A new Tamron patent, JP2026-129519, hast recently come to light, detailing an ambitious ultra-telephoto zoom lens with a 12x range: a 50-600mm F4.5-7.3 VC. This design is explicitly for full-frame mirrorless camera systems, making it a highly plausible and exciting possibility for Sony E-mount shooters.
Specifications Breakdown
The core specs outlined in the patent include:
- Focal Length: 50-600mm
- Aperture Range: F4.5 at the wide end, slowing to F7.3 at the telephoto end. This relatively narrow maximum aperture at 600mm is likely to result in a more compact and lightweight lens than a faster equivalent, a key advantage for mirrorless systems.
- VC (Vibration Compensation): The design includes an integrated in-lens optical stabilization system, critical for achieving sharp results at the very long focal lengths this lens reaches, especially given the maximum aperture.
- Format: Full-Frame Di III
Optical Design and Features
The optical diagrams within the patent reveal a multi-group design that incorporates special glass elements, which are typical in Tamron’s high-performance lenses to manage chromatic and other aberrations across such a large zoom range. This includes a focusing group designed for quick and quiet operation, which would pair well with modern autofocus systems. The VC system’s presence is a major feature, providing essential stabilization that complements any in-body stabilization.
Potential for Sony E-mount
Given Tamron’s extensive and highly successful line of lenses for Sony E-mount, this patent is a strong indicator of a potential future product for the system. It would create a unique offering, bridging a wide range of shooting scenarios from standard telephoto to extreme ultra-telephoto in a single, likely manageably sized lens.
Conclusion
While this is an intriguing patent, it’s important to remember that not all patented designs enter production. However, it demonstrates Tamron’s innovative approach to telephoto lens design and suggests an exciting new option for full-frame mirrorless users could be on the horizon. We will be closely monitoring for any further news.
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via j-platpat