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Lens Maintenance

Periodic cleaning is recommended in order to help keep the lens looking good and to prolong its operation over its lifetime. This information will help prevent mold or mildew from forming on the lens surface, as well as on the inside.
The following instructions explain how mildew is generated and how to maintain lenses.

  • Types of stains on the lens.

    Dust, fingerprints, sweat, saliva, rain, mildew, pollen, etc.

    Various types of stains can adhere to a clean-looking lens, This will depend on lens usage and storage conditions.

    <How mildew grows>
    When the lens is moved suddenly from a warm to a cold place, condensation may form on the outside of the lens surface, as well as the front and rear lens elements.
    Conversely, when a lens is brought from a place in cold weather into a warm room, the temperature difference between the lens and room atmosphere may cause condensation to form inside the lens.
    Water stains occur when the lens fogs up, which appears cloudy, after the fine moisture generated by condensation or other such phenomena remains on the lens surface for an extended period of time. More permanent staining can occur when dust, contaminants, or other substances settle onto the lens while condensation is present. If the lens is not cleaned properly, mildew will begin to grow, furthering the staining of the lens.

    A water stained lens cannot be completely returned to its former state.
    To avoid condensation forming put your lens in a lens case or pouch to help prevent any sudden fluctuation in temperature around the lens. After the lens has acclimated to the ambient temperature, remove it from the case or pouch and use it as usual.

  • Lens storage method

    • Avoid storing your lens in environments with high temperatures or high humidity. Store it in a well-ventilated place.
    • When using desiccants, store your lens in an airtight moisture-proof case or plastic bag.
      (Be aware of the expiration date. Desiccants that have absorbed moisture can cause adverse effects.)
    • When storing lenses in a moisture-controlled cabinet, remove the lens from the camera body, filter, and any other attachments, and store the lens with only the lens caps attached.
    • Even if a lens is not used for a long time, regularly attach the lens to a camera, take some test shots to ensure everything is working and remove it. Turn the zoom and focus rings to ventilate the inside of the lens.


    Shooting conditions that require extra care

    • Locations with high humidity.
      When you return from mountains in the winter (e.g. ski resorts) or the sea, extend the zoom position of the lens to its maximum focal length to dry the lens. After the lens has dried well, store your lens.
    • Dusty locations
      When you return from a dusty location such as a playground, sandy beach, or desert, remove all dust and dirt using a blower or a similar tool.

  • Lens maintenance methods

    Use a blower, lens cloth, lens cleaner, and lens cleaning paper.
    Note: Never use benzene, thinner, or other organic solvents.

    1. 1. Remove dust and debris from the lens surface using a blower or soft brush.

    2. 2. Absorb a small amount of the cleaning solution using the cleaning paper. Gently wipe the lens in a spiral pattern starting from the center moving to the outside.
      Note: Do not use lens cleaners on lenses with a fluorine coating. Use only a dry microfiber cloth to clean the lens.

    3. 3. Wipe the lens barrel with a cleaning cloth. Do not use lens cleaners or other substances.

  • Lenses with fluorine coating

    Lenses with a fluorine coating which is applied to the surface of the front element have a good water and oil repellency, making it easier to wipe stains from the lens surface. See below for the list of Tamron lenses featuring the fluorine coating.

    Since the fluorine coating repels lens cleaners, wipe the front element of these lenses with only a dry cloth.

    Ultra wide-angle SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A041)
    SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A012)
    17-35mm F/2.8 Di OSD (Model A037)
    10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di ll VC HLD (Model B023)
    11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Model B060)
    17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A046)
    Standard SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 (Model A032)
    17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Model B070)
    28-75mm F/2.8 Di lll RXD (Model A036)
    All-in-one 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di ll VC PZD (Model B008TS)
    28-200mm F/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD (Model A071)
    Telephoto 35-150mm F/2.8-4 Di VC OSD (Model A043)
    SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 (Model A025)
    70-210mm F/4 Di VC USD (Model A034)
    SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD (Model A030)
    70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A056)
    Ultra-telephoto 100-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A035)
    SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 (Model A022)
    150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD (Model A057)
    Fixed focal SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F012)
    SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F013)
    SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F016)
    SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F017)
    20mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 (Model F050)
    24mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 (Model F051)
    35mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 (Model F053)
    SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD (Model F045)

    Image illustrates resistance to grime (oil-based felt marker)
    Left side: Without Fluorine Coating
    Right side: With Fluorine Coating