Tamron Announces 85mm Portrait and 90mm Macro Lenses With Vibration Compensation, Lens Console

Tamron has fired a serious shot across the bows of Canon, Sony, and Nikon, announcing the release of the world's first 85mm fast-aperture lens with image stabilization for DSLRs, a new macro lens, and a lens console that allows for updating and customization of certain lenses.

A few years ago, Tamron was known as a budget brand that was not given much attention by those looking for higher quality optics. However, in recent years, they have turned their attention upmarket, releasing the well-received SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD, the SP 35mm f/1.8 Di VC USD and SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD, and my personal favorite, the SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD. Now, they've upped the ante in both the portrait and macro photography arenas, releasing two new lenses that align with their revised optical strategy. 

SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD

This lens is clearly aimed at portrait photographers who appreciate the classic perspective afforded by the 85mm focal length, coupled with the subject-isolating power of a fast aperture and the versatility provided by vibration compensation. Check out the specs on this lens:

• The world's first 85mm fast-aperture lens with image stabilization for DSLRs (the Zeiss Batis 85mm f/1.8 has image stabilization, but is only for the mirrorless Sony E-mount). This feature will make many portrait and wedding photographers very happy. Tamron rates its effectiveness at 3.5 stops. The Sony version will not have this since the intended bodies have in-body stabilization. 
• LD (low dispersion) and XLD (extra low dispersion) elements to combat chromatic aberrations.
• Flourine coating and weather-sealing to provide moisture resistance. 
• eBAND (extended bandwidth and angular dependency) and BBAR (broadband anti-reflection) coatings to reduce ghosting and flares. 
• USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) focusing.
• 13 elements in 9 groups.
• A minimum focus distance of 31.5 inches.
• 67mm filter size.
• Nine circular aperture blades.
• Inclusion of SILKYPIX Developer Studio Software software, which allows for advanced aberration correction specific to Tamron lenses. 

SP 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD 1:1 Macro

In addition to the 85mm, Tamron has also announced a 90mm macro lens. I actually prefer the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM to the classic EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM for headshot work simply because it's far easier to use, is razor-sharp, and has the added benefit of image stabilization. It's also cheaper, lighter, and more versatile in that it has great macro capabilities. 

• LD (low dispersion) and XLD (extra low dispersion) elements to combat chromatic aberrations.
• Floating system that shifts the location of groups of elements to achieve optimal image quality at all focus distances. 
• Optimization for bokeh: Tamron ensured that the phenomenon of image-doubling in the background was minimized to enhance bokeh quality.
• Enhanced vibration compensation (for Canon and Nikon mounts) via an accelerometer integrated with the standard gyro sensor, rated at 3.5 stops of effectiveness.
• USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) focusing.
• Moisture-proof and dust-resistant construction.
• Fluorine, eBAND, and BBAR coatings.
• Focal limiting switch.
• 14 elements in 11 groups.
• A minimum focus distance of 11.8 inches with 1:1 reproduction.
• 62mm filter size.
• Nine circular aperture blades.
• Inclusion of SILKYPIX Developer Studio Software software.

TAP-in Console

Tamron has also announced the TAP-in Console, which allows users to update the firmware of compatible lenses, customize functions, make focus adjustments, customize the focal limiter, adjust the sensitivity of full-time manual focusing, and adjust the vibration compensation feature. Similarly to Sigma's USB dock, this should allow the user to fine-tune both a lens' performance and usability. 

Availability

Pricing and availability for the SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD and TAP-in Console will be announced soon. The SP 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD 1:1 Macro will be priced at $649 and is available for pre-order at the following links in the Canon EF mount and Nikon F mount, with an expected shipping date of February 25th. The Sony mount will arrive at a later date.