Tamron announces the launch of 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD (Model A010) for Sony mount

28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD

Innovative all-in-one™ zoom integrates state-of-the-art optical design and PZD (Piezo Drive)^*1 to achieve superb image quality in a remarkably compact, lightweight package.

October 27, 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 October 30, 2014 in Sony mount.

^*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 a reduced lens size.

^*2 The Sony mount model does not include VC (Vibration Compensation), since the bodies of Sony DSLR cameras include built-in image stabilization functionality. The name of the Sony mount model is “28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di PZD” without the VC designation.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGTHS

1. State-of-the-art optical design technology delivers superior image quality
   The advanced optical construction of this lens includes four elements of LD (Low Dispersion) glass, three Molded-Glass Aspherical elements, one Hybrid Aspherical element, 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 its design contributes to making this outstanding lens as compact and lightweight as possible, while minimizing aberrations, resulting in superior image quality. Particularly impressive is the thorough compensation of chromatic aberrations at the telephoto end, yielding images of enhanced clarity and crispness.
2. Focus on portability – The lens is now even smaller and lighter
   In addition to state-of-the-art optical design that facilitates downsizing of the lens body, the mechanical design, which incorporates a highly sophisticated multi-stack-cam layout that takes up far less space, and PZD (Piezo Drive) *¹, an autofocus drive system with a simpler, more compact structure, has made it possible to reduce the overall dimensions of this lens compared to the existing Tamron 28-300mm (Model A20). These technologies are the fruit of Tamron’s more than 20 years of research and development in the high-power zoom lens field.
3. Advanced anti-reflection coating
   The application of BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) coatings for suppressing reflections on lens element surfaces minimizes unwanted flare and ghosting to deliver sharp, crisp, high-contrast images.
4. Upgraded cosmetic design – Elegant tungsten silver brand ring
   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 full-frame DSLR users. Employing a sophisticated linear pattern rubber grip on the zoom and focus rings and an elegant tungsten silver name-brand ring, this newly designed model accentuates its visceral presence with understated elegance and class.
5. PZD (Piezo Drive) delivers faster, quieter autofocus action
   The PZD (Piezo Drive)^*1, a standing-wave ultrasonic motor system, delivers faster, quieter, more precise action when the autofocus is engaged. The full-time manual focus system is easy and intuitive, enabling quick and convenient manual focus at any time.
6. Circular diaphragm facilitates achieving spectacular blur effects
   Using a circular diaphragm^*3, this lens achieves spectacular background blur effects that enable creative use of depth of field.
7. Moisture-resistant construction for outdoor shooting
   Moisture-resistant construction helps prevent moisture from penetrating the lens.

^*3 This circular diaphragm retains a nearly circular shape even at two stops down from its maximum aperture.

SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. may change without prior notice.
^* Length and weight are based on figures for the Sony mount model.
^*4 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 SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A011) and other lenses.

On the other hand, the PZD (Piezo Drive) adopted for the 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 DiII VC PZD (Model B008), the 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 DiII VC PZD MACRO (Model B016 ) and the new Model A010 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 element and 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 parts and simplify operation also contributed to the lens’s reduced size and weight.