Tamron has introduced three lightweight, compact lenses featuring optical systems designed to meet the performance characteristics of digital SLR cameras as well as film cameras. All three lenses contain multi-coating to reduce ghosting and flare.

The AF28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 XR Aspherical [IF] Macro (Model A031), a high-power zoom lens designed for both digital and film cameras. A 7x magnification power is now available when used with digital SLR cameras. The lens has a telephoto zoom range up to a 310mm equivalent on an interchangeable lens-type digital SLR camera, as well as 28mm wide-angle image capability on a conventional 35mm film SLR camera.

The AF70-300mm f/4-5.6 LD Macro 1:2 (Model A17), is a high-quality telephoto zoom lens with a macro capability of 1:2. With the 70-300mm telephoto zoom, flipping a macro switch in the focal length range of 180mm to 300mm produces a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2, allowing close-up shots that normally require the use of a special macro lens.

The new AF17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] is designed for exclusive use with digital SLR cameras (APS-C size), featuring true wide angle. The focal length is equivalent to 26-78mm when converted to a 35mm format, and the wide-angle focal length is established at 17mm (26mm equivalent). The fast f/2.8 aperture provides a natural, out-of-focus effect for portraits, and a broader photographic expression is possible through the use of faster shutter speeds as a result of the maximum aperture. The minimum focus distance of 0.27m over the entire zoom range achieves a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.5 at 50mm.

The AF28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 lens has a minimum advertised price of $299; the AF70-300mm f/4-5.6 LD Macro 1:2 is $189; and the AF17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II is $449.