The History of All-in-one zoom Lenses

• 01

  Commitment to excellence from the beginning

  Model 71D

  The story of TAMRON's all-in-one zoom lenses begins with the AF 28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 Aspherical (Model 71D), an SLR lens introduced in 1992. This lens featured a focal length of 28-200mm and a 7.1x zoom, one of the highest among SLR lenses in those days.

  Development of this lens began in 1989, nearly three years prior to its release. The assignment given to the development team was to create a lens of a size that made it easily portable. Indeed, all-in-one zoom lenses with almost the same focal length were already on the market, but they were large and heavy and delivered poor picture quality. All users (especially beginners) found them difficult to handle. To meet this challenge the development team set a goal of creating a lens as small as a cylinder, with a diameter as wide as a cigarette packet. Development began with the creation of a graph paper cylinder of that size as a reference sample.

  Because the concept of an easily portable all-in-one zoom lens was without precedent, development was extremely arduous and posed many conundrums for those involved. The development team created many prototypes and tested their resolutions, until a satisfactory optical performance was obtained. Finally, they succeeded in developing a model by applying the expertise TAMRON had accumulated through its extensive experience in another of its businesses: designing and manufacturing all-in-one zoom lenses for video cameras. Development also received a boost when the team was successful in mass-producing an aspherical (hybrid aspherical) lens with functions equivalent to those of multiple lenses.

  The first 28-200mm F3.8-5.6 zoom lens produced through their efforts was called the Model 71D, every aspect of which incorporated TAMRON's unique, creative innovations. The aspherical lenses were arranged in the positions which would permit a reduction in the number of lenses and increase design flexibility, while ensuring more effective aberration corrections. They also incorporated the Triple-Cam zoom system, which enables the cams to zoom and focus within a three-layer lens barrel, and an engineering plastic which protects the complex structure from shocks and helps reduce the weight of the product. In the production process, the optical axis tended to be tilted, and uniform precision was hard to obtain. The development team solved these problems by creating methods for checking and adjusting the precision. After nearly three years of effort, they finally completed a product that was ready to be marketed.

  The Model 71D thus released first became a hit in Europe and the United States. It later became popular in Japan, as a revolutionary replacement lens. However, the TAMRON development team was not satisfied with this result, because the MOD (Minimum Object Distance) (shortest possible distance between camera’s sensor plane mark and an object) of the Model 71D was still 2.1m. This distance was acceptable for a 200mm telephoto lens, but was unsatisfactory for a 28mm wide-angle zoom lens. Wide-angle photos need to be taken from up close to have the unique quality of exaggerated perspective. The long MOD was all the more problematic because the zoom lens was intended for shooting a variety of objects and scenes in everyday life.

• 02

  Shortening the MOD

  Model 171D, 371D

  In 1996, the AF28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 LD Aspherical IF Super (Model 171D) was released. The Model 171D differed markedly from its predecessor, the Model 71D, in the MOD. The distance, which was 2.1m for the Model 71D, was shortened to 0.52m, although this was available only when the lens was used at a focal length of 135mm. The Maximum Magnification Ratio, or the maximum size of the object on the film, increased from 1:9.5 to 1:4.8, making the Model 171D an even more user-friendly, all-in-one zoom lens.

  This upgrade was enabled by use of an alternative focusing system. The system adopted for the Model 71D was the front focus system, in which the large lens element in front was moved outward as the camera approached the object. The Model 171D instead used the internal focus system, which permitted focus by moving the small lens elements within the barrel (the length of the lens barrel remained unchanged irrespective of the shooting distance). This enabled shooting from up close without sacrificing performance. This upgrade was welcomed by camera aficionados. However, the development team was still not completely satisfied with this model, because its MOD fluctuated somewhat depending on the focal length.

  The AF 28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 LD ASPHERICAL [IF] SuperⅡ-Macro (Model 371D), released in 2000, was an all-in-one zoom lens with a close-up capability that finally satisfied all members of TAMRON's development team. Its MOD was 0.49m, only a little shorter than before, but this distance was available throughout the entire zoom range. The Maximum Magnification Ratio was 1:4 at the maximum focal length of 200mm. The Model 371D boasted specifications close to those of a macro lens.

• 03

  Achieving double-digit zoom: Another Breakthrough

  Model 185D

  Initially, the zoom range of TAMRON's all-in-one zoom lenses was just 28-200mm. To respond to demands from users who desired a longer focal length, TAMRON released the AF 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 LD Aspherical IF MACRO (Model 185D) in 1999. The zoom range of this lens was 28-300mm, with a maximum length 100mm longer than that of previous models. This increased the zoom to 10.7x. Although the size of this lens was slightly larger than the Model 171D and other models, the Model 185D was popular with users who wanted to photograph objects at longer distances. TAMRON's all-in-one zoom lenses were offered with two zoom ranges, 28-200mm and 28-300mm, until the lens designed exclusively for digital still cameras was released in 2005.

• 04

  Lighter, more compact lenses

  Model A03, A06

  In 2001, TAMRON released the AF28-200mm Super Zoom F/3.8-5.6 Aspherical XR [IF] MACRO (Model A03), the smallest and the lightest all-in-one zoom ever. The Model A03 featured a filter diameter of just 62mm, compared with 72mm for the Model 171D. This breakthrough was achieved using TAMRON's XR technology. Usually, glass material with a low refractive index is used for large lenses in the front to control aberrations. The revolutionary XR technology utilizes an optical design in which a glass material with a high refractive index is used for front lens elements, while aberrations are eliminated by lens elements in the back. Use of high refractive index glass for the front group reduced the total optical length, which permitted significant downsizing of the lens barrel. This is how the Model A03 was created. "A lens you can bring anywhere to take everything," the Model A03 was much closer to the ideal all-in-one zoom lens in terms of its size. It also differed entirely from previous models in exterior design. The XR technology was also incorporated into the AF28-300mm Ultra Zoom XR F/3.5-6.3 LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model A06) that was released in 2002. At this time, SLR cameras were undergoing a revolutionary change of historic proportions.

• 05

  All-in-one zoom lenses to meet the requirements of the Digital Era

  Model A061, A14, A031

  Around 2000, DSLR cameras, heretofore designed for professional photographers and enthusiasts, began to be available at more affordable prices. They quickly found a large market, given their excellent compatibility with digital devices such as PCs and inkjet printers. They also freed users from concerns over film and development costs. At the same time, however, DSLR cameras had sensitive characteristics for minute aberrations or flare. Unlike film cameras, the lens performance of DSLR cameras was directly reflected in the quality of pictures taken. Above all, picture quality was susceptible to flare caused by inner reflections. The use of lenses with weak coating led immediately to lower resolutions. The so-called telecentricity, or the idea that the light should hit the image sensor as perpendicularly as possible, was considered more important than before.

  TAMRON subsequently released the Di series of lenses featuring optical designs and coatings optimized for the properties of DSLR cameras. All-in-one zoom lenses were naturally included in the Di series models, and the AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model A061), which was based on the Model A06, was released in 2004.

  TAMRON also began developing an all-in-one zoom lens dedicated for DSLR cameras incorporating image sensors in the APS-C size (approx. 23.1 x 15.4mm), which are slightly smaller than full-size (36 x 24mm) sensors. And in 2005, TAMRON released the AF18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model A14), its first all-in-one zoom lens dedicated for DSLR cameras. The lineup of TAMRON's lenses dedicated for APS-C digital still cameras, including the Model A14, is known as the Di II series. The focal length of the Model A14 is 18-200mm. This is equivalent to about 27-300mm when used on a DSLR that has full size sensor. Naturally, the image circle (i.e., the circle of light that passes through the lens and onto the imaging sensor) of the Di II series was also made to fit the APS-C format.

  In 2006, the Model A03 was replaced by the AF 28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 XR Di Aspherical [IF] Macro (Model A031), a dedicated Di-series lens for DSLR cameras.

• 06

  Longer zoom ranges and the addition of VC (Vibration Compensation)

  Model A18, A20, B003

  In 2007, or 15 years after the release of the Model 71D, the Di II series all-in-one zoom lenses for DSLR cameras achieved a further increase in zoom. The AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model A18) was released that year. This model also boasted an impressive zoom of 13.9x. Surprisingly, its lens barrel was almost the same size as that of its predecessor, the Model A14, yet it weighed only 30g more.

  The same year also saw the release of the AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model A20), an all-in-one zoom lens equipped with built-in VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism that TAMRON had been developing for many years. At this time, incorporation of the VC mechanism was common among standard zoom and telephoto zoom lenses. The Model A20 was a Di-series lens compatible DSLR cameras with full-size sensors. Its focal length was 28-300mm. While its lens barrel was slightly larger and heavier than the previous model, it was superior to other models in that it delivered VC effects equivalent to about four stops in shutter speed. In addition, the TAMRON-exclusive three-coil system delivered a superb VC effect. It ensured stable viewfinder images, which looked as if they were pasted inside the finder. Many users were captivated by this groundbreaking intra-lens VC mechanism.

  It was not long before the VC mechanism was also incorporated in the Di II series all-in-one zoom lenses exclusively for APS-C DSLR cameras. In 2008, the AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model B003) was released. In addition to incorporating the VC mechanism, the Model B003 had a focal length of 18-270mm, with the maximum length exceeding that of the Model A18, and a zoom of 15x. The weight of the lens barrel increased with the incorporation of the VC mechanism, yet it was still comfortable to use thanks to the VC.

• 07

  The ideal all-in-one zoom lens

  Model B008

  Usually a DC motor was built into the AF unit of TAMRON's all-in-one zoom lenses. The DC motor is extremely cost-efficient and incorporates mature control technologies, eliminating virtually all possible practical issues associated with operations. However, the motor was sometimes considered too noisy. In response, TAMRON started to develop an all-in-one zoom lens with a completely new actuator (motor), which uses piezo elements to drive the AF unit. This new motor makes use of the properties of piezo elements, which change in shape when electrically charged, and represents a major contribution to the silent movement of the AF unit. The driving unit is also compact and can be housed in the lens barrel, where it occupies little space. TAMRON also downsized the VC mechanism. The result was the 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD (Model B008), an all-in-one zoom lens exclusively for DSLR cameras.

  By employing the PZD (Piezo Drive) standing wave ultrasonic motor and downsized VC unit, the Model B008 achieves a compact size close to that of Model A18. This size also fits entry-class DSLR cameras. The AF unit, gently driven by the piezo motor, creates the sensation that there is no lens, making the Model B008 an ideal all-in-one zoom lens that allows you to shoot photos naturally.

• 08

  In pursuit of the ultimate all-in-one zoom lens

  Model B016, B018, B028

  Expanding the possibilities of photographic expression

  In April 2014, the 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO (Model B016) hit the market to further upgrade the level of perfection from Model B008, which itself had embodied the ideal all-in-one zoom lens. Achieving an approximately 18.8x zoom and the long-awaited focal length of 16mm on wide end, Model B016 features an even longer focal length on the telephoto end than Model B008, specifically 300mm. With its macro capability enhanced at a Maximum Magnification Ratio of 1:2.9, it achieves a MOD of 0.39m. The new UXR (Ultra-Extra Refractive Index) glass and the latest optical design featuring optimal alignment of aspherical lenses have paved the way for size and weight reduction as well as sharp image quality. With its barrel in a totally new exterior look and with the brand ring made of tungsten silver color, it has a stylish appearance. An unprecedented shooting range, high image quality, high performance and high product quality make it appropriate to dub Model B016 the ultimate all-in-one zoom lens.

  A short while later, in June 2014, 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD (Model A010) for DSLR cameras and 14-150mm F/3.5-5.8 Di III (Model C001) for Micro Four Thirds system were released. In August 2015, 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC (Model B018) was launched as the latest entry in the best-selling Model A14 line. Incorporating VC mechanism, it features reduced weight and enhanced ease of use.

  A subsequent evolution of all-in-one zoom lenses brought 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD (Model B028), opening a new category of ultra-telephoto all-in-one zoom lenses in July, 2017. Designed for APS-C DSLR cameras, it is the world’s first1 ultra-telephoto all-in-one zoom lens covering a focal length range from 18mm to 400mm (28mm to 620mm in the 35mm format). While attaining 22.2x zoom and a focal length of 400mm on the telephoto end, it is 100mm longer than Model B016. It has been packed in a light, compact body (121.4mm/705g)2. Allowing users to smoothly control the 22.2x zoom, a three-step extension lens barrel was developed to provide comfortable zooming action and stability. In addition, for high precision autofocus, it incorporates TAMRON's original HLD (High/Low torque-modulated Drive). With modest power consumption, the HLD offers superior driving force and helps downsize the lens. The VC mechanism was upgraded to support the ultra-telephoto all-in-one zoom lens. In addition, it features an even more refined design with a focus on functionality and operability while maintaining the soft curve line structure and details of the SP lens series.

  1 Among interchangeable lenses for DSLR cameras (As of May, 2017; TAMRON)
  2 Length and weight are based on the Nikon-mount lens.

• 09

  The next frontier in all-in-one zoom lens design: developing faster lenses

  Model A071

  In 2020, TAMRON took another huge step forward and introduced the 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD (Model A071), an all-in-one zoom lens with a fast F2.8 aperture at the 28mm wide end. TAMRON continues to pursue fast aperture designs, even in the all-in-one zoom category, to produce more useful and versatile lenses.

  More than 30 years have passed since the first model, Model 71D, was released. TAMRON's all-in-one zoom lenses are evolving without interruption in a bid to expand the potential of photographic expression. TAMRON continues to add to its product lineup ambitious models that befit the company’s standing as the pioneer in all-in-one zoom lenses.