Interpretation of designations (marking) in Tamron lenses?

The marking of the Japanese manufacturer's optics includes both specific abbreviations and abbreviations common to many other systems in the description of the technologies used. In order not to beat around the bush, let's proceed to a detailed interpretation of the combinations of symbols encrypted in the name of objects.

One of the following combinations will tell you about the compatibility of the object with a particular system:

Di (Digitally Integrated) — optics for full-frame mirrors. It is also perfectly suitable for use in conjunction with dropped cameras.

Di II is a family of objects for SLR cameras of APS—C format (with the physical dimensions of the matrix reduced by 1.5-1.6 times). In conjunction with fullframes, such objects do not provide full coverage of the frame field, as a result of which the edges of the image will inevitably be spoiled by strong vignetting.

Di III is the smallest optics team of the brand, sharpened to work in tandem with mirrorless mirrors. Representatives of this line are universal zoom objects Tamron 14-150mm f/3.5-5.8 Di III and Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III VC.

Tamron objects for mirrorless cameras are available in versions for Micro 4/3, Sony E and Canon EF-M bayonets

In top brand lenses, the prefix SP may occur after the model name:

SP (Super Performance) — high-end optical characteristics along with excellent build quality.

45mm, 15-30mm — the designation of the focal length of the object. In zooms, the minimum value is indicated first, and then the maximum.

f/1.8, f/4.0-5.6 — the maximum possible values of the aperture of the object. If there are several numbers written with a hyphen, we are talking about optics with a variable set of focal lengths. In this case, the aperture at the short end is indicated first, and then at the maximum zoom position.

AF (Autofocus) — the lens is equipped with an automatic focus system drive, which, by the way, is on board all Tamron objects.

USD (Ultra Silent Drive) — despite the similarity with the abbreviation of the US dollar, this designation encrypts the equipment of the object with a quiet and fast ultrasonic focus motor.

PZD (Piezo Drive) is a more compact, lightweight and efficient autofocus drive, which is the closest relative of the USD motor.

Universal zoom object with built-in autofocus motor PZD in the section

BIM (Built-in Motor) — previously, objects for Nikon DSLRs with a built-in autofocus motor were designated by this abbreviation.

FTM (Full-Time Manual Focus) — the ability to quickly switch automatic focus to manual focus mode through the focus ring.

IF (Internal Focus) — indicates internal focus. I.e., the elements of the optical circuit move inside the body of the object when aiming at sharpness, so that it does not change in size.

VC (Vibration Compensation) is an optical stub on board the object, designed to compensate for several exposure steps when shooting with hands. More details about the principles of its work are described in the material"Everything you need to know about image stabilization systems."

Internal design of the Tamron object

Tamron is very fond of focus on the use of special elements in the optical circuit. And quite reasonably:

ASL (Apherical) is the inclusion of aspherical lenses in the scheme, the vocation of which lies in the fight against spherical aberrations and distortions.

LD (Low Dispersion) — low-dispersion lenses in an optical scheme to minimize chromatic aberrations.

XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) is an even more effective subspecies of lenses with low dispersion.

HID (High Index Dispersion) — special elements to minimize chromatic aberrations on the axis and at the corners of the frame field.

AD (Abnormal Dispersion) — lenses with abnormal dispersion, providing the most effective fight against unwanted chromatic aberrations.

LAH is a combination of LD and ASL elements.

ADH is a combination of AD and ASL lenses.

XGM (Expanded Glass Model Aspherical) is a cast glass aspherical element of increased diameter to eliminate aberrations and lateral distortions.

XR (Extra Refractive) — the use of lenses with a high refractive index in the optical scheme.

The presence of the XR-elements in the optical circuit is loudly announced by the bold font on the box

eBand (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency Coating) is a special lens coating to reduce spurious glare and ghosting, as well as overall image quality improvement.

BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) is a broadband anti—reflection coating that is used in combination with the eBand coating. Both of these technologies are found on board a zoom object with an unusual set of focal lengths Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD.

Ultra-wide-angle object for full-frame mirrors with an atypical set of focal lengths and a stabilizer on board

Finally, it is worth mentioning a few special abbreviations.

Macro — like markings are found on "glasses" for taking close-ups of small objects. The most popular directions in macro photography are shooting flowers, insects and human eyes.

RD (Rounded Diaphragm) — rounded diaphragm. Its petals are folded into the shape of a regular circle without protruding edges, which allows you to effectively blur the background behind the shooting object.

ZL (Zoom Lock) is a mechanical lock for a retractable "trunk" on board some zoom objects. It is used to prevent involuntary changes in the size of the lens in the transport position.

MR (Moisture Resistant) — splash protection with a rubber seal of the bayonet mount of the object.

Have a good shooting!