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Tamron supports Sony NEX with E-mount 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III VC

Dec 8, 2011 at 16:34:47 GMT

LENS NEWS SONY TAMRON

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Tamron has announced the 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III VC superzoom for the E-mount used on Sony's NEX cameras. The lens, which comes in two colors, makes it the first third-party manufacturer to offer an autofocus lens for any mirrorless camera system. Unlike the existing, DSLR version, the E-mount lens uses a stepping motor designed specifically for working with contrast-detection AF. The lens offers an image-stabilized 27-300mm equivalent field-of-view on the NEX and comes as an alternative to the Sony 18-200mm. Sales will start in Japan on December 15th.

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Press Release
Specifications

Press Release

Announcing the 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III VC (Model B011), Tamron's first high-power zoom for Sony's NEX-series mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras*.

Tamron 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III VC (Model B011)

Innovative lens is lightweight, compact, and features a striking new form factor with two color options.

December 8, 2011, Saitama, Japan – Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Morio Ono; Headquarters: Saitama City), a leading manufacturer of optical equipment, announced the introduction of an exciting new lens, the 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III** VC (Model B011). The new high-power zoom lens is designed for the Sony E-mount system of its NEX series interchangeable-lens, lightweight and compact digital cameras. Sales in Japan will commence from December 15, 2011.

Product Features

1. High-power 18-200mm*1) lightweight and compact zoom lens weighing 460g with a 62mm filter is designed for the E-mount system of Sony's NEX series mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras. Equipped with Tamron's acclaimed VC (Vibration Compensation), the lens enables easy handheld shooting from 18mm wide angle to 200mm full telephoto.
2. Striking appearance worthy of the NEX series design. The metallic lens barrel exterior is available in two colors: black and silver.
3. Stepping motor adopted for the AF drive, a construction that accommodates Contrast-detection AF and shooting video.

* "Mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras" are also known as "Compact System Cameras."

**Di III (Digitally integrated design): A designation Tamron gives to lenses engineered specifically for mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras with no internal mirror box or pentaprism, adopting an optical design that matches the characteristics of the digital camera. (Note: These lenses cannot be used with digital SLR cameras with built-in mirror box or conventional 35mm film SLR cameras).

(*1) As the NEX series cameras (NEX-3, NEX-C3, NEX-5, NEX-5N as of December 8, 2011) have an image sensor equivalent in size to APS-C sensors, the angle of view is 27-300mm when converted to 35mm format.

The 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III VC (Model B011) (referred to below as 18-200mm Di III VC) is a high-power zoom lens, developed by zoom lens pioneer Tamron, for use with the E-mount system of Sony's NEX series compact interchangeable-lens cameras. Tamron brings 19 years of high-power zoom lens development technologies to this product.

Tamron has created a lens that is compact and lightweight, featuring a 62mm filter and weighing only 460g, at the same time delivering superlative image quality. This size allows users to easily enjoy shooting across the whole range - from wide-angle to full telephoto - with just one lens.

Featuring a striking appearance befitting the NEX series design, the lens is available in silver and black.
The AF drive has a stepping motor that is optimal for the Contrast-detection AF system employed by NEX series cameras. This has also enabled improvements in AF performance when shooting video. In addition, ease of operation is enhanced with the Direct Manual Focus (DMF) function, which allows the user to make fine manual adjustments after initially focusing by AF.

The focal length coverage is 18-200mm. Converted to the coverage of a the 35mm format, this is equivalent to a range of 27mm wide-angle up to 300mm full telephoto. This allows the user to take wide-angle shots of expansive landscapes and powerful telephoto images that enlarge the details of distant subjects—all with one lens. In addition, by setting the lens at the telephoto end (200mm) and moving in to the minimum focus distance of 0.5m, flower petals, jewelry and other small objects can be shot as expanded close-ups.

Equipped with Tamron's acclaimed VC (Vibration Compensation), and thanks to its light weight and compact size, this lens allows easy handheld shooting of sharp images with no camera shake over a wide range of settings, from everyday snapshots to memorable travel scenes.

This lens was developed, manufactured and will be sold based on the specifications for the E-mount that was disclosed by Sony Corporation under Tamron's license agreement with Sony Corporation.

About the stepping motor
The B011's autofocus mechanism uses a stepping motor that is an ideal match for the Contrast-detection AF system used in Sony's NEX series cameras. The stepping motor's actuator allows finely tuned control of angular rotation,
and since it drives the focusing mechanism directly without an intermediate reduction gear, it also provides superbly quiet performance.
VC (Vibration Compensation)
Tamron's VC mechanism employs a three-coil system, whereby three driving coils activate the shake-compensating VC lens group electromagnetically via three steel balls. The VC lens elements are held in place only by contact with the steel balls, achieving smooth movement with little friction. This provides a stable viewfinder image with excellent tracking performance that eliminates the blur from handheld shots for cleaner, crisper shots.
About the new VC mechanism (moving coil system)
Tamron's conventional VC (Vibration Compensation) unit has a moving magnet system with heavy magnets in the vibration-compensating lens. However, the new VC mechanism adopts a lightweight moving coil system that reduces the load on the drive system. This allows the drive to be operated with smaller coils and magnets, reducing the weight and size for the entire VC unit. In addition, improvements to software and other elements of the VC mechanism used in the 18-200mm Di III VC have made the mechanism even quieter

Tamron 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III VC Specifications

Model		B011
Focal length		18-200mm
Maximum aperture		F/3.5-6.3
Angle of view	(diagonal)	76°10´-8°03´
	(horizontal)	66°16´-6°43´
	(vertical)	46°51´-4°27´
Lens construction		17 elements in 13 groups
Minimum focus distance		0.5m (throughout zoom range)
Maximum magnification ratio		1:3.7 (at f=200mm: MFD 0.5m)
Filter size		φ62mm (2.4in)
Length*1		96.7mm (3.8in)
Entire Length*2		102.0mm (4.0in)
Diameter		φ68mm (2.7in)
Weight		460g (16.2oz)
No. of diaphragm blades		7
Minimum aperture		F/22 - 40
Standard accessories		Flower-shaped lens hood
Compatible mounts		Sony E-mount

*1. Length is the distance between the mount face and the tip of the lens.
*2. Entire length is the distance between the tip of the lens and the tip of the protrusion.

*The angle of view is calculated based on the latest image sensor size of Sony's NEX series.

*The angle of view of the lens when used for video on the Sony digital HD video camera recorder
NEX-VG10 is 32.4 - 360mm when converted to the 35mm format.

■NOTE: When using Continuous AF (AF-C) Mode

-Due to an inherent characteristic of this TAMRON lens, when using the Sports Action mode on Scene Selection, the continuous operation of the focus search function may cause some fluctuation in the LCD monitor image. However, there will be no associated problems on photos taken in this situation.

-In other Shoot Modes (P, A, S, M), when the focus mode is set to Continuous AF (AF-C), the same condition may also arise. There will also be no associated problems on photos taken in this situation.

*As an alternative to either of the above settings, you can change the focus mode to Single-shot AF (AF-S) or Direct Manual Focus (DMF) and continue shooting.

Tamron 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III VC

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Comments

Total comments: 110

The price is almost the same as the SEL18200 so I don't see why I should buy this over Sony's.

0 upvotes

Anyone know a price for this yet?

0 upvotes

Been using an NEX-3 with Sony 18-55 lens for several months and like the combination. It takes good photos and it's compact size easily fits inside the pocket of my lightweight walking jacket. For me this new zoom lens, although not so far from Sony's price, is a welcome Emount addition. To be able to get up close and relatively inconspicuously to subjects and still not lose out on landscape shooting when I need it is my ideal solution in a lens. Sure, it adds to the size of the NEX cameras but I see nothing wrong with carrying the zoom in one pocket and the camera in another. Still much more convenient than hauling a much heavier traditional dSLR either around my neck or in a large pouch.

I intend to purchase one of these lenses and will probably opt for Tamron particularly if that price comes down further but I have a question here before dropping Sony., I've been told that the Tamron IS system is better than the Sony one. Can anyone comment on this

Comment edited 20 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

oops double post LOL!

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

well as a nex5n owner I'm glad to see this lens and hope more follow . I'm looking for a nice vacation all in one lens this and sony's larger flash make a nice vacation kit. Yes I'd like to get a nice reasonable price and fast prime lens in the 30mm range (sorry 900 usd + for the zeiss doesnt make it) hopefully the price will come down a bit after christmas season. But more lens from different manufactors is a good thing. Merry christmas and happy new years everyone!

0 upvotes

If it works well this is a HUGE piece of news/technology.
If it works well we may soon see stuff for m4/3rds.
If it works well then the end of rip-off mirrorless-Lens pricing may be near!

Wonder if its any good ...

0 upvotes

Someone please remind me why a small NEX body is an advantage if you're going to hang a big honking lens on it, making it essentially the same size as any other DSLR?

Comment edited 12 seconds after posting

4 upvotes

It's an interchangeable lens camera. You have the option to put whatever you want on it to suit your needs. If you want a superzoom with the exact same IQ as a DSLR with an equivalent lens, mount this on it and it'll still be slightly smaller. If you want something portable, mount the 16mm pancake. If you want equal performance to a DSLR, mount the EVF and LA-EA2 SLT adapter for a-mount lenses and PDAF. A conventional DSLR body won't allow you to take it's EVF, flash and mirror apart like the NEX can.

9 upvotes

What is the advantage of an SUV when you connect a big honking trailer behind it for vacationing? Might as well buy an RV.

5 upvotes

Straylightrun is correct in pointing out that the Sony NEX is a bit smaller than a comparable DSLR if you use it with a pancake lens. But how often does the average photographer choose the pancake over the big zoom? A fairly small percentage of the time, I would guess. And if you add an EVF to the Sony, now you've got a package that is even bulkier than a DSLR (depending on which lens is attached). I dunno...

Comment edited 36 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

It's not all about the size, but the weight.
Nex with 18-200 will be moderately smaller but much much much lighter than any DSLR.

0 upvotes

what the point of making this lens if Sony has already made the same one.

0 upvotes

Even when Tamron has an essentially rebadged version sold under the Sony (or Minolta) brand, there is often a price difference and in the past there was a substantial difference in the warranty period. In this case, it's not the same lens.

As it is, for slrs/dslrs, etc., many of the third party lenses cover the same focal lengths or zoom ranges as the primary makers, not just unfilled niches. There's more demand for the popular focal lengths, it makes sense to compete where the customer demand is.

2 upvotes

That is a question to ask Tamron management, not dpreview visitors.

0 upvotes

If it's optical performance is reasonably good, this should be quite popular with the move-up crowd. It's a popular range with the tourist and general users even if the cognoscenti would prefer something that is more esoteric. My guess is this is a pure sales number driven choice. I wonder how many of the superzooms they sell in various mounts compared to more advanced choices. It's a good start.

0 upvotes

It is very good news to see a 3rd party manufacturer produce a lens for the mirrorless camp. Having chosen Sony to begin with gives some insight that the companies have confidence in Sony to bring this format further. And it shows with their progression with NEX.

The lens itself is not the headline news. Usually all-in-one zooms come first for the consumer world, and its not surprisingly that its not stellar. I mean, f6.3 is pushing it. On the other hand, Tamron's VC optical stabilization is very good. I have the 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 SP Di VC USD and it works great, not as smooth or silent as Canon's IS, but just as effective.

1 upvote

Correct me if I am wrong, but doesn't Sony own a decent chunk of Tamron (10 percent?) and many of the current Sony alpha lenses are merely re-rebadged Tamrons. The 28-80 2.8 and 18-250 come to mind.

0 upvotes

You are wrong. They are not "many", the rebadged Tamrons; in fact, only a small handful (Konica-Minolta were the ones starting it). If you disagree, please post which the lenses are.

0 upvotes

"But what is a Konica Minolta lens? There are very few, nearly all were made by Tamron."

that was from the following article, I'm not an expert but I thought KM started rebadging Tamrons and then Sony, who needed a system for their digital cameras, bought KM and continued doing the same. The quote is about 1/2 through the article.

http://www.photoclubalpha.com/2011/10/17/the-sony-alpha-77-tomorrow-today/

0 upvotes

So SONY won.... good thing too. I haven't see any progress on the m4/3 side since I bought an E-PL2. NEX-5N or 7 with a zoom and standard-wide prime will be a great kit.

4 upvotes

Indeed. First to convince a third party to modify a lens for their mirrorless system. Alas, Tamron never made any 4/3rds lenses if I'm not mistaken, and since the sensor is APS-C they don't have to change the optical design much. Just a different AF drive ... Low hanging fruit, so to speak.

2 upvotes

I did read that they changed the optical design actually, but I don't know if this is true.

0 upvotes

Yes its definitely a new optical design since Tamron doesn't have a 18-200mm lens with VC in any mount. However seeing the high similarities between this lens and the SLR non VC version they seem to be practically the same. Since that lens was a pretty poor performer I hope they have improved the performance of this lens.

1 upvote

This looks just nice

0 upvotes

The Yodobashi store has an estimated price: *69.800 yen*.
The Sony brand lens: *77.500 yen*.

Only 10% difference... A bit too close for comfort; and while the VC is one of the best implementations for image stabilization, and the lens is somewhat smaller, I think that the Tamron version will not sell too much. It's much like the Sigma versions of 70-200 and fast 50mm: high price, non-brand => not a success, because people will pick the brand lens.

1 upvote

Don't worry its just the MSRP. The actual street price should be much lower at around $500/$550. Anything more expensive and no one will buy this lens.

3 upvotes

It's so exciting hearing the first 3rd party E-Mount lens coming out to market this month. The focus is not on the lens itself but the series of lenses that 3rd party manufacturers will develop.

We should not complain about the lens spec at the present time point. It may not be the one you want, but definitely more is coming. Let's pray and wait ;-)

2 upvotes

I wish Tamron, Sony or someone would make a NEX lens like the Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm. This lens retracts and is barely deeper than Panasonic's 20 mm pancake lens. A lens like this makes even more sense for the NEX system - given that bigger lenses are needed to support the larger sensor (relative to 4/3 cameras).
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/panasonic_x_14-42_3p5-5p6/

Comment edited 34 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

M43 system lens are so small because their lens are not corrected for distortion. As such the lens are smaller but the distortion has to be corrected by software in camera, which compromise quality

4 upvotes

Mtsuoka: and yet they still perform better than NEX lenses across the frame... Go figure...

Compare the kit lenses across the board from u4/3 to NEX, compare the much cheaper and smaller Pana/leica to the Zeiss 24/1.8, hell even compare the pancake 20/1.7 at a quarter of the price and size..

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

2 upvotes

I was just pointing out a fact. I didn't say which system is superior.

Are you trying to start a debate of NEX vs m43?
or Panasonic-Leica vs Sony-Zeiss?

man I am not a NEX user and I am not a m43 fanboy either

4 upvotes

@Mtsuoka The new NEX bodies now have correction for lens distortion, so that's no longer an excuse.

1 upvote

The m4/3 lenses are smaller because the sensor is smaller. The imaging circle is smaller because the aspect ratios of the two formats are different. The m4/3 aspect is closer to the ideal square format.

3 upvotes

@Mtsuoka: "[...] which compromise quality."

Any measurable proof? All I know is that CA is exceptionally low on Panasonic MFT lenses, compared even to the best Canon an Nikon glass.

0 upvotes

@thinkfat: you didn't know correcting distortion reduces IQ?

0 upvotes

@MaikeruN: of course it does but

1) So does correcting optically to some degree
2) It hardly matters when the resulting optical quality is higher than the apparently non electronically correcting lenses from Sony..

@Mitsuoko: I am not a u4/3 fanboy either, I am also just pointing out facts, I had a nex7 on order but cancelled it and will stay with u4/3 until Sony works out how to make comparable quality lenses..

0 upvotes

Here is a link to information (including pricing) at a large Japanese camera store.

http://www.yodobashi.com/%E3%82%BF%E3%83%A0%E3%83%AD%E3%83%B3-18-200mm-F-3.5-6.3-DiIII-VC-B011-%E3%82%BD%E3%83%8B%E3%83%BCE%E3%83%9E%E3%82%A6%E3%83%B3%E3%83%88-%E3%82%B7%E3%83%AB%E3%83%90%E3%83%BC/pd/100000001001455649/

Ira

0 upvotes

anyone else think this looks exactly like the sony 18-200? like how the focus ring is in the same spot and so is the creep lock?

0 upvotes

A 460g lens attached to an inch-thick camera. Huh. Clearly I'm not in their target audience, as I find the NEX ungainly as soon as the pancake lens comes off.

1 upvote

Its VC lens and are there few advantages of having VC in lens?

0 upvotes

Constantly debated. There are very few ways to do direct comparisons because most systems/brands only have one or the other. The in-lens fans point out that they claim it works better for longer focal lengths. But since there are few Maxxum/Alpha (etc.) lenses out there over 400-500mm, again there's no real way to compare. In the consumer and most used zoom ranges, say 18mm to 300 or so on aps-c, probably no clear objective advantage. The cost differential seems to have evaporated to a great extent (or could) if one looks to the cost of consumer zooms. There's still a notable difference between say the Canon 70-200/2.8s with and without IS.

Here, on the NEXs, there is no in body alternative.

0 upvotes

Actually the issue is more of a lens design one; in-lens IS must follow some specific optical rules. So lens design is somewhat more limited.

Personally I have found that in tele settings, IBIS is working as advertised; however, at short FLs, it's MUCH better. For me the hypothetical advantage of better IS at longer FLs is massively outweighed by stabilization of my short primes, my fast primes, etc; I'm sad Sony went with in-lens IS for the NEX series.

0 upvotes

Good Job Tamron. You know right you can't make everyone happy? Its a good start to bring in some lower cost alternatives to otherwise pricey Sony.

3 upvotes

you may have heard: the weakest link of a chain decides.
as always: buy a small camera too expensive for you. then add cheap, big glass. good idea.

0 upvotes

You may have heard: high sales decides. Nex is losing prospect buyers because of lack of selection of fast and smaller lenses. Regardless of how good the Nex "could be", they aren't producing much results (right now).

Tamron isn't really helping much with this lens, but not everyone will/can spend money on a Canon 70-200 2.8L IS. So they opt for a 3rd party f/4 non-IS lens.

Don't mix "cheap glass" with glass that is still good and "reasonably priced". You don't need a Zeiss 50mm 1.4 to make good portraits of people.

0 upvotes

Of course Sony shared the E-mount specs with Tamron. Sony has a 11% share in Tamron and they (Sony) benefit from more NEX-lens support. I wouldn't be surprised if the current non-Zeiss labeled NEX-lenses are all made by Tamron.

Comment edited 54 seconds after posting

2 upvotes

E-mount spec is shared by Sony to manufacturers of lenses and mount adaptors for free in case you missed the news last year

http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/02/08/sonyemountspecifications

3 upvotes

I will never buy such a lens!!!!!!

1 upvote

This is the first type of lens I would buy!!!!!!

0 upvotes

The significance here is that it AF... i.e. Sony shared the emount specs with Tamron. The only third party lenses you will get for m43 will not AF.

Although, Sony owns 11% of Tamron, fyi.

0 upvotes

FYI Sony opened E-Mount to everyone - Sigma have also shown mockups of E-Mount lenses

3 upvotes

Could you please google before presenting your idea? Specification of E-Mount is opened to worldwide.

2 upvotes

"Metallic" is not "Metal". I think the outer barrel is made of plastic with a metallic finish. Also, the lens mount looks to be made of plastic. Would be a pity if true.

1 upvote

If that turns out being the case then it would really be cheesy. It reminds me what Leica did when they painted the M9 with silver paint to make it appear like hard chrome vs the real-deal of the M8. Everything is fake these days
...'Change we can believe in'

Comment edited 16 seconds after posting

4 upvotes

I take pics of real estate. So bring on a 10-20mm Zoom (15-30mm)! I'm using the NEX 16mm with .75 WA Adapter but a 10-20mm Zoom would give me a wider view and more flexibility. In fact, it would be perfect for real estate and that lens would do it all.

1 upvote

umm good job Tamron, pick something we already have -sigh-

ummmm how about a fast 35mm(50mm) with AF already?

1 upvote

And pancake size.

1 upvote

Yeah it doesn't make sense. Sony has an 18-200 that's pretty solid and the kit is 18-55 and one of the very limited amount of other e mounts is a 55-210. They jumped right in where nobody wants them to jump in. They could have made a lot of money (maybe they will anyway) if they brought something new to the table... disappointing.

1 upvote

Seems like an odd choice considering there are only a handful of E-mount lenses and one of them is already 18-200. If I was calling the shots at Tamron, I would have ported over the 17-50 first. That's a lens that every NEX owner would jump on - not something they can already get.

7 upvotes

I own the 17-50mm f2.8 for Canon mount and you are right, this would have been a better choice.

1 upvote

Wait it's bad to bring an 18-200 when Sony has an 18-200 already, but you're suggesting that a better choice would be a lens that is very similar to the kit lens that most people likely have already? At least with the 18-200 there are a lot of people like me who appreciate seeing a potentially cheaper option -- even if just a bit.

3 upvotes

The 17-50mm is f2.8 constant, not similar to the kit lens at all!

0 upvotes

To many people interested in these kinds of cutesy cameras, 17-50 is not that different than 18-55. To them it's F what? I'm pretty sure Tamron put some thought into it before choosing the 18-200 as their first design (i.e. that's where the money is). As for me, I'd like to see something like a 16-105 (16-200 if possible).

0 upvotes

It is too bad that the 18 - 105 or 18 - 135 range is not popular enough for the 3-rd party lens makers to produce them, even very few brand lenses in this range out there. Lighter build and who needs 300mm on a walkaround lens anyway?

6 upvotes

Did someone forgot Pentax Q?

0 upvotes

did someone use them?

7 upvotes

An 18-200mm lens for Pentax Q would be a 105-1160mm lens.

2 upvotes

I wish there was more MFT support! Maybe NEX support is the first step an we'll see MFT coming along as well.

0 upvotes

don't think Tamron and Sigma will participate actively in MFT field as it is already crowded with lens from Pana/Oly.

2 upvotes

Also, Tammy/Sigma already have lenses for a 1.5 crop. IQ will be interesting, though, given that Sony itself struggles to get out lenses with great IQ on the e-mount (a mount is a different story, of course).

Comment edited 26 seconds after posting

2 upvotes

I think because Sony has been slow to the table with quality glass for the Nex it opens the door for others to jump in and make some money. Panny and Oly have done a good job of getting high quality glass out so not as much room for others to make a lot of money filling holes in the line-up.

1 upvote

Well Sigma had announced some time back that they WERE developing MFT, and while Olympus and Panasonic have get lenses out, I think that have fallen short in terms of who they aim lenses at. Not many people could justify the cost of the 7-14 Panasonic, and Sigma could fit well in to the lineup with more realistically prices lenses.

0 upvotes

my "perfect" lens set would be:
- fast compact pancake prime: 18-22 f1.4-f1.8 ... for less then 1000$ (Zeiss)
- fast moderate tele prime: 70-80 f1.4-f1.8... SEL5018 is very good, but i like a little bit more tele...
- HQ zoom: 18-90 f2.4-3.5 OSS
- telezoom 40-120 f2.4-3.5 OSS

dreams?

0 upvotes

And UWA lens of, say, 12mm (f2.8-3.5 would be enough for me), but all of higher quality than some SONY lenses, like bad 16mm pancake.... To support new 24 Mpx sensors.

2 upvotes

yup, we need quality UWA zoom

1 upvote

That's great news. I think the Sigma 30mm f/2.8 E lens will announce soon too.

4 upvotes

I hope Sigma changes it to f/2.

4 upvotes

Why 30 2.8, when they already make a 30 1.4 EX DC HSM for APS-C? Unless you want something tiny, the existent 30 1.4 just with a NEX mount would be sweet for still shooters and videographers.

3 upvotes

if Sigma released a 30/1.4 AF for e-mount, that would be all goodness for NEX. Again, though, we'd have to see the IQ. I bet that lens would be REALLY soft on a NEX wide open, unless they do some significant re-engineering.

4 upvotes

Isn't the real news here not the particulars of this lens but the fact that a third party has produced any lens that autofocuses on the e-mount, not to mention one that provides stabilization from someone other than the original manufacturer. If Tamron can do it, then surely Sigma and maybe another should have more e-mount AF lenses in the offing. This competition and choice makes the NEX platform even more attractive and should make Sony feel good about its decision to open the NEX platform.

As for those who complain about the size of this particular lens, isn't that mostly a constraint created by use of APS-C sensor, which has significant benefits too? Sure, I'd like an 16-300 pancake (f/1.4 of course) but in the interim I'm happy to see the beginning of what I suspect is more variety and somewhat reduced pricing in the e-mount field.

20 upvotes

Thank god they make it in black. Wish for more LARGE aperture Pancakes though.

2 upvotes

Pancake designs are not usually compatible with wide apertures.

Which is more important to you IQ, size or speed?

0 upvotes

Holy cow...look at the size of that thing. You'll be carrying the lens rather than the camera. I guess that's my whole turn-off for the NEX system - the big lenses. I'm liking my Nikon V1 decision more every day.

2 upvotes

LOL! Look at dimensions and weight of nikon 10-100 - plastic piece of holy cow %)

21 upvotes

I guess you're offended that someone puts down a camera you like? Don't take it so personally :-) If you want the 10-100 on a V1 or J1, then you may as well buy a m4/3 system or NEX. The kit lenses for the Nikon 1 are smaller than the kit lenses for the NEX (by quite a bit) and that's what I only intend to use (because they're small). If I want a better camera overall, I still have a D700...so no worries ;-)

2 upvotes

LOL! Nikkor 10-100 is 77 x 95 mm (Diameter x Length), whereas the Tamron is 62 x 97 mm.
Now, the weight: Nikkor 515 grams, Tamron 460 grams.
I must say, quite a turn-off :)

Not that anyone cares...

11 upvotes

So based on the size of this lens, your turn off for the NEX system and admiration for the Nikon 1 system is validated again? Have one more look at the heavier and larger Nikon 1 equivalent of the above lens.

And as for holding a lens, that's what you do when you mount a long and heavy tele lens on the average DSLR too. Actually, with the lack of a decent grip on the Nikon 1 system, I hope people will be gripping those lenses tightly aswell. ;)

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 3 minutes after posting

7 upvotes

For the life of me, I don't know who would want to use the 10-100 Nikkor on the Nikon 1 either. If the point is to have a small camera, then using the 10-100 Nikon, 14-140 Panasonic, etc, etc (insert overly large lens for mirrorless camera here) defeats that purpose. You may as well use a real DSLR and get better handling, controls and in some cases (depending on the sensor) much better image quality. I like the small Nikon 1 kit lenses because they keep the total package small. Sort of like Panasonic's new X lenses.

0 upvotes

You are aware that the equivalent superzoom for the Nikon V1 is bigger and heavier than this lens, and this lens was created for a much larger APS-C sensor, right?

0 upvotes

Except that the total package of the Nikon 1 system (body plus kitlens) is similar in size because the body is larger.

0 upvotes

"And as for holding a lens, that's what you do when you mount a long and heavy tele lens on the average DSLR too."

So, if you plan on using a telephoto lens, buying an NEX, rather than a DSLR, is pointless.

0 upvotes

I'd choose MFT over Nikon 1 if size and quality matters. To me Nikon 2 are for fanboys and lady gaga

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 51 seconds after posting

1 upvote

Re: Nikon 10-100 size: I suppose not everybody needs petite handbag cameras and lenses. Some people don't mind as they are shooting off of a tripod anyway. I don't understand this mad rush to downsize. The people who want the ultimate quality are still using a 70-200 2.8 with a proper tripod collar. If you want everything to be small and have a f5.6 max aperture, then you have many choices. But if left up to the small crowd, soon we'll all be carrying Minox sized cameras.

Comment edited 46 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

No it's not pointless. The point is that you have a choice. The choice to keep the system compact on certain outings, or mount a superzoom that gives a great allround video performance too if size is less important for certain outings. All with one body. A DSLR can't do both.

0 upvotes

It's a 28-300 equivalent at 460 grams. How small do you think they can a lens with such a large zoom range?

0 upvotes

I use to think like you—until I began using the 5N.

Proportionality is a state of mind. There's nothing wrong with carrying a capturing system by the barrel of the lens.

1 upvote

More evidence of the new trend in pocket-pro shooting. Too bad the camera market is still dead in the 'water' for this Christmas season.

0 upvotes

How much $$$?

0 upvotes

MSRP ~84k JPY

0 upvotes

I want to see some good compact primes from tamron or sigma for the mirrorless cameras.

1 upvote

Agreed.

A compact 24mm-35mm prime with f/1.4-f/2 with image stabilization (Sony's upcoming 50/1.8 has IS) please.

0 upvotes

Did you overlook the Sony sel24/1,8?

1 upvote

The CZ 24/1.8 is far from a pancake.

0 upvotes

They do make them. Samsung has a great mirrorless lineup that currently includes 16/2.4, 20/2.8, and 30/2 pancakes, a compact 20-50mm, and an upcoming 55/1.8 pancake (rumor early 2012). The also have the larger lenses like a beauty of an 85mm f/1.4, 60mm f/2.8 macro, 18-200, 18-55, and 50-200. A bunch of new lenses next year too.

2 upvotes

" This lens was developed, manufactured and will be sold based on the specifications for the E-mount that was disclosed by Sony Corporation under Tamron's license agreement with Sony Corporation"
Very good news!

1 upvote

@viking79

Tamron and Sigma so far have not released any NX lenses for Samsung.

0 upvotes

I am interested in the lens doing the job. I think it is close to ideal to have a large lens on a small camera like the NEX. I don't need it in my pocket all the time. I'd like to try some birding with the Sony Alpha SAL 70-400 and the LAEA2 on a NEX7. I'm only concerned that the lens quality might not be good enough for the sensor. A tripod or monopod would make this manageable and the tilting screen would make it easier to work with than a DSLR. Oh, and GPS so I'd know where I had found the bird.

Comment edited 51 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

Sounds like a logical step for Tamron, ie they are very successful in making & selling this type of lens, so why not for the E mount.
Did you know it was Tamron who makes (or made) the Nikon 70-300mm VR lens. Once the licence agreement between them & Nikon finished, voila - they produced their own 70-300mm VC lens which is almost identical in size, shape etc - but with their own VC technology & glass.

0 upvotes

But no one uses Samsung.

0 upvotes

wow I am surprised that Tamron quit using PLASIC lens body :-)

3 upvotes

Total comments: 110


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