications for Nikon mounts

Tamron's Nikon-mount lenses featuring an internal AF have until now been designated 'N II'. Lenses using a coupler system* without an internal AF motor were designated as 'N'. As future lens introductions for Nikon will have the internal AF motor as a standard feature, Tamron has simplfiied the designation of all Nikon-mount lenses as 'N', eliminating the 'N II' designation for future models. This change was effective from the 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD (Model B008).

The 'N'-classified lenses with coupler systems are:

• AF55-200mm F/4-5.6 Di II (Model A15)
• AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di (Model A061)
• SP AF200-500mm F/5.6-6.3 Di (Model A08)
• SP AF180mm F/3.5 Di (Model B01)

* Coupler systems use a shaft which connects with the AF motor built into the camera body to operate the lens.