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Press Release

TAMRON ANNOUNCES SPRING RELEASE OF SUPER TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS FEATURING Di DESIGN

New SP AF200-500mm F/5-6.3 Di (Model A08) Ideal for Use with
Both Film and Digital SLR Cameras

February 12, 2004, Las Vegas, NV— Tamron Co., Ltd. (President CEO: Morio Ono) announced the new super telephoto zoom, SP AF200-500mm F/5-6.3 Di LD [IF] (Model A08), will be released late spring 2004.

Succeeding the AF200-400mm F/5.6 Di LD [IF] (model 175D), the new high-performance Di model has a telephoto range of 500mm and is a proud new addition to the Tamron SP-series. Featuring such accessories as a detachable filter effect controller (FEC), which enables easy control of the PL filter even when the hood is attached, and a removable tripod mount, the lens comes equipped with everything necessary for capturing quality sports and wildlife photographs. In addition, to meet the needs of this dual-format world (silver-halide and digital), the lens features Di (Digitally Integrated Design), the designation Tamron puts on lenses featuring optical systems designed to meet the performance characteristics of digital SLR cameras as well as film cameras.

Main Features

All the high depiction capabilities for which the Tamron SP-series is known
The SP AF200-500mm F/5-6.3 Di LD [IF] has even better resolution and contrast throughout the entire focal length range than the extremely popular AF200-400mm F/5.6 LD [IF] (model 175D), released in 1995.

Aberrations corrected through use of LD (Low Dispersion/Low Refraction) Elements
Axial color aberrations that are highly noticeable in many telephoto lenses have been reduced through the use of two LD elements, enabling clear, high-definition photographs at any focal length.

Super high definition picture maintains contrast
Due to highly balanced optical instrumentation, excellent contrast is achieved in the low frequency range, leading to high-resolution pictures across the entire image plane.

Engineering plastics lead to a lightweight lens
In order to greatly reduce the weight of the lens, the barrel components consist of highly durable, lightweight engineering plastics that excel in dimensional stability and strength.

Filter Effect Control (FEC) enables easy control of PL filters even when the hood is used
The lens features Filter Effect Control (FEC) for easy control of the included PL filter, essential for landscape photography. All previous lens models had the shortcoming of poor PL filter manipulation when the hood was attached. However, with the Tamron SP AF200-500mm F/5-6.3 Di LD [IF], users can adjust the PL filter even when the hood is attached by twisting the surrounding ring where the filter connects. The FEC can be removed if the user so desires.

Detachable tripod mount made of Magnesium Alloy
The lens features a tripod mount made of lightweight and highly durable magnesium alloy that is detachable with the simple touch of a button. Not only has the lens been made easier to handle when using a tripod, but its grip has also been improved for better handheld use.

The form and texture of the lens speak to the SP series’ high performance and precision
1. The two gold metal rings, symbolic of the SP series, are embedded in the lens, thereby improving the look while maintaining its recognition as part of the SP series.
2. The new rubber pattern on the zoom and focus rings, featuring a smaller, more elaborate design, offers a more comfortable grip, making the lens visually compliment the camera.
3. The graphic display on the lens features a more visible font.
4. The finish of the lens barrel utilizes a high quality, delicately wrinkled enamel that is not only durable but offers a comfortable feel.

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