I’m excited about the announcement of a few new prime lenses from Tamron – the 35mm f/1.8 VC and a 45mm f/1.8 VC.  I’ve been looking for a fantastic modern 50mm prime (preferably with VC/IS) for a while now, so the 45mm f/1.8 VC is personally very interesting to me.  I’m not yet sure why Tamron chose this slightly unique focal length, but it might be a nice compromise for those of you debating between a 35mm and 50mm prime.  I should have my hands on these in a few weeks, and I will definitely be sharing my findings.

Tamron has not been know for its prime lenses in recent history (other than the 90mm f/2.8 VC Macro), so it’s great to see some challengers to the Sigma ART series primes (and the Canon/Nikon big boys) that will push the envelope both optically and in pricing.  I’m very partial to the look of this new design philosophy – these are some great looking lenses!  The 45mm is a bit longer, but both lenses are lighter than the Sigma ART options.

I’ve included the Product Announcement sent to me below, but let me highlight two very key things here:

1.  Inclusion of VC (Vibration Compensation).  These are both image stabilized – that’s huge!  My Canon 35mm f/2 IS is the widest aperture with image stabilization in a Canon mount right now…until this lens launches!
2. These lenses include moisture resistance – something that no ART series lens has had.  That is a big deal to many of us, and if the lenses perform like their MTF charts suggest, Tamron may have some winners here.

The price ($599 USD) is also a winner.  These look like pro-grade lenses, and that’s a great price!  Watch over the next few weeks and I’ll begin sharing photos and comments then.

PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT
Amplis Foto Inc. | 22 Telson Road, Markham, ON L3R 1E5 |T: 905.477.4111 | www.amplis.com
REDEFINING THE SP SERIES LENSES
DESIGNED FOR THE NEW ERA OF IMAGING
First to debut: two fast, fixed focal standard lenses packed with
exceptional features that deliver ultimate performance
SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F012)
SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F013)
September 2, 2015, Saitama, Japan – Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Morio Ono), a leading
manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces launch of a new series of SP lenses
that are optimized to make the most of the superior imaging performance delivered by the latest
advancements in digital photography. Sporting a totally revamped external appearance, the new
lenses provide the ultimate in functionality and operation. The first two lenses in the series are
compatible with full-frame DSLR cameras and offer fast apertures and versatile, fixed focal
lengths. The pair consists of the SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F012) and SP 45mm F/1.8 Di
VC USD (Model F013), and both can be used with APS-C format cameras as well.
Model F012 Model F013
PRODUCT NAME
SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F012) SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F013)
DATE OF LAUNCH
September 29, 2015
The Canon and Nikon mount models will be launched simultaneously.
The launch date of the Sony* mount model will be announced at a later date.
* The Sony mount model does not include VC (Vibration Compensation), since the bodies of Sony
DSLR cameras include built-in image stabilization functionality.

In 1979, Tamron unveiled the first SP Series lens, the 90mm F/2.5 Macro, a legendary product that
was designed to achieve the highest level of performance possible. Since then, a significant number
of lenses designated SP have been introduced. During the ensuing 35 years, cameras and imaging
devices have made dramatic advancements and diversification centered mostly around
innovations in image sensor technology and sophisticated signal processors.
Constantly innovating, Tamron developed new lenses to stay abreast of the exciting technological
evolution. Lenses launched after 2012, including SP 24-70mm F/2.8 VC USD, SP 70-200mm F/2.8
VC USD, SP 90mm F/2.8 MACRO 1:1 VC USD, SP 15-30mm F/2.8 VC USD and SP 150-600mm F/5-
6.3 VC USD, received rave reviews for their high performance and richly refined functionality to
sustain sophisticated requirements of the latest DSLRs with high pixel counts.
To leap forward, Tamron has gone back to the root of optics to redefine all of the core attributes of
lenses to be selected as photographers’ “ultimate partners.” The new series of SP lenses are
developed seeking the highest level of performance, functionality and maneuverability, and a
prestigious external appearance that reconfirms the high quality of the properties that are inside.
Features of fast-aperture fixed focal lenses: 35mm and 45mm, the first of new SP
Series
To develop these two standard fixed focal lenses, goals were established to provide exquisite
characteristics certain to set them distinctively apart from ordinary, conventional models. This
required a new approach.
All of the key performance criteria were redefined to achieve the ultimate in optical performance.
VC (Vibration Compensation) was incorporated as an integral part of the opto-electronics design
to expand shooting freedom. Priority was set to allow dramatically closer focusing capability to
remove what would otherwise be a barrier to the subject. Yet with all this innovation, the overall
mechanical package had to be kept within practical size limits with an elegantly sophisticated
external design as a human interface.
Having optimized every prerequisite, remarkably versatile lenses have been developed that boast
amazing performance from F/1.8 wide open aperture. These lenses can be enjoyed by users of
APS-C cameras as well as full-frame.
PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT

1. F/1.8 fast-aperture, fixed focal lenses aimed at ultimate performance
Optimal use of the latest glass materials, coupled with Tamron’s world renowned optical design
technology, thoroughly compensated for aberrations of all types to achieve higher resolving
power, while fine textures of materials and details are reproduced with subtle tonal gradations.
The F/1.8 aperture delivers more light to the viewfinder—making it brighter for easier focusing –
and more light to the sensor, allowing use even in very dim lighting conditions. In addition, the
bokeh (background blur) effect obtained using the F/1.8 fast aperture delivers impressively smooth
and soft transition from the main subject to the background.
2. Dynamic close-focusing capability, unprecedented among standard lenses
Both models deliver astonishingly short MOD (Minimum Object Distance) not available from
other 35mm or 45mm standard lenses. Photographers can get closer to the subject with ease,
unleashing new photo opportunities with an expanded scope of freedom. Superb image capture
is ensured throughout the entire range from the closest to normal shooting distances, thanks to
Tamron’s proprietary Floating System built into both lenses.
3. VC (Vibration Compensation) system, a feature crucial for high-pixel-density cameras
Beneficial under all lighting conditions and especially useful in low light levels, the VC function
provides noticeable advantages for handheld shooting by minimizing the adverse effects of
camera shake. Cameras with high pixel densities, in particular, are sensitive to minute vibrations
which cause unsharpness and degradation of image quality. VC works to ensure the maximum
imaging performance even in dim lighting to allow photographers to enjoy the fast F/1.8
maximum aperture to the fullest extent.
4. User-friendly product design with close attention to all details
Opening a new chapter in the SP legend, product design, opto-mechanical construction and
engineering processes are totally integrated. Every single detail and operating function has been
thoroughly reexamined, explored and matured to a form that has a friendly, human touch.

<External Design>
(1) Product design with maximum emphasis on the human interface in order to achieve the
ultimate in functional beauty
While the lens is constructed with the absolutely most modern technologies inside, the exterior is
articulated to offer the best possible comfort and confidence under a product design philosophy
of “Human Touch.” Organically composed lines and patterns on the barrel produce subtle
changes in its appearance by reflecting ambient light on the surface. Metal-based barrel materials
provide a pleasant feeling of comfort, high quality and durability, fitting firmly in the hands of
the photographer. Design of the front face of the lens is also taken into consideration so that it is
not intimidating.
(2) Brand ring and SP emblem
A brand ring that’s tinted “Luminous Gold” adorns the lens just above the lens mount. On one side
of the lens barrel there is an SP emblem in the same luxurious color.
(3) Design of distance and aperture scales
The window over the distance scale has been enlarged by 20% to maximize visibility and legibility.
Font style of the characters and numbers has been newly developed to enhance the legibility as a
critical element of the overall product design.

(4) Switches with optimized geometric shape and tactile feedback
The geometric shape and sliding torque of the AF/MF change-over and VC On/Off switches have
been configured and engineered to deliver the utmost comfort with secured operational feedback.
(5) Lens hood and caps
To complete the lens product design, accessories such as the lens hood and caps for front and rear
have been totally redesigned as well. Attaching and removing the lens hood has been fine-tuned
by optimizing the connection interface to render both secure seating and durability.

SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F012)
35mm Standard Wide-Angle Lens with VC and World’s First 0.2m (7.9”)
Minimum Object Distance for Full-Frame DSLR Cameras
<Overview>

Natural perspective and field-of-view for instinctive image capture.

Provides the ideal balance of performance and functionality to deliver unexpected
opportunities for creative imaging.

A fast, primary standard lens for those who prefer wide-angle shooting.

Provides an equivalent focal length of 54mm on APS-C cameras.
<Key Features>
1. Even when used wide open at F/1.8 aperture, provides outstanding image quality with
maximum aberration compensation, thanks to optimal use of sophisticated glass materials and
highly advanced optical design
SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F012) is a 10-element, 9-group construction, utilizing two molded
glass aspherical elements, one LD (Low Dispersion) and one XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) element.
Two of the aspherical elements effectively correct the field curvature to ensure planarity of the image
plane, while efficiently compensating for spherical and comatic aberrations to achieve superb
uniformity across the field with high-fidelity point spread reproducibility. Outstanding resolution is
rendered from corner to corner and the sagittal comatic flare (a type of aberration that a point image at
corners induces a comet tail-like blur), which tends to become prominently noticeable in night scenes,
is corrected.
The LD and the higher grade XLD glass elements optimally compensate for chromatic aberrations,
which tend to become particularly prominent in fast-aperture lenses in general, and deliver crystal
clear images without any residual color fringe.

2. 35mm focal length with fast F/1.8 maximum aperture and integral VC (Vibration
Compensation) for full-frame DSLR cameras
The desirable maximum aperture of F/1.8 was chosen as part of the very challenging design goals
which included achieving superb optical performance, minimizing the closest shooting distance and
integrating VC functionality while packaging those key attributes in a reasonably-sized barrel
construction for better practical handling. Repeated performance simulations were conducted
throughout the entire design phase to assure achieving the essential, fundamental property of a fastaperture
lens in full-frame format, namely the harmony between excellent resolving power and
beautifully-tuned background blur (bokeh).
The VC feature has become virtually indispensable in the era of high-pixel-density cameras. Freedom
in handheld shooting at dusk or in a dimly lit room is dramatically expanded by cancelling the camera
shake that often occurs under such low light conditions due to slower shutter speeds. Minute
vibrations that plague cameras with high pixel count can be well muted to make the most of the
performance of the camera and lens outfit.
3. MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 0.2m (7.9”), the best-in-class close-focusing capability*
MOD measures just 0.2m (7.9”), yielding a magnification ratio of 1:2.5, the shortest close focusing
capability among fast-aperture fixed focal lenses in full-frame format*. Since the lens allows for
shooting at distances extremely close to the subject (similar to a macro), close-up pictures with
spectacular background blur effect (bokeh) can be obtained with the aperture wide open, thereby
expanding the scope of photo opportunities. Tamron’s proprietary Floating System, which places a
group of elements at the optimal location as the focusing group travels relative to shooting distances,
ensures the best imaging performance at any range. From the closest to a normal shooting distance
range, image quality is excellent.
* Rated top among current 35mm fixed focal length interchangeable AF lenses for full-frame DSLR
cameras excluding macro lenses (as of July 2015; Tamron).
4. Optimal relative illumination means no dark corners
Some fast-aperture lenses “vignette” or have darkened corners due to uneven light distribution.
However, even at the full open aperture, the overall illumination level across the entire field is well
balanced and optimized. Because there is a sufficient amount of corner illumination, photographers
can enjoy making full use of the wide open aperture.
5. eBAND Coating deployed to thoroughly suppress ghosting and flare
eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) and BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection)
coatings, both providing outstanding anti-reflection effect, are applied to critical element surfaces for
maximum light transmission. Internal reflections from element surfaces which cause ghosting and
flare are reduced to an absolute minimum. Flawless, crystal clear images can be obtained. eBAND
Coating, a hybrid nano-structured layer with extremely low refractive index coupled with multilayered
anti-reflection coating technology, efficiently minimizes reflection of extremely angulated
incident light—something that cannot be achieved by conventional anti-reflection coatings alone.
6. High-speed AF with USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive)
Fast, quiet AF is achieved by employing a USD ring-type ultrasonic motor which enables remarkably
precise focusing drive with high torque and responsiveness. Because the rotational torque of the USD
is generated by waves of ultrasonic vibrations, inherent operating noise is extremely low and
practically imperceptible. In addition, Full-time Manual Focus override is available at any point
during the autofocus operation for deliberately shifting focus without switching the AF-MF mode
back and forth.
7. Fluorine coating on the front element repels water and fingerprints
Fluorine coating technology, developed for use in industrial optics applications, has been adapted to
photographic lenses. The water and oil repellant coating applied to the front element surface allows
instant removal of dirt or smudges with ease. The coating also provides a reasonable level of
durability, and will sustain its effectiveness for years.
8. Moisture-resistant construction for shooting outdoors under adverse weather conditions
Seals are located at the lens mount area and other critical locations to prevent infiltration of moisture
and/or rain drops and provide moisture-resistant construction. This feature provides an additional
layer of protection when shooting outdoors under adverse weather conditions.
9. Circular aperture for enhanced bokeh
The 9-blade diaphragm retains a nearly circular opening even when stopped down by two stops.
Marvelously tuned blur in the subject background can be obtained without generating undesirable
shapes of aperture patterns.
10. Compatibility with Adobe and Silkypix software
Supplied with SILKYPIX Developer Studio 4.0, advanced editing software that features correction
menus for various aberrations (lateral color, distortion, relative illumination) based on the optical
design data of this specific lens. Shooting RAW image files enables creation of more stringent and
high-fidelity image quality.

SPECIFICATIONS
Model : F012
Focal Length : 35mm
Maximum Aperture : F/1.8
Angle of View (diagonal) : 63°26′ (for full-frame format)
: 43°29′ (for APS-C format)
Optical Construction : 10 elements in 9 groups
Minimum Object Distance : 0.2m (7.9 in)
Maximum Magnification Ratio : 1:2.5
Filter Size : φ67mm
Maximum Diameter : φ80.4mm
Length* : for Canon 80.8mm (3.2 in)
: for Nikon 78.3mm (3.1 in)
Weight : for Canon 480g (16.9 oz)
: for Nikon 450g (15.9 oz)
Aperture Blades : 9 (circular diaphragm**)
Minimum Aperture : F/16
Standard Accessories : Flower-shaped lens hood, Lens caps
Compatible Mounts : Canon, Nikon, Sony***
Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. are subject to change without prior notice.
* Length is the distance from the front tip of the lens to the lens mount face.
** The circular diaphragm stays almost perfectly circular up to two stops down from maximum
aperture.
*** The Sony mount model does not include VC, since the bodies of Sony DSLR cameras include
built-in image stabilization functionality.

SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F013)
First High-Speed 45mm Fixed Focal Standard Lens in Full-Frame Format with
VC, Offers Unique Perspective with Significantly Shorter Minimum Focusing
Distance
<Overview>

A New Standard among all standard lenses.

Slight wide-angle delivers a new photographic perspective.

Responsive to your intuitive and inspirational motives.

Provides an equivalent focal length of 70mm on APS-C cameras.
<Key Features>
1. Even when used wide open at F/1.8 aperture, provides outstanding image quality with
maximum aberration compensation, thanks to optimal use of sophisticated glass materials
and highly advanced optical design
SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F013) is a 10-element, 8-group construction, utilizing two
molded glass aspherical elements and one LD (Low Dispersion) element.
Two of the aspherical elements effectively correct the field curvature to ensure planarity of the
image plane, while efficiently compensating for spherical and comatic aberrations to achieve
superb uniformity across the field with high-fidelity point spread reproducibility. Outstanding
resolution is rendered from corner to corner and the sagittal comatic flare (a type of aberration
that a point image at corners induces a comet tail-like blur), which tends to become prominently
noticeable in night scenes, is thoroughly corrected.
The LD glass element optimally compensates for chromatic aberrations, which tend to become
particularly prominent in fast-aperture lenses in general, and delivers crystal clear images
without any residual color fringe.

2. World’s first* full-frame 45mm focal length with fast F/1.8 maximum aperture and
integral VC (Vibration Compensation)
The aperture is optimized to F/1.8 to create the most practical lens offering superior imaging
performance, a shorter minimum focus distance and image stabilization mechanism. Countless
simulations during the design phase ensured the high resolution expected of a full-frame, highspeed
lens coupled with spectacular background blur.
It is also the world’s first* full-frame, fixed focal length standard lens to be equipped with VC.
Freedom in handheld shooting has been dramatically improved by reducing camera shake that
tends to occur when using shooting in low light such as at dusk and in dark rooms. Also, the
full potential of the high performance of the lens is realized by reducing minute vibrations that
lower image quality conspicuous in high resolution cameras.
* As of July 2015; Tamron.
3. MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 0.29m (11.4”), the best-in-class close focusing
capability**
MOD measures 0.29m (11.4”), yielding a magnification ratio of 1:3.4, the best-in-the-class close
focusing capability among fast-aperture fixed focal lenses in full-frame format**. The freedom of
shooting at a closer distance to the subject expands photographic possibilities. Tamron’s
proprietary Floating System, which places a group of elements at the optimal location as the
focusing group travels relative to shooting distances, ensures the best imaging performance at
any range. From the closest to a normal shooting distance range, excellent image quality is
obtained.
** Rated top among current 45mm and 50mm fixed focal length interchangeable AF lenses for
full-frame DSLR cameras excluding macro lenses (as of July 2015; Tamron).
4. Optimal relative illumination means no dark corners
Some fast-aperture lenses “vignette” or have darkened corners due to uneven light distribution.
However, even at the full open aperture, the overall illumination level across the entire field is
well balanced and optimized. Because there is a sufficient amount of corner illumination,
photographers can enjoy making full use of the wide open aperture.
5. eBAND Coating deployed to thoroughly suppress ghosting and flare
eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) and BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-
Reflection) coatings, both providing outstanding anti-reflection effect, are applied to critical
element surfaces for maximum light transmission. Internal reflections from element surfaces
which cause ghosting and flare are reduced to an absolute minimum. Flawless, crystal clear
images can be obtained. eBAND Coating, a hybrid nano-structured layer with extremely low
refractive index coupled with multi-layered anti-reflection coating technology, efficiently
minimizes reflection of extremely angulated incident light—something that cannot be achieved
by conventional anti-reflection coatings alone.
6. High-speed AF with USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive)
Fast, quiet AF is achieved by employing a USD ring-type ultrasonic motor which enables
remarkably precise focusing drive with high torque and responsiveness. Because the rotational
torque of the USD is generated by waves of ultrasonic vibrations, inherent operating noise is
extremely low and practically imperceptible. In addition, Full-time Manual Focus override is
available at any point during the autofocus operation for deliberately shifting focus without
switching the AF-MF mode back and forth.
7. Fluorine coating on the front element repels water and fingerprints
Fluorine coating technology, developed for use in industrial optics applications, has been
adapted to photographic lenses. The water and oil repellant coating applied to the front element
surface allows instant removal of dirt or smudges with ease. The coating also provides a
reasonable level of durability, and will sustain its effectiveness for years.
8. Moisture-resistant construction for shooting outdoors under adverse weather conditions
Seals are located at the lens mount area and other critical locations to prevent infiltration of
moisture and/or rain drops and provide moisture-resistant construction. This feature provides
an additional layer of protection when shooting outdoors under adverse weather conditions.
9. Circular aperture for enhanced bokeh
The 9-blade diaphragm retains a nearly circular opening even when stopped down by two
stops. Marvelously tuned blur in the subject background can be obtained without generating
undesirable shapes of aperture patterns.
10. Compatibility with Adobe and Silkypix software
Supplied with SILKYPIX Developer Studio 4.0, advanced editing software that features
correction menus for various aberrations (lateral color, distortion, relative illumination) based
on the optical design data of this specific lens. Shooting RAW image files enables creation of
more stringent and high-fidelity image quality.

SPECIFICATIONS
Model : F013
Focal Length : 45mm
Maximum Aperture : F/1.8
Angle of View (diagonal) : 51°21′ (for full-frame format)
: 34°28′ (for APS-C format)
Optical Construction : 10 elements in 8 groups
Minimum Object Distance : 0.29m (11.4 in)
Maximum Magnification Ratio : 1:3.4
Filter Size : φ67mm
Maximum Diameter : φ80.4mm
Length* : for Canon 91.7mm (3.6 in)
: for Nikon 89.2mm (3.5 in)
Weight : for Canon 540g (19 oz)
: for Nikon 520g (18.3 oz)
Aperture Blades : 9 (circular diaphragm**)
Minimum Aperture : F/16
Standard Accessories : Flower-shaped lens hood, Lens caps
Compatible Mounts : Canon, Nikon, Sony***
Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. are subject to change without prior notice.
* Length is the distance from the front tip of the lens to the lens mount face.
** The circular diaphragm stays almost perfectly circular up to two stops down from maximum
aperture.
*** The Sony mount model does not include VC, since the bodies of Sony DSLR cameras include builtin
image stabilization functionality.
PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT
Amplis Foto Inc. | 22 Telson Road, Markham, ON L3R 1E5 |T: 905.477.4111 | www.amplis.com
About Tamron Co., Ltd.
“
New Eyes for Industry” is Tamron’s philosophy. This creed is consistent with the company’s
position as a manufacturer of a wide range of original optical products, from interchangeable lenses
for SLR cameras to various optical devices for both the general consumer and OEM. Tamron makes
optical products that contribute to a range of different industries and will continue to devote its rich
creativity and leading-edge technical prowess to various industrial fields. Furthermore, Tamron is
fully aware of its responsibility to the environment and aspires to help preserve the natural
environment in all of its business activities.
Optical Product Line-up:
Interchangeable lenses for SLR cameras, digital camera lenses, video camera lenses, lenses for
automotive applications, IP and CCTV lenses, lenses for long wavelength infrared cameras, ultraprecision
optical components and more.