Buying a new lens for your mirrorless or DSLR camera can be a daunting task. As well as considering compatibility, budget, and size, you need to decide whether the focal range suits your needs. While our camera lens buying guide can set you on the right path with focal length, aperture range, and other key features, you might still need help decoding precisely what all those letters on a Tamron lens actually mean.
Our Lens Decoder series aims to do just that — and we're kicking it off with Tamron.
Tamron Optical Technology Explained
Di — A lens designed for use on digital cameras. Di lenses are specifically made for full-frame DSLRs. Note that as Tamron's focus has shifted to mirrorless, Di and Di II are legacy designations primarily found on older DSLR-era lenses.
Di II — As above, but designed for APS-C format DSLRs.
Di III — Tamron's current designation for mirrorless camera lenses, compatible with full-frame mirrorless systems.
Di III-A — Specifically designed for APS-C format mirrorless cameras.
SP — Superior Performance. Tamron SP lenses are built to a high optical standard, with professional-level image quality taking precedence over cost.
XR — Extra Refractive Index. The lens contains XR glass elements that help decrease the overall optical length of the lens.
LD — Low Dispersion. These lens elements help compensate for chromatic aberrations.
XLD — Extra Low Dispersion. Controls both chromatic and magnification aberrations, delivering high levels of image detail, clarity, and contrast.
ASL — Aspherical. The lens contains hybrid aspherical elements that achieve optimal imaging performance in a compact package. These elements can do the work of several conventional elements, making them common in Tamron's compact zoom lenses.
GM — Glass Moulded aspherical elements, often found in Tamron's wide-angle lenses. They correct aberrations, minimise distortion, and maximise sharpness at the periphery.
XGM — Similar to GM elements, but also contribute to reducing the overall size of the lens.
eBand — An ultra-thin coating applied over the lens's multi-coating to deliver superior anti-reflective properties.
BBAR / BBAR-G2 — Broad Band Anti-Reflective coating. Tamron's well-regarded anti-reflective lens coating that reduces ghosting and flare for cleaner, higher-contrast images.
IF — Internal Focus. The front filter ring does not rotate during focusing, making circular polarising filters easy to use. The lens also maintains a consistent physical length during use.
ZL — Zoom Lock. A switch that prevents the lens from extending (creeping) when carried or transported — saving time in the field and protecting the lens during travel.
HL — Hood Lock. Tamron's hood locking mechanism, which prevents the lens hood from being accidentally dislodged.
VC — Vibration Compensation. Tamron's optical image stabilisation system, using a three-coil mechanism to counteract camera shake and produce sharper handheld images.
USD — Ultrasonic Silent Drive. A fast, quiet autofocus motor suitable for tracking fast-moving subjects.
HLD — High/Low torque-modulated Drive. A fast and precise AF motor in a compact form factor, often found in Tamron's smaller lenses.
OSD — Optimised Silent Drive. A fast and near-silent AF system, well suited to situations where minimal noise is important.
RXD — Rapid Extra-Silent Stepping Drive. Particularly effective at tracking moving subjects during video recording, and operates in near-silence — ideal for video work.
VXD — Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive. A linear focus motor designed for speed and precision, particularly suited to sports and action photography.
FLR — Fluorine Coating. Protects the front lens element from oil, water, and dust, and makes it significantly easier to clean.
MP-DR — Moisture-Proof and Dust-Resistant. The lens features rubber seals at each switch and joint, making it suitable for use in challenging outdoor conditions.
MR — Moisture Resistant. Leak-resistant seals are placed throughout the lens barrel to protect against light moisture exposure.
Shop Tamron Lenses at Ted's
Getting closer to your next lens purchase? Our product roundups can help you make the final call, and our friendly in-store staff are always happy to help if you need a hand. Browse the full Tamron lens range at Ted's Cameras.