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My internet travels have led me to discover another interesting lens. Tamron has finally developed a SWM/USM equivalent, this means for the first time Tamron offers fast, silent focus with full time manual override – the USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive). The first lens that uses this new technology is the “Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD”.

This lens is clearly designed to compete with the Nikkor AF-S 70-300mm f/4-5.6 VR and the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, featuring the same focal range, image stabilisation (VC) and fast silent focus. (What does the alphabet soup mean?)

I know I will be keeping a close eye on this lens as a possible replacement for my Tamron 70-300mm (1:2 Macro).

Full press release available here.

Tamron has announced a new version of my treasured SP 17-50mm f/2.8 with the built in motor and Vibration Compensation (VC – Tamron’s alphabet soup for VR).

I love my exisiting 17-50mm f/2.8 (A16N) and dont personally think I will be switiching to this new model designated SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF) (B005) looks very interesting and the initial chatter suggests that there is a new optical formula. This means that we should be able to safely assume that Tamron has tweaked the lens (hopefully for the better).

I resisted going from my screwdriver driven A16N to the built in motor A16NII as the focus speed of the lens dropped considerably compared to the screwdriver on my D300. Now that I have a D60 as a light weight body this new lens will be in my thoughts if I ever have to replace my A16N.

I do not have any affiliation with Tamron, nor it distributors, I am merely sharing some news that I have come across.