Tamron’s new 70-210mm F/4 Di VC USD full frame compact telephoto zoom lens has just been announced. If you are looking for a budget alternative to more expensive offerings from Nikon and Canon, then this lens may be for you.
The 70-210mm F/4 Di VC USD features a constant maximum aperture of F4, and by using a F4 aperture and not making the lens F2.8, Tamron have managed to keep the weight down to 859g (30.3 oz.). The physical length of the 70-210mm is 17.2cm (6.8″).
According to Tamron, the lens boasts the highest-in-class maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.1 and the shortest-in-class MOD of 95cm (37.4″). The 70-210mm uses an internal zoom mechanism, so the physical length of the lens does not change during zooming. As the physical length of the zoom doesn’t change when zooming, it’s compatible with matte boxes on rails. The front filter diameter is 67mm.
Optical construction
The optical construction of the lens consists of (20 elements in 14 groups), and it uses three LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements to effectively compensate for axial and transverse chromatic aberrations.
High-speed Dual MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) control system delivers responsive autofocus performance plus outstanding VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization
The Dual MPU system includes two high-performance MPUs (micro-processor units) dedicated to VC processing and lens system control. Both MPUs have a DSP (Digital Signal Processing) block that provides high-speed digital signal processing, improving the computing power of the entire system. This new control system is claimed to achieve high-speed and precise AF performance as well as assured VC effects.
Autofocus performance
The lenses AF drive system uses a USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) ring-type ultrasonic motor that is claimed to be responsive, fast, and precise. The 70-210mm is also equipped with a Full-time Manual Focus override mechanism that enables shooters who are using the AF to instantly make fine manual focusing adjustments without switching the AF-MF mode switch.
VC system
The lens is equipped with Tamron’s proprietary VC system and achieves a claimed CIPA image stabilization performance level of 4 stops.* Even in low light or with slow shutter speeds.
*CIPA Standard Compliant. For Canon: EOS-5D MKIII is used; for Nikon: D810 is used.
Build quality
The surface of the front element is coated with a protective fluorine compound that has water-and oil-repellant qualities. The front surface can be wiped clean and is less vulnerable to the damaging effects of dirt, dust, moisture or oily fingerprints. Seals are located at the lens mount area and other critical locations to prevent infiltration of moisture and/or rain drops to provide Moisture-Resistant Construction. This feature affords an additional layer of protection when shooting outdoors under adverse weather conditions.
Compatible with Tamron teleconverter
The new lens is compatible with the TELECONVERTER 1.4x (Model TC-X14) and TELECONVERTER 2.0x (Model TC-X20), which increase the focal length of the lens to 1.4 times and 2 times respectively.
Optional Accessories
The 70-210mm is compatible with the TAMRON TAP-in Console, an optional accessory product that provides a USB connection to a personal computer, which enables users to easily update a lens’s firmware as well as customize features including fine adjustments to the AF and VC.
For rapid attachment to a tripod, an Arca-Swiss style tripod mount is available as an optional accessory. To maximize the advantages of the small and lightweight F/4 zoom lens, the tripod mount is made of lightweight, sturdy magnesium alloy.
Competition
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM $1149 USD
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR $1396.95 USD
Tokina AT-X 70-200mm f/4 PRO FX VCM-S $829.95 USD
Tamron 70-210mm f/4 DI Features
Constant F/4 maximum aperture
Best-in-class 1:3.1 maximum magnification ratio and 37.4″ MOD
High-speed Dual MPU (Micro-Processing Unit)
Outstanding 4-stop VC Image Stabilization
USD AF system provides excellent responsiveness and fast, precise focusing
Fluorine Coating and Moisture-Resistant Construction
Compatible with Tamron teleconverters
Compatible with TAMRON TAP-in Console
Optional tripod mount compatible with Arca-Swiss style quick release plates
The Tamron 70-210mm F/4 Di VC USD retails for $799 USD and is available to pre-order in both Canon and Nikon mounts. Unfortunately Tamron hasn’t made this lens available in Sony E mount. Tamron also makes a SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 ($1299 USD) and a very budget friendly SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD ($499 USD).
