Morio Ono, President of Tamron Co., Ltd,.announced the successful development of a new series of 1/3"-format Vari-Focal lenses compatible with surveillance and security cameras equipped with image sensors having mega-pixel counts. The first three lenses of the new series are: 2.4-6mm F/1.2, 3-8mm F/1.0 and 5-50mm F/1.4.

The Development Concept

Increased demand by users for higher optical quality is a constant in this new era of surveillance and security. Additionally, prompted by a rapid progress in imaging technologies, environments that allow enhancement of image quality from surveillance systems are being formed with the advent of new image compression and digital transmission technologies as well as surveillance cameras equipped with image sensors having mega-pixel counts. In order to respond to such changes in the surveillance market, engineers at Tamron challenged the difficult task of developing lenses that meet such market needs, and developed a new series of 1/3"-format high-resolution Vari-Focal lenses that derive 100% of performance from surveillance cameras equipped with image sensors having mega-pixel counts.

Main Features Common to All Three Models

High optical quality that derives maximum performance of mega-pixel surveillance cameras Through the employment of innovative optical technologies, each lens delivers high-resolution and high-contrast images that are uniformly sharp from the center to the periphery. In particular, resolution in the image corner is almost double when compared to that of conventional lenses. Each model uses hybrid aspherical elements. In addition, the 3.0-8mm Vari-Focal uses elements made of special LD (low dispersion) optical glass material, to minimize various aberrations and ensure high optical quality while realizing the compact design. Tamron's original BBAR multiple-layer coatings are applied to prevent ghosting and flare. Highly accurate and high quality mechanical construction to achieve the maximum performance of the optical system Each and every mechanical component boasts high accuracy and is assembled with advanced manufacturing engineering technologies. As a result, constructional problems which are likely to cause image degradation through focal point shift or lopsided blur have been eliminated. Environmentally-friendly design Each model is designed with the environment in mind, including the "lead-free" concept for all electric/electronic components, in order to be in compliance with the RoHS, a strict European directive on environmental standards.

Main Features of Each Model

1/3" - format Mega-Pixel compatible 2.4-6mm F/1.2 While the lens covers f=2.4mm at its wide end (for an angle of view of 111.3°) and features a fast maximum aperture of F/1.2, it is an extremely compact Vari-Focal lens. Since the lens is capable of capturing a wide scope in high optical quality, it can be used effectively for cropping images from IP cameras. Also, it is an ideal lens for monitoring scenes in a confined space with a single camera, such as elevator halls or stores. 1/3" - format Mega-Pixel compatible 3-8mm F/1.0 While the optical quality is enhanced to support mega-pixel cameras through the employment of an advanced optical system, this versatile Vari-Focal lens covers the most popular focal length range of f=3-8mm. The focal length of f=3mm at its wide end (for angle of view of 90°) make the lens particularly convenient to use. While the lens is designed for high optical quality, it realizes a fast maximum aperture of F/1.0. It supports even a low-sensitivity mega-pixel sensor with its fast maximum aperture, providing an ideal solution for mega-pixel cameras used in relatively dark places. 1/3" - format Mega-Pixel compatible 5-50mm F/1.4 While supporting mega-pixel cameras with the fast maximum aperture of F/1.4, it covers the most popular telephoto focal length range of f=5-50mm. Tamron's engineers challenged the most difficult task of designing a high performance, high-power and fast Vari-Focal lens and accomplished the difficult task. The lens provides an ideal solution for various applications including outdoor surveillance, traffic monitoring and security in large facilities.