Tamron SLR Lenses

Learning About Tamron SLR Camera Lenses

Tamron is an independent company manufacturing lenses for most common lens mounts. Because of this, the company benefits from higher production volumes, which means lower costs. This doesn't mean lower quality, as Tamron SLR camera lenses have won a number of Technical Image Press Association awards for its products. Features of Tamron lenses include wider-than-average apertures, good vibration compensation qualities, and high lens resolution.

Nomenclature Used on Tamron Camera Lenses

Each lens manufactured has a system of defining lens characteristics, and an understanding of these terms helps when evaluating lenses. Tamron's important acronyms include:

• VC: Vibration compensation, usually between two and five stops
• USD: Ultrasonic drive autofocus
• HLD: Power saving high/low torque autofocusing system
• PZD: Compact standing wave Piezo autofocus drive
• RXD: Rapid extra silent stepping focus motor
• OSD: Optimized silent drive autofocusing
• G2: Second-generation lens design with better image stabilization and faster autofocus
• LD: Low dispersion glass to reduce chromatic aberration
• XR: Extra refractive index glass that facilitates a compact lens design
• IF: Internal focus where the front lens element doesn't move when focusing

Choosing Prime or Zoom Lenses

Tamron prime lenses for SLRs cover the range between 35mm and 90mm, and include two macro lenses. These prime lenses are compact, with a wide maximum aperture for good low-light performance, while macro lenses offer a true one-to-one magnification ratio. Tamron zoom lenses include budget lenses for general use, along with fast zooms with a constant wide aperture, providing better all-around performance. Several consumer-grade super zoom lenses are ideal for general-purpose applications, while Tamron telephoto lenses meet the needs of serious wildlife and sports photographers. When choosing new lenses, remember Tamron lens hoods, which can shade your lenses and prevent lens flare.

Tamron Lens Compatibility

Tamron supplies lenses in a variety of mounts, including compatibility with Nikon, Sony, Canon, and Pentax cameras. Lenses for full-frame cameras are compatible with all DSLR cameras, while those for APS-C sensor cameras have a smaller image circle and aren't suitable for full-frame use. Some cameras, including those from Nikon and Sony, automatically switch from full-frame to APS-C format when fitted with APS-C lenses. Using an adapter, DSLR lenses fit mirrorless cameras. However, the converse is not true, and Tamron mirrorless camera lenses don't fit DSLRs, as their 'lens flange to sensor' distance is too short.

Identify Tamron lens compatibility as follows:

• Di lenses fit all DSLRs
• Di-II lenses are for APS-C and other cropped-frame sensor cameras
• Di-III lenses are for mirrorless cameras

Tamron Lens Accessories

Protect your lenses from scratches and damage with Tamron lens filters. Add creative effects with rear-mounted filters on many Tamron wide-angle lenses. Keep dirt and dust out of your lenses with replacement Tamron lens caps.