• Up to 4 Stops Vibration Compensation
• Ultrasonic Silent Drive (USD)
• Fast, Quiet & Accurate Autofocusing
• Outstanding Image Resolution
• Digitally Integrated (Di)
• 62mm Filter Size
• Full Length of 5.9″ (151.1mm)
• Weighs 26.98 oz (756 g)

Unparalleled optical performance in a fast and steady telephoto zoom: In the pursuit to achieve the most outstanding image resolution in the 70-300mm class, Tamron’s Anniversary lens – the SP AF 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD (Model A005) – utilizes an advanced optical design that features an LD (Low Dispersion) and an XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) lens element made from specialized materials that prevent chromatic aberration. As a result, the SP AF70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD (Model A005) boasts sharper contrast and greater descriptive performance than all others in its class. In addition, it is the first Tamron lens sporting a USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive), Tamron’s very own ultrasonic auto-focus drive mechanism. This USD mechanism delivers fast focusing, making it a perfect telephoto zoom choice for photographing sports, racing, or other fast-moving subjects. The lens also boasts Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization to assist in hand-held photography, not only at long focal length ranges where blurring is common, but also under low-lit conditions, dramatically enhancing photographic freedom. This comnbination of best in class image resolution, Ultrasonic Silent Drive and Vibration Compensation is a new achievement of Tamron technology, culminating in the production of a premium 70-300mm telephoto zoom lens.

1. New optical system optimized for digital cameras achieves top resolution in the 70-300mm class with specialized glass elements including an XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) lens

This lens’ advanced optical design employs a sophisticated XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) lens element made from specialized high-grade glass that has lower dispersive properties than standard LD lenses (where refraction causes the dispersion of white light into spectral hues). The dispersive properties of the XLD lens are at a level similar to fluorite, and in combination with a LD element make for an optimal optical design that delivers best in class resolution with advanced axial chromatic and magnification aberration correction – major inhibitors of image quality enhancement. The result is a lens that delivers sharp contrast and better descriptive performance throughout the entire zoom range.

2. Fast focusing USD ( Ultrasonic Silent Drive), the ultrasonic autofocus drive

The lens is equipped with Tamron’s first-ever ultrasonic auto-focus drive USD ( Ultrasonic Silent Drive). It achieves faster focusing making this telephoto lens perfect for photography of sports, motor racing, and other fast-moving subjects. With advanced motor technology and newly developed software, Tamron’s USD delivers precise and noiseless focusing at turbo speed.
USD ( Ultrasonic Silent Drive) Tamron’s USD works with the high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations that are produced by a ring called a ‘stator’. Energy from the vibrations is used to rotate an attached metallic ring known as the ‘rotor’. Piezoelectric ceramic, an element that produces ultrasonic vibrations when voltage of a specific frequency is applied is arranged in a ring formation on the stator. This electrode configuration of piezoelectric ceramic causes two ultrasonic vibrations to occur in the stator. By effectively combining these two ultrasonic vibrations, it is possible to convert the energy from the vibrations that produced simple motion into energy known as ‘deflective traveling waves’, which then moves around the circumference (rotation direction) of the ring. With the USD, the friction between these deflective traveling waves created on the metallic surface of the stator and the surface of the rotor produce force, causing the rotor to rotate. The focusing ring lens, which is linked to the rotor, is thus moved, creating a fast and smooth auto-focus drive.
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Reviews

Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD Review by tamronlensreview.com

Positives

• Very sharp, at f/5.6, the sharpness rival even the professional Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 professional telephoto zoom lens
• Vignetting is very well controlled (when tested in cropped sensor DSLR).
• Chromatic aberration is well controlled (other than at 300mm f/5.6).
• Distortion is very well controlled.
• VC (Vibration Compensation) feature. I can get sharp shots even at to 1/15th of a second.
• USD feature. Now the autofocus can be as fast and silent as Nikon’s AF-S or Canon’s USM lenses.
• Excellent value for money.

Negatives

• Chromatic aberration at 300mm f/5.6. But can easily be fixed in post processing or by stopping down to f/8
• A bit heavy for a non-professional telephoto zoom lens

Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DI VC USD review by Kim

The new Tamron is a strong performer where it counts: delivering great image quality in a variety of settings. The new USD focus system works well and so does the Vibration Control most of the time. They’re not fool-proof, mind you: when you combine high speeds and long distance, you’ll find their limits and you’ll have to fall back on your technique or a tripod.

Links

Press release