Why Tamron Di lenses are a perfect solution to many of your photo needs

Since 2004, Tamron has extensively updated a significant number of its award-winning designs, adding the new designation Di – Digitally Integrated. The eight Di lenses currently available range from the SP AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di up to the recently released SP AF200-500mm f/5-6.3 Di super-telephoto zoom.

A digital camera sensor, whether CCD or CMOS, possesses different reflective characteristics to those of film. This in turn affects internal reflections in a lens, as well as how the camera's light meter works. To avoid reflections which adversely affect image quality through ghosting or flare, Tamron has developed all-new coatings and lens treatments that minimise such effects. This often considerably improves lens contrast, a key factor in the "bite" of a photograph. So a Tamron Di-series lens provides superior image quality to many older lenses, especially in wide-angle.

A Tamron Di lens is perfect for photo enthusiasts who still use film. By retaining a full image circle capable of covering the 24x36mm of a film negative, the lenses are suitable for film cameras, as well as digital SLR cameras from the same makers. In the case of Canon-mount Tamron Di lenses, one lens can be used on any of their current DSLRs, as well as all EOS film cameras.

In the case of Nikon, where all digital SLRs released since 2000 have a fixed 1.5x magnification ratio, a Tamron Di lens, with its large image circle, uses just the central 2/3 of the lens, providing even sharper image detail in the corners on a Nikon digital SLR than a lens originally offered in film-only days. The lens is also perfectly suited to Nikon film SLRs going back decades. If Nikon were at some point to bring out a 'full-frame' 24x36mm digital SLR, all other aspects of the lens mount remaining the same, a Tamron Di lens would provide some future compatibility. (No such camera has been announced and is confined to the conjecture of internet chat-rooms!)

By contrast a Di II lens from Tamron (for smaller-format APS sensor DSLRs) uses the smaller image circle to great advantage by optimizing lens performance around the smaller image circle of the 1.5x magnification standard of Nikon, Sony and Pentax, allowing for more compact lens design, also saving weight and bulk.

While such diversity of camera design approach continues, Tamron continues to provide for all types of user.

- John Swainston (feedback@maxwell.com.au)