ENGLISH
Thank you for purchasing the Tamron lens as the latest addition to your photographic equipment.
Before using your new lens, please read the contents of this Owner’s Manual thoroughly to
familiarize yourself with your lens and the proper techniques for creating the highest quality
images possible. With proper handling and care, your Tamron lens will give you many years of
photographing beautiful and exciting pictures.
• Explains precautions that help to prevent problems.
• Explains things you should know in addition to basic operations.
NOMENCLATURE (Refer to Fig.
, if not specified)
①
Lens hood
②
Zooming ring
③
Focal length scale
④
Zoom index mark
⑤
Focusing ring
⑥
Distance scale
⑦
Distance index
⑧
VC (Vibration Compensation) switch
⑨
AF/MF switch (Figs.
&
)
⑩
Lens attachment mark
⑪
Lens mount/Lens mount contacts
SPECIFICATIONS
A012
Focal Length
15-30 mm
Maximum Aperture
F/2.8
Angle of View
110˚32' - 71˚35'
Optical Construction
13/18
Minimum Object Distance
0.28 m (11'') (throughout the entire zoom range)
Maximum Magnification Ratio
1:5 (at 30 mm : Minimum Object Distance 0.28 m)
Length
142.5 mm (5.6'')*
Maximum Diameter ø
98.4 mm (3.8'')
Weight
1,100 g (38.8 oz)*
* values are specifications of Nikon products.
Length: Distance from the lens front extremity to the mount surface.
Features and appearance of lenses listed in this owner’s manual are subject to change without
notice.
ATTACHING AND REMOVING THE LENS
How to mount the lens
Removing the rear cap of the lens. Align the Lens attachment mark
⑩
on the lens barrel with
its counterpart on the camera mount and insert the lens.
Rotate the lens clockwise until it click-locks. For Nikon models, align the lens attachment mark
with the dot on the camera and rotate the lens counter-clockwise until it click-locks.
How to detach the lens
Pressing the lens release button on the camera down, turn the lens counter-clockwise (in case
of Nikon lens, clockwise), and lift the lens off the camera’s lens mount.
Ensure that the camera is turned off when attaching or removing the lens.
For further details, please read the instruction manual of your camera.
FOCUSING (Autofocus)
and using the full-time manual function
In case of a Nikon or Canon camera, switch the AF/MF switch
⑨
on the lens to AF (Fig.
). In
case of a Nikon camera with the focus mode selector dial, set the focus mode to S, C or A, and
then set the AF/MF switch
⑨
on the lens to AF. Press the shutter button halfway down while
viewing through the camera’s viewfinder, the lens focuses automatically. An in-focus mark will
light when lens focuses on the main subject sharply. Press the shutter button further to
photograph.
In case of a Sony camera, switch the AF/MF switch
⑨
on the lens to AF (Fig.
), and set the focus
mode on the camera to Auto focus (AF). Press the shutter button halfway down while viewing
through the camera’s viewfinder, the lens focuses automatically. An in-focus mark will light when
lens focuses on the main subject sharply. Press the shutter button further to photograph.
Using the full-time manual function
A012 is equipped with the full-time manual function.
The full-time manual function is a function that the focus can be fine-tuned by the manual
focus without switching the AF/MF changing switch when taking a picture of auto focus.
How to use the full-time manual function
First, set the focus mode to “AF”.
You can adjust focus manually while turning the focus ring in the shutter button is pressed
lightly.
The distance scale
⑥
is marked for guidance purposes. The actual focal point may slightly differ
from the distance marked on the focal length index.
For further details, please read the instruction manual of your camera.
FOCUSING (Manual Focus) (Ref. Figs.
,
&
)
In case of a Nikon or Canon camera, switch the AF/MF switch
⑨
on the lens to MF (Fig.
). In
case of a Nikon camera with the focus mode selector dial, set the focus mode to M, and then set
the AF/MF switch
⑨
on the lens to MF. Focus manually rotating the focusing ring
⑤
while viewing
through the camera’s viewfinder (Fig.
). The main subject in the viewfinder will be sharp when
the lens is focused correctly.
In case of a Sony camera, switch the AF/MF switch
⑨
on the lens to MF (Fig.
), and set the
focus mode on the camera to Manual focus (MF). Focus manually rotating the focusing ring
⑤
while viewing through the camera’s viewfinder (Fig.
). The main subject in the viewfinder will be
sharp when the lens is focused correctly.
Even in the MF mode, when turning focusing ring
⑤
while pressing the shutter button halfway, the focus
aid function lamp lights up when the picture is in focus.
At infinity, make sure the image in the viewfinder appears sharp. The infinity position is made with certain
allowances to insure proper focus under a variety of conditions.
For further details, please read the instruction manual of your camera.
VC MECHANISM (Ref. Figs.
,
&
)
(Mounted for Nikon and Canon models)
VC (Vibration Compensation) is a mechanism which reduces the image blur caused by hand-held
shooting.
How to use VC mechanism
1) Set the VC switch
⑧
on.
*When VC is not used, set the switch off.
2) Press the shutter button halfway to verify the effect of the VC.
When the shutter button is pressed down halfway, it takes about 1 second for the VC to
provide a stable image.
The VC can be effective for hand-held shots under the following conditions.
Dimly lit locations
Scenes where flash photography is forbidden
Situations where your footing is uncertain
The VC may not be able to give full effect in the following cases:
When a photograph is taken from a fast moving vehicle
Shooting during the excessive movement of the camera
When taking photographs using a tripod
Turn the VC switch OFF when taking pictures with the bulb setting or during long exposures. If
the VC switch is ON, the VC mechanism may introduce errors.
With the VC mechanism, there are occasions that the image in the viewfinder blurs right after the
shutter button is pressed down halfway, but this is not a malfunction.
When the VC is ON, the number of images recordable is reduced due to the power used from the
camera.
When the VC is ON, immediately after the shutter button is pushed halfway down and
approximately 2 seconds after a finger releases the shutter button, the camera will “click”. This
sound is the VC's locking mechanism activating, not a malfunction.
Turn the VC switch OFF when using tripod.
After releasing the shutter button, the VC will continue to operate for about 2 seconds until the
locking mechanism activates.
When the lens is removed from the camera while VC is activating, the lens may make clicking sound when
the lens is subjected to a jolt. This is not a malfunction.
The VC activates while the “release” button is pushed halfway down. (It is activated 2 seconds after the
shutter button is released)
VC can be used in AF or MF mode.
ZOOMING (Ref. Figs.
&
)
Rotate zooming ring
②
of the lens while viewing through the camera’s viewfinder and compose
your image at the chosen focal length.
LENS HOOD
The lens hood is installed as standard. It is fixed to the lens and cannot be removed.
PRECAUTIONS IN SHOOTING
The optical design for Di takes into consideration the various features of digital single reflex
cameras. However, due to the configuration of the digital single reflex cameras, even when the
autofocus accuracy is within specifications, the focal point may be a little forward or behind the
optimum point when shooting with autofocus under some conditions.
The Tamron lenses described here employ an internal focusing (IF) system. Because of the
characteristics of this optical design, the angles of view at distances other than infinity are wider
than that of the lenses applying an ordinary focusing system.
When the built-in flash on the camera is used, the light from the flash may be blocked by the
lens and hood shadow may appear at the bottom of the image. Vignetting may also be observed
when using a separate flash depending on your equipment and the shooting conditions.
Certain camera models may indicate the maximum and minimum aperture values of the lens in
approximate numbers. This is inherent to the design of the camera and not an indication of an
error.
Please be aware that there is no infrared index line on any models listed in this owner's manual,
and therefore, practically, no black-and- white infrared film can be used with these lenses.
This lens is an ultra-wide-angle lens. Due to the shape of the front element, it is not possible to
attach filters to prevent vignetting. It is also not possible to install rear filters.
TO ENSURE LONG-TERM SATISFACTION
Avoid touching the glass element surface. Use a photographic lens cloth or blower to remove
dust from the lens element surface. When not using the lens, always place a lens cap on it for
protection.
Use a lens cleaning tissue or lint cloth with a drop of cleaning solution to remove fingerprints or
dirt on the glass lens surface with a rotary motion from the center to the edge.
Use a silicon cloth to clean your lens barrel only.
The front element has been coated to prevent water and oily substances from adhering. This
coating will repel liquids such as lens cleaners. To clean the lens, we recommend at the end to
wipe it with a dry cloth.
Mildew is an enemy of your lens. Clean the lens after shooting near water or in any humid place.
Store your lens in a clean, cool and dry place. When storing the lens in an lens case, store it with
commercially available drying agent such as silicagel, and change the agent occasionally. If you
find mildew on your lens, consult an authorized repair shop or nearby photographic store.
Do not touch the lens-camera interface contacts since dust, dirt and/or stains may cause a
contact failure between the lens and camera.
When using your equipment [camera(s) and lens(es)] in an environment where the temperature
changes from one extreme to the other, make sure to put your equipment temporarily in a case
or a plastic bag for a length of time in order for the equipment to go through a gradual
temperature shift. This will reduce potential equipment trouble.
