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*February 15, 2006 - *Tamron has just released three new lenses: The AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro 1:2 telephoto zoom lens, and the AF 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 XR Di Aspherical [IF] Macro high power zoom lens; both are for use with digital and film SLRs. The third lens, the SP AF17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspherical [IF], is a standard zoom lens specifically for use on DSLRs with small image sensors.
The AF 70-300 f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro lens is touted as a telephoto lens with macro capability. When used in the focal length range of 180-300 mm in a macro mode, the lens can magnify at a ratio of 1:2 with a minimum focusing distance of 95 cm.
The AF 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 XR Di Aspherical [IF] Macro lens is made of Tamron’s XR (Extra Refractive Index) glass.
Both are represented by Tamron as being compact, lightweight and fast, though no functional details have yet been made available.
The 2.9 x 3.2-inch SP AF17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspherical [IF] lens is also a relatively fast standard zoom. But it is specifically for use in APS-C sized digital cameras or those DSLRs with image sensors smaller than 24mm x 16mm. It is not intended for film cameras or full frame DSLRs at all. The lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.8 that can be maintained throughout the entire zoom range. The SP AF17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II LD also has a 17-50mm variable focal length, equivalent to 26-78mm (35mm format) and a wide angle focal length of 17mm, equivalent to 26mm on a 35mm camera body. The angle of view ranges from 78°45’-31°11’.
The lens is also made of Tamron’s XR (Extra Refractive Index) glass, and consists of 16 elements in 13 groups, including a low dispersion glass element. There is also a petal lens hood included as a standard accessory. The SP AF17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspherical [IF] lens is compatible with Canon AF, Konica Minolta AF-D and Nikon AF-D mounts.
All three lenses will be available for retail this Summer.