This new fast telephoto zoom from Tamron has some tough competition out there from Canon, Nikon and Sigma who all produce quality 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses. However, we are sure it will get some attention with a minimum focusing distance of 0.95m at all focal lengths and a magnification ratio of 1:3.1 at the 200mm focal length. This lens is most likely going to jump into the market at a reasonable price point to further increase its appeal. Tamron’s press release follows.
Press Release:

Tamron Announces the Launch of SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO

Tamron SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO

A lightweight, high-performance and fast tele-zoom realizing 0.95m (ft) MFD over the Entire Zoom Range

Mr. Morio Ono, President of Tamron Co., Ltd., has announced the launch of SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO, a lightweight, high-performance and fast tele-zoom lens designed for DSLR cameras with 35mm full-size image sensors.

The new SP AF70-200mm Di LD (IF) MACRO (Model AA001) is an F/2.8 fast tele-zoom designed for DSLRs with 35mm full-size image sensors, inheriting product concept of the existing SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di (Model A09) that is highly acclaimed as a compact and fast standard zoom lens enabling photographers to enjoy high cost　performance characteristics.

While dimensional increases are confined to the absolute minimum, the new SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO zoom lens offers the MFD (minimum focusing distance) of 0.95m over the entire zoom range for the maximum macro magnification ratio of 1:3.1 at f=200mm focal length, for stress-free photography, combined with the advantage of an internal focusing (IF) system. Read the rest of this entry »