17 September 2009
Tamron has announced the release of the SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II 1　VC LD Aspherical [IF] (Model B005), a high speed f/2.8 wide-to-moderate-telephoto zoom lens designed exclusively for Nikon and Canon digital SLR cameras with smaller sensors.
Featuring Tamron's proprietary tri-axial Vibration Compensation (VC) mechanism that minimizes the effects of handheld camera shake, the lens will be available in Nikon mount in September 2009 and Canon mount in October 2009.
The new SP 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II VC covers the very popular 17-50mm focal length range (equivalent to 26-78mm in the full-frame 35mm format 1 ) making it extremely versatile. Its wide aperture and outstanding performance provide practical advantages in low-light shooting and aesthetic image control, thereby enriching the user's range of creative expression.
The new lens delivers impressive sharpness and striking contrast over its entire focal-length and aperture range, and at its maximum aperture of f/2.8 it produces beautiful images enhanced by shallow depth of- field, and smooth, natural transitions in out-of-focus areas of the image. The new lens is equipped with Tamron's proprietary Vibration Compensation (VC) image stabilization mechanism, which controls the effects of camera shake in three planes.
VC provides more opportunities for sharp hand-held photography at the slow shutter speeds needed when shooting in low-light conditions (e.g. night or indoor scenes) dramatically enhancing the user's level of photographic freedom.
The Tamron Vibration Compensation mechanism employs a three-coil system in which three driving coils move internal optical components within the VC lens electromagnetically, based on signals originating from three steel ball bearings.
Since the VC compensating lens elements are held in place solely by contact with these bearings, smooth, virtually frictionless movement is assured, providing the stabilized viewfinder images and excellent tracking performance characteristic of VC lenses. Moreover, since the VC lens elements move parallel to the image plane via electronic control alone, the mechanical structure is simplified, and the lens is more compact.
The new lens will retail at £529.99 (inc VAT).