Tamron is developing a groundbreaking 50-200mm f/2.8 lens, a first-of-its-kind optic that promises a significant zoom range without sacrificing light-gathering capability. Patent documents filed in Japan reveal that this fast lens has been under development since at least 2022 and was recently granted this week.
According to the patent application, Tamron is responding to the growing mirrorless camera market’s demand for zoom lenses that offer a large zoom range, maintain a consistent aperture throughout that range, and minimize changes in weight distribution and length during zooming. The company emphasizes the inclusion of advanced corrective optics to minimize visual aberrations, aiming for optical performance comparable to professional 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses but with a wider field of view.
The design intends for minimal lens extension across the 50-200mm range, while maintaining optical quality at all focal lengths. Although the lens is expected to contain a substantial amount of glass, making it not “small,” Tamron aims for a more compact design than might be initially anticipated for such a lens specification.
The complexity of the optical formula is highlighted by comparison to existing Tamron zoom lenses with large ranges, such as the 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 and the 70-180mm f/2.8, both of which have less intricate optical designs. The new 50-200mm f/2.8 design appears even more complex than Tamron’s praised 35-150mm f/2-2.8 lens, signaling a significant step forward in optical engineering.
This development, alongside Canon’s recent 24-105mm f/2.8 lens, illustrates a trend in the industry towards faster and lighter zoom lenses, enabled by the shift to mirrorless camera systems. The new Tamron lens is poised to further push the boundaries of zoom lens technology, offering photographers an unprecedented combination of versatility and performance.
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