Tamron announces the launch of 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD MACRO (Model B016) for Sony mount

Tamron, distributed in Canada by Amplis Foto, announces the launch of 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD MACRO (Model B016) for Sony mount. The ultimate in high-power zoom lenses, equipped with PZD (Piezo Drive)*1 ultrasonic autofocus motor, boasts the world’s first* zoom ratio of approximately 18.8x.

July 23, 2014, Saitama, Japan – Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Morio Ono), a leading manufacturer of precision optics, has announced the release of an advanced new all-in-oneTM zoom lens for APS-C sized digital SLR cameras available starting August 2, 2014 in Sony mount.

*For interchangeable lenses for digital SLR cameras. (Current as of July 23, 2014. Source: Tamron).

PRODUCT HIGHLIGTHS

1. A further expansion of the imaging range.
   With a minimum focal length of 16mm (35mm film equivalent: 24.8mm) at the wide-angle end of the zoom range, and a maximum focal length of 300mm (35mm film equivalent: 465mm), this remarkable new lens provides the world’s first zoom ratio of approximately 18.8X. Responding to requests from consumers who wanted to be able to photograph subjects with a wider viewing angle than is possible with conventional high-power zoom lenses, Tamron has begun developing a unique lens with a minimum focal length of 16mm. At the telephoto end, the maximum focal length has been increased to an impressive 300mm. Users of this new lens can enjoy unprecedented framing flexibility by easily adjusting the angle of view using the convenient zoom ring.
2. Superior, reliable image quality with a universal lens.
   The lens construction features 16 elements in 12 groups. This includes three Molded-Glass Aspherical elements, one Hybrid Aspherical element, two LD (Low Dispersion) elements, one XR (Extra Refractive index) glass element, and one element of UXR (Ultra-Extra Refractive Index) glass, which has greater refractive index than XR. The full use of specialized glass elements in the design contributes to thorough compensation of optical aberrations. In addition, the use of the latest coating technology for suppressing reflections on lens element surfaces minimizes unwanted flare and ghosting and assures sharp, crisp, high-contrast images.
3. Using a new design approach to create an ultra-compact lens.
   The latest optical technology has been used to provide an expanded zoom range (compared to the B008) at both the wide-angle and telephoto ends, without necessitating the use of an oversized lens body. By employing UXR glass (which helps to reduce the size of the front lens diameter), an optimized layout of the Molded-Glass Aspherical elements, and adopting a 5-lens group
   zoom system approach to provide enhanced design flexibility, the new lens embodies the fusion of state-of-the-art optical design, sophisticated mechanical design, and high-precision lens manufacturing technology, thereby attaining a compact size, an unprecedented zoom range, and superior image quality.
4. A minimum focusing distance of just 0.39 meters supports an extensive range of macro photography capabilities.
   The new lens provides a minimum focus distance of 0.39 m over the entire zoom range, with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.9. This makes it possible to get right up close to the subject of the photo to enjoy easy, stress-free macro photography.
   
   
5. PZD (Piezo Drive) delivers faster, quieter autofocus action.
   The PZD (Piezo Drive)*1, an advanced standing-wave ultrasonic motor system, delivers faster, quieter, more precise AF action when the autofocus is engaged. There is enhanced support for contrast-detection AF capabilities, and focusing when in live-view mode has been made smoother. The new lens also features full-time manual focus, a function that was not provided by B008, making manual focusing more convenient.
6. Moisture-resistant construction for worry-free outdoor shooting.
7. Upgraded cosmetic design.
   Tamron has upgraded the cosmetic design and finish of this lens to create a more sophisticated, high-end look in keeping with the demands of discerning DSLR users. Employing a sophisticated linear pattern rubber grip on the zoom and focus rings, and an elegant tungsten-silver namebrand ring, etc., this newly designed model accentuates its visceral presence with understated elegance and class.*1 PZD (Piezo Drive) is a standing-wave type ultrasonic motor system developed by Tamron. It delivers outstanding speed and quiet operation in the AF mode. It also provides greater flexibility in design compared with ring-type ultrasonic motors, thus contributing to reduced lens size.*2 The Sony mount model does not include VC, since the bodies of Sony DSLR cameras include built-in image stabilization functionality. The name of the Sony mount model is “16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD MACRO” without the VC designation.

SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. may be changed without prior notice.
Length and weight are based on figures for the Nikon-mount lens.
* Length is the distance between the front tip of the lens and the mount face.

DETAILED FEATURE EXPLANATION

PZD (Piezo Drive)
Ultrasonic motors are classified into two types depending on how the energy used to move the drive is generated: traveling-wave motors and standing-wave motors. Traveling-wave motors include the ring-type ultrasonic motor that has been adopted for the 70-300mm F/4-5.6 VC USD (Model A005) and other lenses. The PZD (Piezo Drive) adopted for the 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 VC PZD (Model B008) and the new Model B016 is classified as a standing-wave ultrasonic motor system. The standing-wave ultrasonic motor system utilizes ultrasonic-frequency voltage to extend and turn the piezoelectric (piezoceramic) element, which causes the entire element to vibrate in an “S” pattern known as a standing-wave motion. The vibration of the element generates an elliptic motion at the metal tip, which is attached to the tip of the piezoelectric element in contact with the rotor. Friction of the metal tip with the rotor caused by this elliptic motion turns the rotor to focus the lens. Innovations to reduce the number of parts and simplify operation also contributed to the lens’s reduced size and weight.