Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD (IF) Lens

The SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO zoom lens (Model A09NII) is a lightweight and compact standard zoom lens compatible with digital SLR cameras and 35mm full-size SLR cameras and featuring a fast maximum aperture of F/2.8 that is constant over the entire zoom range. The lens enables the user to enjoy the creative world of SLR photography by boldly exploiting attractive out-of-focus effects peculiar to the fast maximum aperture in portraiture or using high shutter speeds. This lens carries the SP prefix indicating it is "Super Performance". The XR rating indicates the size-reduction technology utilized in this macro lens. Equivalent focal length on a Nikon DX camera is 42-90mm

MAIN FEATURES

1. Lightweight, fast standard zoom lens featuring Tamron’s proprietary XR technology
The optical system designed to optimize the power distribution within the system by the innovative employment of XR (high refractive index) glass elements has realized the compactness while effectively compensating for various aberrations. Four hybrid aspherical elements placed at ideal positions ensure high depictive performance while contributing to downsizing the overall length. In addition, three LD (low dispersion) glass elements deliver high quality images.

2. Minimum focus distance of 0.33m over the entire zoom range for 1:3.9 maximum magnification
The SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di sports the minimum focus distance of 0.33m over the entire zoom range, the closest distance among fast standard zoom lenses in the class. With Tamron's conventional SP AF28-105mm F/2.8 zoom lens, the minimum focus distance changes (0.5m at 28mm/105mm but 0.44m in the 70-85mm range). However, the SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di retains the minimum focus distance of 0.33m over the entire zoom range thanks to improvements in its optical and mechanical designs. The maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.9 at the 75mm tele end enables you to enjoy close-up photography easily.

3. Mechanical design improvements for downsizing the maximum diameter while minimizing changes in zooming torque.
By the employment of various improvements in its mechanical design, Tamron has successfully packed the complicated lens configuration into a compact body for downsizing the maximum diameter of the lens. In addition, the improved mechanical construction minimizes changes in zooming torque for enhancing operational ease. Hidden improvements are also made from the perspective of manufacturing engineering to enhance the accuracy of parts, realizing the light weight and increasing durability.

4. Zoom lock mechanism for convenience in carrying the outfit
The lens has a built-in zoom lock mechanism to prevent sliding fall of its barrel when the outfit is carried around.

5. Flower-shaped lens hood as a standard accessory
The lens is supplied with a flower-shaped lens hood as a standard accessory designed to efficiently cut harmful light entering from angles other than intended angles at four corners of the frame in order to ensure clear descriptive performance.

6. Form and texture appealing "high performance and the feel of high accuracy" worthy for the name "SP" - Outer design matching the new generation lens

1) Two gold-colored metal rings are placed at a key portion of the lens in order to enhance the visibility of the symbol of Tamron's "SP" series.
2) The rubber pattern of the zoom and focus control rings has been changed to a pattern that is denser than the conventional rubber pattern, for better feel and touch in manipulating the lens.
3) Typefaces on the lens have been changed for better visibility.
4) Delicate matt-finish painting is added to the black painting over the lens barrel in order to enhance high quality image.

The A09NII SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical IF Macro zoom lens is a lightweight and compact standard zoom lens compatible with full-size SLR cameras, and features a fast maximum aperture of F/2.8 that is constant over the entire zoom range, with a built-in AF motor for use with Nikon cameras. The lens enables users to enjoy the creative world of SLR photography, by exploiting the attractive out-of-focus effect particular to fast maximum-aperture lenses seen in portraiture, or when using high shutter speeds. The optical system is designed to optimize the power distribution within the system by the innovative employment of XR (high refractive index) glass elements. The SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di sports the minimum focus distance of 0.33m over the entire zoom range, the closest distance among fast standard zoom lenses in its class. The maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.9 at the 75mm tele end enables you to enjoy close-up photography easily.

• Tamron macro lens series
The Tamron macro lens series produce sharp images against soft out-of-focus backgrounds. Not limited to macro photography, these lenses cover the range from landscapes to portraiture. The Tamron macro lens series, with its wide-ranging adaptability, has achieved recognition among photography lovers around the world.

• Aspherical Lens - a lens whose curved surface does not conform to the shape of a sphere. An aspheric element is often called an aspherical lens. The asphere's more complex surface profile can eliminate spherical aberration and reduce other optical aberrations compared to a simple lens. A single aspheric lens can often replace a much more complex multi-lens system. The resulting device is smaller and lighter, and possibly cheaper than the multi-lens design. Aspheric elements are used in the design of multi-element wide-angle and fast normal lenses to reduce aberrations.

• DI - Digitally Integrated Design
DI - Digitally Integrated Design (to reduce ghosting, flare, CA and peripheral light fall-off along with improved resolution of the optical system to meet the performance characteristics of digital SLR cameras as well as film cameras)

• XR Technology. Extra Refractive Index Glass (reduces lens size). The first most important reason that the lens is so compact is the use of high refractive index glass. That is, XR glass. High refractive index glass bends light more than normal or lower refractive index glasses. Normally, glass material having a refractive index of more than 1.69 is called high refractive index glass. In the A03 optical system, glass material having a refractive index of more than 1.69 is used in the front group. In addition, refractive index of the whole optical system is enhanced. By using high refractive index glass in the front group, we could make the elements in the first group thinner, and reduce one element in the second group. This made the overall length of the whole optical system shorter.

• Low Dispersion lens elements
(LD Glass to reduce chromatic aberration for sharper images) Aspherical - contains aspherical elements (compensates for spherical aberration and distortion, making for better performance with fewer elements (and As a result allowing for smaller, lighter lenses)

• Internal Focusing
Internal focusing lens (also known as IF) is a photographic lens design in which focus is shifted by moving the inner lens group or groups only, without any rotation or shifting of the front lens element. This makes it easy to use, for example, a screwed-in polarizing filter or a petal shaped lens hood. During macro photography, using an internal focus lens reduces the risk of the front of the lens accidentally hitting the subject during focusing as the front element does not move.

• SP -High-performance specifications
Lenses that carry the SP prefix are "Super Performance"- a line of high performance lenses featuring high design specifications. In designing the SP series, the first and foremost priority is put on superior specifications and outstanding performance free from cost restraints.

The most compact and lightest in the history of fast zoom lenses. Thanks to the revolutionary downsizing "XR" technology employed by Tamron in the development of high-power zoom lenses such as the 28-200mm and 28-300mm, the dramatic compactness that makes this lens the world's smallest and lightest is achieved. Its compactness makes it look and feel like an ordinary standard zoom lens, yet the versatility that a fast constant maximum aperture offers will definitely reshape your photographic horizons.

Focal length: 28-75mm

Maximum aperture: f/2.8

Construction: 14 Groups/ 16 Elements

Angle of view: 75°-32°

F stop range: 2.8-32

Closest Focusing Distance: 0.33m (13") (entire zoom range)

Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:3.9 (at 75mm)

Type of zooming: Rotation

Number of diaphragm blades: 7

Filter Size: 67mm

Dimensions: (Length x Diameter) 3.6" x 2.9" (92 x 73mm)

Weight: 510g (18.0oz.)

Mounts available:
Canon AF
Minolta AF-D
Nikon AF-D
Pentax AF

• Supplied as a standard accessory, Tamron's flower-shaped hood effectively cuts out stray light while staying out of the frame itself, resulting in clear and vivid images.
• 6-Year Warranty

amstel78's Full Review: Tamron A09 for Nikon

Introduction:
As a working professional, the hunt for the perfect capture is a never ending process. As much as I hate reviewing and searching for equipment (I would rather be out shooting), it's a part of life when the quality of your images matter to you. Normally, I shoot with Canon L glass, and have been very satisfied with the results so far, but when I recently acquired a Canon 5D, the search ensued for a good walking lens that was light in weight and fast. I had two options available to me at the time, and one was to go with the tried and true route with the Canon 24-70L or try the Tamron 28-75 f2.8 Di. Having used the 24-70L extensively in the past, I knew what it was capable off, but also knew that it was a heavy lens. So, keeping that in mind I purchased the Tamron in hopes of dispelling my personal belief that all 3rd party lenses were junk. Did taking that risk payoff? Read on...

Lens Description
When I first received the lens from Amazon, I was quite surprised at how small and light the box was. Being used to carrying heavy L glass, my first assumptions weren't positive, as I equated quality with weight. Upon opening the box, I found a nicely packaged black lens complete with hood and end caps. Filter size is 67mm, and there is no aperture ring on the base.

Build quality from an aesthetic standpoint though is rather good, with the plastic bearing a textured finish. There are no creaks or groans while handling the lens, and the zoom ring has enough friction. Turning the focus selector to MF allows the user to manually turn the focus ring. This also has enough friction in it to provide an accurate focus. On the other side of the barrel is a small switch which locks the zoom at 28mm to prevent lens creep.

The included lens cap is of the center-pinch design which I like much better than the Canon offerings. It's a lot easier to remove the cap with the included lens hood attached. Speaking of hoods, the included one is rather flimsy, and probably the worst part of the package. There is no interior surface flocking, and the surface of the plastic is a mix between matte and shiny. Attaching the hood is in typical bayonet fashion and locks in place.

The base of the lens has no aperture ring as I mentioned earlier, so the use of this lens would only be suitable for EOS cameras that can control aperture via the camera's body. The mounting ring is made of metal which is nice considering the cheap price. Generally, the lens is put together quite well, and my assumptions where starting to turn positive. However, the most important aspect is image quality and without further ado, I'll move on towards my observations with this lens and the Canon 5D.

Image Quality and Performance:
One thing that really attracted me to this lens was the fact that it maintained a constant aperture of f2.8 at all focal lengths. However, most lenses don't do a very good job of maintain sharpness wide open or completely stopped down. I'm more interested in f2.8 performance though, as a lot of my work is done in lower light. The fact that the 5D is a full frame sensor camera, also strains a lens design by showing flaws at the edges of the image circle.

All of my tests were performed using a tripod, and having the camera set to ISO 100, RAW, and mirror lockup.

*F2.8: Center of the image was sharp with minor softness at the edges.
*F4: Center of the image was sharp with no corner softness
*F5.6: Center of the image was very sharp with no softness at the edges.
*F8: Center of the image was tack sharp with no softness at the edges.

I only tested to F8 as these where the most commonly used f/stops that I used in my particular style of photography. However, the results were very pleasing, with only minor corner and edge softness at f2.8. The lenses sweet spot begins at F4 which is also a very useable aperture. Color rendition and contrast where also surprisingly good, and while I didn't have a Canon 24-70L next to me to compare with, I did have a few photos taken with that lens that I used to get an "eyeball" impression. Contrast and color where very similar, with no lens being worse than the other. Autofocus performance of the lens was also pretty good, although nowhere near as fast as Canon's USM offerings. The focus ring does turn when the camera is focusing though, and does take a bit of getting used too. Sometimes my finger rubs up against the focus ring while it's turning, which can be a distraction. Motor noise since it's not USM is also louder than Canon's offerings, but nothing that I would consider a detriment.

Conclusion:
The Tamron AF 28.75 f2.8 DI lens is an excellent value. It's well built, very light, and quite fast. At f2.8, image quality is good enough for most portraiture work, although some corner softness is evident. Stopped down to f4 or smaller, this lens would make an excellent landscape tool, with center and corner sharpness being excellent, even on a full frame sensor. Color rendition and contrast is also superb, and honestly in my eyes rivals that of the venerable Canon 24-70L, at 1/3 the weight and 1/3 the price. Overall, I am very pleased with my decision, and have rethought my original assumptions regarding 3rd party lens manufacturers.

Recommended: Yes

As a professional Fashion/Beauty and Advertising photographer of over twenty years, my demands for optical excellence are quite stringent. I recently used this lens for a fashion editorial shoot and can say that this lens is wonderful. Fast and accurate auto focus and brutally sharp at 3.2 and above. Very good at 2.8. I use this lens on a Canon 20D BG-E2 Grip and it marries very well with it. I shot some beauty close up images and was amazed by the detail that this little lens resolved. The eye lashes bounced off of the page. I was also very pleased with the color rendition. The contrast of this lens is perhaps the best of all of the lenses I own and have owned in the past. Control of flare is superb. There is very little vignetting especially on the 20D which has a 1.6 ratio. The "Bokeh" on the Tamron is beautifully rendered especially wide open. Be sure to purchase a UV filter for this lens to protect the front element and to avoid color shifting in some clothing dyes. I especially appreciate the close focus capabilities of this lens. Not quite a macro, but very close. I was initially concerned by the fact that this lens is polycarbonate in construction which attributes to its' light weight. After reading several reports regarding the manner in which Tamron utilizes this material, I am confident that they made a good compromise. Tamron has been able to decrease the price of this lens by setting up there manufacturing plant in China. R&D is still done in Japan. The components of this lens are also manufactured in Japan

I also own the Tamron XR Di Macro 90 2.8 lens and must say that these two lenses are the best of the Tamron arsenal.

Final point. Would I recommend this lens to a working professional? Yes, Yes, Yes unequivocally!

You may view some samples of my published work at my photo agent sites and by clicking on my name "Benjamin Kanarek".

http://www.virginiaberthy.com PARIS
http://www.slave-unit.com LONDON

You may also join my commercial photography group called FashionMode 1 at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fashionmode1/

Recommended:
Yes