Five-year warranty for new Tamron 15x zoom

March 2, 2011: Maxwell International has launched the long-awaited 60th anniversary Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD lens, supported by a 5-year Australian warranty.

The new lens is the world’s lightest and smallest 15x zoom lens, according to Tamron. Its 18-270mm focal range defines it as an all-purpose workhorse for the photo-enthusiast and traveller.

This ultra-high-power zoom lens for digital SLRs with APS-C sized sensors is being introduced in Canon and Nikon mounts, shortly followed by the development of a Sony-compatible model.

‘This “one lens solution” is targeted at photo enthusiasts who may have the basic starting kit or a twin lens kit but finds performance and weight/bulk of these unacceptable, explained Maxwell International national sales and marketing manager, Paul Gibbs. ‘This is particularly the case for those contemplating bushwalking, travel photography or family sports photography. No need to lug around multiple lenses when this option is on offer!’

He said the normal Australian warranty on Tamron lenses remains at two years and there is no intention of extending all Tamron lens warranties to five years.

‘The bonus three years offered on this product for an introductory period will certainly be appealing to retailers and end users alike,’ he said.

‘The warranty only applies to lenses that we as official Australian importer bring into Australia – and claims for lenses with serial numbers not matching those imported will not receive the bonus as they attempt to register for the additional three years.

The 5-year warranty reflects Maxwell’s confidence in the build and overall quality of the commemorative lens, and delivers attractive added value to Australian consumers weighing up local purchase against the imported alternative.

The 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD (Model B008) features a 62mm filter diameter, VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilisation and Tamron’s first standing wave ultrasonic motor system for DSLR lenses, designated PZD (Piezo Drive). Tamron says the new drive delivers faster, quieter autofocus.

Key features:

– The world’s highest zoom range (at 15x magnification) for a lens of its compact size and light weight. Measures 88mm from mount face to the tip of the lens, and 74.4mm in diameter, and weighs 450 grams;
– Silent, high-speed autofocus in a compact lens due to the incorporation of Tamron’s new PZD autofocus technology;
– Minimum focusing distance of 0.49m throughout the zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.8;
– Lens construction: 16 elements in 13 groups; diaphragm: 7 blades;
– Minimum apertures: f/22-f/40
– Australia-only 5-year warranty for the lens provided it is purchased purchased from retailers sourcing from Maxwell International Australia on or before August 31, 2011.

Tamron’s Nikon-mount lenses featuring an internal AF have until now been designated ‘N II’. Lenses using a coupler system without an internal AF motor were designated as ‘N’. As future lens introductions for Nikon will have the internal AF motor as a standard feature, Tamron has decided to simplify the designation of all Nikon-mount lenses as ‘N’, eliminating the ‘N II’ designation for future models. This change will be effective from the 18-270mm, Model B008.

The lens is available now for Nikon and Canon DSLRs, at an RRP fof $849. The Sony-mount version will arrive in May.

For more information, visit: www.maxwell.com.au/tamron