Dustin’s thoughts:  This lens sounds (potentially) like another exciting product from Tamron provided the optics are reasonably good.  I used the Tamron 18-270mm VC when I shot crop sensor bodies at one point and found it a pretty competent performer with an obviously fantastic focal length.  Canon has an equivalent “L” series lens that has quite good optics but is exceptionally heavy (over 3x heavier than this lens) and features the very polarizing “trombone” style push/pull zoom design.  Time will tell if Tamron has been able to produce a product that can compete with those optics in a more compact size.  This lens is sure to appeal to those who aren’t a fan of switching lenses or want a “do it all” option for travel. I have already confirmed that I will be able to review the lens when it comes time to release, so keep an eye here for when the review goes live.

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From the Tamron press release:

TAMRON ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT OF AN ADVANCED NEW ALL-IN-ONE™ WIDE-ANGLE TO TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS FOR FULL-FRAME DSLR CAMERAS

28-300MM F/3.5-6.3 DI VC PZD (MODEL A010)

Innovative All-In-One™ zoom integrates state-of-the-art optical design, PZD (Piezo Drive)(1) and Tamron’s exclusive VC (Vibration Compensation)(2) system to achieve superb image quality in a remarkably compact, lightweight package.

(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 reduced lens size.
(2) VC (Vibration Compensation) is Tamron’s proprietary image stabilization mechanism.

February 6, 2014, Saitama, Japan. –February 6, 2014, Saitama, Japan – Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Morio Ono), a leading manufacturer of precision optics, has announced the development of 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD (Model A010), an advanced new All-In-One™ zoom lens for full-frame DSLR cameras. The lens sample will be on display at the Tamron booth at the CP+ 2014, which will be held from February 13 to 16 in Yokohama, Japan.

Since the launch in 1992 of the 28-200mm (Model 71D) high-power zoom lens – which featured a revolutionary compact, lightweight design – Tamron has been continually expanding its portfolio of world class optics to benefit consumers. Having revolutionized the optical design of the previous 28-300mm (Model A20), Tamron is developing a powerful new, high-power zoom lens for full-frame DSLR cameras that enhances image quality and incorporates the PZD (Piezo Drive)—a standing-wave ultrasonic motor system optimized for swift, quiet AF—and the acclaimed VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism in an amazingly compact configuration.

Featuring a new, sophisticated external finish, this lens complements the performance and style of full-frame DSLRs, while delivering the practical advantages of an All-In-One™ zoom lens.

Product Highlights

• 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.
• 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), 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.

• Advanced anti-reflection coating.
  The latest optical technology has been used to provide an expanded zoom range (compared to the B008) at both the wide-angle and telephoto ends, without necessitating the use of an oversized lens body. By employing UXR glass (which helps to reduce the size of the front lens diameter), an optimized layout of the Molded-Glass Aspherical elements, and adopting a 5-lens-group zoom system approach to provide enhanced design flexibility, the new lens embodies the fusion of state-of-the-art optical design, sophisticated mechanical design, and high-precision lens manufacturing technology, thereby attaining a compact size, an unprecedented zoom range, and superior image quality.

• 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.

• PZD (Piezo Drive) delivers faster, quieter autofocus action.
  The PZD (Piezo Drive), 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.

• Sharper images with VC (Vibration Compensation)
  Tamron’s acclaimed VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism reduces image blur caused by camera shake to deliver significantly sharper images even when shooting handheld.

• 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.

• Moisture-resistant construction for worry-free 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(4)
  Model	A010
  Focal Length	28-300mm
  Maximum Aperture	F/3.5-6.3
  Angle of view (diagonal)	75°23’ – 8°15’ (for full-frame format)

52°58’ – 5°20’ (for APS-C format)Lens Construction19 elements in 15 groupsMinimum Focus Distance19.3 in (0.49m)Maximum Magnification Ratio1:3.5 (at f=300mm: MFD 19.3 in)Filter SizeØ67mmMaximum DiameterØ74.4mmLength (5)3.8 in (96mm)Weight19 oz (540g)No. of Diaphragm Blades7 (circular diaphragm)Minimum ApertureF/22-40Standard AccessoriesFlower-shaped Lens hoodCompatible MountsCanon, Nikon, Sony(6)

(4)Length and weight are based on figures for the Nikon-mount lens. Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. may be changed without prior notice.
(5) Length is the distance between the front tip of the lens and the mount face.
(6) The Sony mount model does not include VC, since the bodies of Sony DSLR cameras include built-in image stabilization functionality. The name of the Sony mount model is “16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD Macro” without the VC designation

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 70-300mm F/4-5.6 VC USD (Model A005) and other lenses. The PZD (Piezo Drive) adopted for the 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 VC PZD (Model B008) and the new Model B016 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 piezoelectric element 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 the number of parts and simplify operation also contributed to the lens’s reduced size and weight.

VC (Vibration Compensation)

Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) system uses a three-coil system. This system employs three coils that move the VC lens elements electromagnetically via three ceramic ball bearings. The VC lens elements are held in place only by contact with the ceramic ball bearings, thus achieving smooth movement with little friction. This provides a stable viewfinder image with enhanced image stabilization and excellent tracking performance.

About Tamron
“New Eyes for Industry” is Tamron’s philosophy. This creed is consistent with the company’s position as a comprehensive 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. Among its many optical and mechanical innovations since the founding of the company in 1950, Tamron’s development of mass-produced hybrid Aspherical elements paved the way for today’s compact high power All-In-One™ lenses when, in 1992, this technology was incorporated into the ground-breaking 28-200mm. Tamron continues to lead in this category of lenses with the 18-270mm Di II VC PZD — the world’s smallest and lightest 15X All-In-One™ zoom lens featuring Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) system for blur-free hand-held shooting of photos in low light and at telephoto settings and PZD (Piezo Drive) autofocus system for fast and quiet autofocus operation. Tamron’s recent SP (Super performance) lens introductions have received accolades and high praise from leading photographic magazines and websites for their outstanding best-in-class performance. Tamron has garnered international acclaim for its extensive line-up of professional and consumer lenses.

Optical Product Line-up:
Interchangeable lenses for SLR cameras, digital camera lenses, video camera lenses, lenses for automotive applications, CCTV and IP lenses, lenses for long wavelength infrared cameras, ultra-precision optical components and more.

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