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Article
Tamron
Lens Codes
When you see a price list for
a lens or even get the lens it is covered in different types of codes which is
supposed to give you information about the lens, but do you know what they all
stand for. What we have done here is list out the codes we have been able to
identify with their descriptions in order to give you a quick look up list when
researching lenses.
Nikon D40, D40x and D60
cameras do not have a mechanical drive to focus lenses, so only lenses that
contain an electronic focusing motors will work with these cameras. On the
Tamron
Lens Price comparison page we have highlighted those lenses that will work with
these cameras.
For
example: AF 28-300mm f3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO
28-300 is the zoom length from 28mm to 300mm
f3.5-6.3 is the aperture range where it is
f3.5 at 28mm and f6.3 at 300mm
The codes below explain all the other letters
XR Di VC LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO
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AD |
A lens with Anomalous
Dispersion element(s), a special optical glass which delivery large partial
dispersion ratios relative to a specific light wavelength zone. |
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AF |
Autofocus |
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ASL |
Aspherical Lens Elements. A
type of lenses that virtually eliminates the problem of coma and other types
of lens aberration. The are particularly good at correcting distortion in
wide-angle lenses as well as contributing to a lighter and smaller lens
design. |
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Di |
Digitally Integrated Design.
Optical system designed to meet the performance characteristics of DSLR
cameras as well as film cameras. Lenses can be used with either Digital or
Film SLR cameras. |
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Di II |
Digitally Integrated Design.
Lenses made exclusively for digital SLR cameras with image sensors smaller
than 24mm x 16mm (APS-C). Features high resolution performance incorporating
anti-reflection coating and optical configurations to compensate for
internal reflections and ghosting. Peripheral light fall off, more
noticeable with digital cameras, is also reduced. Also provide ideal focal
lengths to cover the range desired by DSLR users. Not designed for Full
Frame Digital SLR cameras. |
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HID |
High Index High Dispersion
Glass element. Minimises on-axis and lateral chromatic aberrations. |
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IF |
Inner Focus. The lens is
able to focus without physically changing its size, where optical movement
is limited to the interior of the non-extending part of the lens barrel,
allowing for a more compact and lightweight lens as well as closer focusing
distances. |
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LAH |
LD Hybrid aspherical elements. |
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LD |
Low Dispersion elements which
effectively compensate for chromatic aberration that is a problem at the
telephoto end and lateral aberration at the wide angle end. |
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MACRO |
Used on those lenses which
have the ability to be used for close up (macro) photography. Tamron puts
MACRO on those lenses that provides a magnification ration of 1:4 or
greater, indicating it is capable of providing macro results. |
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SP |
Super Performance. High
performance Specifications. The first priority in producing these lenses
have been superior specifications and outstanding performance free from cost
restraints. |
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VC |
Vibration Compensation. Uses a
3 coil system allowing lenses to remain compact in size. Gives smooth and
steady images in the viewfinder. |
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XR |
Hi Refraction index glass
elements resulting in minimum aberration. Allows smaller lens diameters
while maintaining aperture values for overall compactness. |
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ZL |
Zoom lock mechanism. Prevents
undesired barrel extension whilst carrying the camera-lens around, thus
protecting the lens. |
If you come across any other abbreviations then
please let us know so that we can research their meanings and extend the above
list.
Remember to take a look at
our Tamron Lens Price Comparison
for details on what current lenses on the market and cost comparisons.
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