Tamron announced a new lens today, the SP AF10-24mm f3.5-4.5 Di II. It's designed specifically for APS-C type DSLRs such as the Canon EOS 40D/50D, Rebel XSi/XTi and Nikon D80/90/300. It has the widest zoom range of any APS-C wideangle zoom, its closest competition being the Tokina 12-24/4, which isn't quite so wide and the Canon EF-S 10-22/3.5-4.5 which isn't quite so long! 2mm at the long end isn't a big deal, but it's significant at the short end. For a comparison the the 10/12 and 22/24mm fields of view, see this page from the Tokina 12-24/4 review - http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/reviews/tokina_12-24_f4_review_2.html
The SP AF10-24mm f3.5-4.5 Di II uses two types of aspheric elements (molded and hybrid) as well as low dispersion elements to maximize image quality.
The coverage of this lens on a Canon APS-C camera is similar to that of a 16-38mm lens mounted on a full frame (D)SLR. At this time Tamron have not announced price or availability for the US and Europe, though the lens is expect to be available in Japan later this month (September 2008).
September 1, 2008, Commack, NY Tamron Co., Ltd (Mr. Morio Ono, President) announced the SP AF10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) featuring an unprecedented 2.4X zoom ratio in its class of ultra wide-angle zoom lenses. The innovative, high-performance ultra wide-angle zoom lens (model B001) is designed exclusively for Canon and Nikon digital SLRs with APS-C sized image sensors. Pentax and Sony mount models will be announced at a later date.
The SP AF10-24mm Di II, the first-ever 2.4x ultra wide-angle lens for digital SLR cameras, features a focal length range with the 35mm equivalent of 16mm ultra wide-angle to 37mm semi-wide-angle in a user-friendly lightweight, compact design. With this versatile ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, photographers can capture magnificent vistas and extraordinary close-ups, bold compositions and unique perspectives, creating imagery impossible with standard wide-angle lenses.
The advanced optical system of this ultra wide angle lens features large-aperture, glass-molded aspherical elements, hybrid aspherical elements, as well as elements made of special low-dispersion glass, all of which combine to deliver high-quality imagery and performance.
MAIN FEATURES
Covers the Broadest Range Everfrom 10mm Ultra Wide-angle to 24mmin Its Class. The new Tamron ultra wide-angle zoom lens covers the 35mm full-size format equivalent of 16-37mm, for the first time in this class of zoom lenses . This focal length range10mm ultra wide-angle to 24mm semi wide-angleenables the user to enjoy hassle-free wide-angle photography.
Features an Optical Design Optimized for Digital Camera Characteristics
· Special Optical Glass Materials for High Optical Performance
The new zoom lens uses a high-precision, large-aperture glass-molded aspherical lens element and three hybrid aspherical elements to minimize spherical aberration, coma, and distortion. In addition, a pair of LD (Low Dispersion) glass elements compensates for on-axis and lateral chromatic aberrations, delivering high optical quality.
· Optical System Designed to Optimize Angles of Incidence of Light Rays Reaching the Imager
The new ultra wide-angle zoom lens uses a new optical system designed to confine the changing angles of incidences of light rays reaching the imager within a certain scope over the entire image field, from the center to the periphery, addressing the effects of variances caused by zooming.
· Enhanced Peripheral Illumination
Peripheral light fall-off that becomes an image-degrading factor in wide-angle photography is minimized to ensure high optical quality from the center to the periphery.
· Outstanding Resolution
As an SP Di II class lens, it provides high optical quality in resolution, contrast, and flatness of image field.
· Internal Surface Coatings Reduce Ghosting and Flare
The lens uses newly developed multiple-layer coatings and internal surface coatings (i.e., multiple-layer coatings on cemented surfaces of plural lenses) to reduce the image degradation caused by the reflection of light rays entering from the lens front and affected by the imager.
Ultra-Compact, Lightweight Design. The new zoom lens covers a wider focal length range with a greater zoom ratio and offers a faster maximum aperture and enhanced optical quality than the existing SP AF11-18mm zoom lens (Model A13). Despite the higher specifications, the new zoom lens is lightweight and compact and accepts a 77mm filter, the same as the existing SP AF11-18mm F/4.5-5.6 Di II zoom lens (Model A13).
Minimum Focus Distance of 0.24m (9.4) Across Zoom Range. Because a close-focusing capability is essential in wide-angle photography, Tamron engineered a 0.24m (9.4) minimum focus distance across the zoom range. This capability gives the user freedom to create images with an exaggerated perspective at the 10mm ultra wide-angle end and shoot with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:5 at the 24mm semi-wide-angle setting, the largest magnification ratio in its class .
Flower-shaped Lens Hood Is a Standard Accessory. A glare-reducing, flower-shaped lens hood is included as a standard accessory. The special hood provides optimum shading of light rays that enter from the rectangular frame outside the image field.
New External Design Expressing State-of-the-Art Ultra Wide-angle Zoom Lens in the Digital Era
Model Name | B001 |
Focal Length | 10-24mm |
Maximum Aperture | f3.5-4.5 |
Minumum Aperture | f22 |
Angle of View | 108° 44 60° 20 (APS-C size equivalent) |
Lens Construction | 12 elements in 9 groups |
Minimum Focus Distance | 9.4 (0.24m) (Over the entire zoom range) |
Maximum Mag. Ratio | 1:5.1 (at f=24mm) |
Filter Diameter | 77mm |
Overall Length | 3.4 (86.5mm)* |
Maximum Diameter | 83.2mm* |
Weight | 14.3 oz. (406g) |
Diaphragm Blade | 7 blades |
Standard Accessory | Flower-shaped lens hood |
Compatible Mount Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and Sony *Values given are for Nikon cameras |