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14th, February 2007
Tamron Co., Ltd.
Tamron announces an AF 3X zoom lens module in a remarkably compact package
with SQUIGGLE™*1 Piezo Ceramic Motors
AF 3X zoom lens module in a remarkably compact package
3GSM '07, Barcelona, Spain - Tamron took on the pioneering job as a supply source of optics for 3 Mega Pixel mobile phone cameras that deliver discernable advancements in image quality, yet maintain a low profile in optical track length. Integrating the company's core technologies - aspherical elements in both molded glass and plastic injection, precision molded barrel components controlled within micron order tolerances, and meticulous assembly process to ensure ultimate concentricity between elements - the 3 Mega Pixel optics achieve unprecedented clarity in mobile image depiction.

Taking another bold step forward, Tamron introduces an all new AF 3X zoom lens compatible with 3 Mega Pixel sensors while materializing an astonishingly compact chassis. To design a genuine zoom lens that allows the full range of focusing from infinity to macro at any focal length setting was a significant challenge in itself due to the minimized dimensions of mobile phone cameras. The solution Tamron presents is a mere 10.8mm(H)x 18.2mm(W)x 16.3mm(L) module size, which will offer tremendous flexibility and versatility in layout for handset manufacturers. "We believe the era of zoom lenses will begin toward the latter half of this year, and that will simultaneously push mobile imaging to a new height," predicts Mr. Morio Ono, president & CEO of Tamron Co., Ltd., Japan. "We recognized the pixel trend of image sensors toward higher density for mobile applications had been accelerating in the last few years, which in turn will trigger a sort of paradigm shift in the image quality of mobile phone cameras. The 3X zoom is the first proposed solution from Tamron along this line."

Demand for form factors will be diversified. Drives for smaller packages will be intensified. As a result, innovation in actuators, including those for shutter as well as focus and zoom, is becoming imminent. Tamron is prepared to address such needs, too, expanding the scope of its component design and manufacturing capabilities. Mobile imaging undoubtedly shall play an ever critical role in the world of ubiquitous communication from personal life to business scenes. Tamron is determined to explore the limit of optics in approaching new era of imaging.

*1 SQUIGGLE is a registered trademark of New Scale Technologies, Inc., USA.