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.

Extra Refractive Index

More compact lenses with superior image quality

XR (Extra Refractive Index) glass can bend light rays at steeper angles, thereby decreasing the physical length of the lens while enhancing imaging performance by minimising optical aberrations. With its superior light-bending power, XR glass makes it possible to design a short-barrel lens with the same light-gathering ability (aperture value) as a long-barrel lens – even with a smaller lens diameter. By using this principle Tamron has been able to shorten the length of the entire optical system and produce lighter, more compact lenses of the same speed, and also to provide greater zoom ranges in lenses that are much more convenient to carry and hand-hold.

XR glass is costlier than conventional glass but it yields enhanced optical power distribution, making the innovative XR lens designs possible.

Aspherical

Far superior image quality – while reducing lens size and weight

Tamron uses several hybrid aspherical lens elements in its lenses bearing the Aspherical designation. The benefits are two-fold: first, their non-spherical shapes virtually eliminate spherical aberration and image distortion. Second, as one hybrid aspherical lens element can take the place of multiple elements without compromising performance, they allow the lens to be much more compact.

As a result, these innovative optics have played a crucial role in delivering uniformly high image quality across all apertures and focal lengths of extraordinarily compact ultra-zoom lenses.

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.

Anomalous Dispersion

Controls the dispersion of specific wavelengths of light

AD glass is a special type of optical glass that is used to achieve more precise control of chromatic aberrations, thereby enhancing overall imaging performance. Glass of this type provides an abnormally large partial dispersion ratio (amount of diffraction) for light of specific wavelength ranges (colours) within the visible spectrum. By combining AD glass having these special characteristics with elements made of normal glass having different dispersion characteristics, it is possible to control the dispersion factors of a specific wavelength.

This enhanced level of control results much lower levels of on-axis (central) chromatic aberration for telephoto lenses (or zooms used at telephoto settings) and a significant reduction of lateral (peripheral) chromatic aberration for wide-angle lenses (or zooms used at wideangle settings).

Like LD glass, AD glass material is costly but provides clear, vivid image quality.

Extra Low Dispersion

Dispersive properties even lower than LD elements

Extra Low Dispersion lens elements are made from a special high-grade glass that has dispersive properties (i.e. where refraction causes the dispersion of white light into spectral hues) even lower than standard LD lenses, in fact being similar to those of fluorite. In combination with LD elements, these make for an optimal optical design that delivers superb resolution with advanced correction of axial chromatic and magnification aberrations – major inhibitors of image quality.

The result is a lens that delivers sharp contrast and better descriptive performance throughout the entire zoom range.

High Index High Dispersion

Minimises chromatic aberrations

The use of HID glass elements in a lens minimises on-axis and lateral chromatic aberrations that are the greatest hindrances to achieving high image quality. HID glass has allowed Tamron to produce complex lenses such as long-range zooms that are conveniently compact and lightweight while delivering outstanding performance.

Cleaner, crisper images without flare or ghosting

Tamron uses advanced multi-coating techniques to suppress reflections and light dispersion on lens element surfaces that result in reduced light transmission and may, under adverse conditions, cause flare and ghost images that reduce contrast and can diminish image quality. The BBAR multiple-layer coating technique also helps to provide the best possible colour balance for vibrant and accurate colour rendition. Tamron has developed an improved proprietary version of BBAR multi-coating that successfully increases light transmission in both longer and shorter wavelengths, and has applied it to all the latest Tamron lenses.

Vibration Compensation

Compensates for camera blur on long shutter speeds – for sharp images in much less light

Tamron's unique VC mechanism uses a proprietary actuator and algorithms to deliver an extremely stable viewfinder image with excellent tracking. The mechanism employs a tri-axial system in which three driving coils move internal optical components within the VC lens electromagnetically, based on signals originating from three steel ball bearings. The VC lens elements are held in place only by contact with the steel balls, achieving smooth movement with minimal friction. The simplicity of this mechanical structure is also one of the secrets of Tamron's compact lens sizes.

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.

Ultrasonic Silent Drive

'Travelling waves' generate a fast, smooth AF movement

Tamron’s USD works with the high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations that are produced by a ring called a ‘stator’. Energy from the vibrations is used to rotate an attached metallic ring known as the ‘rotor’. Piezoelectric ceramic is a material that produces ultrasonic vibrations when voltage of a specific frequency is applied is arranged in a ring formation on the stator. This electrode configuration of piezoelectric ceramic causes two ultrasonic vibrations to occur in the stator. By effectively combining these two ultrasonic vibrations, it is possible to convert the energy from the vibrations that produce simple motion into energy known as ‘deflective travelling waves’, which move around the circumference of the ring. The friction between these deflective travelling waves created on the metallic surface of the stator and the surface of the rotor produces force, causing the rotor to rotate. Attached to the rotor is the focusing lens, which is given a fast, smooth autofocus movement.

Piezo Drive

'Standing waves' drive a smaller, lighter, but highly accurate AF mechanism

Tamron's piezoelectric drive is an internal standing-wave ultrasonic internal motor system. Instead of the travelling wave of a USD lens, in a PZD lens a standing wave turns and extends the piezoelectric element. The entire element moves in a standing wave pattern, moving the metal tip (the contact surface) in an elliptical motion. The friction of this movement moves the rotor for a smooth, precise autofocus.

Lighter and smaller than other autofocus drives, the piezoelectric drive features simplified operation and requires fewer components, contributing to the reduction in size and weight of a lens.

Zoom-lock mechanism

Useful when carrying the lens/camera over the shoulder

Another original Tamron mechanical engineering concept is the zoom-lock mechanism, which prevents the weight of the lens barrel from extending the lens when carried on the camera pointing downward. This eliminates the danger of accidentally knocking the lens while walking around and enhances responsiveness in the field. Simply zoom the lens out to its widest focal length and use the sliding zoom-lock switch to lock the barrel in place.

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.

Multiple-cam mechanism for smooth, stable zooming and precise focusing at all focal lengths

The manufacture of compact, high quality, high-power zoom lenses became a reality only when Tamron perfected a lens chassis that permitted stable, smooth extension of the lens barrel. The Multiple Cam Zoom Mechanism is an original Tamron design that incorporates several precision cams cut into a single cylindrical surface by high-tech automated machinery. This key component enables zoom lens barrels to be extended and retracted effortlessly, achieving compact dimensions at the wide-angle settings while holding precise extension at telephoto settings.

Engineering plastics technology

To ensure the highest levels of performance and durability without adding additional weight, Tamron high-power zoom lenses make extensive use of engineering plastic materials in many critical mechanical components of the lens. Tamron has developed advanced proprietary methods for manufacturing these advanced polycarbonate materials to a very high degree of precision, and exhaustive testing has confirmed their long-lasting properties and dimensional stability under the toughest conditions. Indeed, polycarbonate of this calibre is the material of choice whenever Tamron produces high-precision components that must withstand rigorous use.