Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Lens Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Lens is a lightweight, compact, fast standard zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras. It expands upon the popular SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 zoom lens concept, offering enhanced photographic pleasure through its fast F/2.8 aperture, which allows for beautiful portrait shots with natural out-of-focus effects and faster shutter speeds. This lens provides excellent close-up shooting performance within its class, ensuring stress-free photography across all focal lengths and distances.

2. Key Features

• Fast F/2.8 Aperture: A constant maximum aperture of F/2.8 throughout the entire zoom range allows for excellent low-light performance and creative depth-of-field control.
• Compact and Lightweight Design: Engineered for digital SLR cameras with smaller-sized imagers, making it highly portable.
• Di II Technology: Lenses designed exclusively for digital cameras with APS-C sized sensors. These lenses are not intended for full-frame cameras or traditional film cameras.
• XR (Extra Refractive Index) Glass: This specialized glass bends light rays at steeper angles, allowing for a shorter, smaller-diameter, and lighter lens design without compromising image quality. It minimizes optical aberrations and enhances optical power distribution.
• LD (Low Dispersion) Glass: LD elements help to significantly reduce chromatic aberration, which is the tendency of different colors of light to focus at different points. This results in sharper images, especially at the telephoto and wide-angle ends of the zoom range.
• SP (Super Performance) Series: Part of Tamron's ultra-high-performance line, designed to exacting specifications for professional and demanding photographers, prioritizing superior optical performance.
• IF (Internal Focusing): The lens focuses without changing its external length, which is beneficial for handling and for use with polarizing filters.
• Zoom Lock (ZL) Mechanism: A convenient feature that prevents undesired extension of the lens barrel when carrying the camera/lens unit, ensuring the lens remains compact when not in use.
• Compatibility: Works with Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT, XTi, XS, XSi, K, G, X, 1D, 1Ds, 5D, 10D, 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D, 400D, 350D, 300D, 300, 620 and all other similar models.

3. Setup

3.1 Attaching the Lens

1. Ensure your camera is turned off before attaching or detaching the lens.
2. Remove the rear lens cap and the camera body cap.
3. Align the mounting index mark on the lens barrel with the corresponding index mark on your camera body.
4. Insert the lens into the camera mount and rotate it clockwise (for Canon EF-S mount) until it clicks securely into place. Do not force the lens.
5. Remove the front lens cap.

Figure 3.1: Side view of the Tamron 17-50mm lens, showing the focus and zoom rings, and the Tamron branding.

3.2 Attaching the Lens Hood

The included lens hood helps to prevent stray light from entering the lens, which can cause flare and ghosting. Align the lens hood with the front of the lens and twist it until it locks into place. Ensure it is securely attached and correctly oriented.

Figure 3.2: Front view of the Tamron 17-50mm lens, showing the front element and filter thread.

4. Operating the Lens

4.1 Auto Focus (AF) / Manual Focus (MF) Switch

Locate the AF/MF switch on the side of the lens barrel. Slide the switch to 'AF' for automatic focusing or 'MF' for manual focusing. When in 'MF' mode, rotate the focus ring to adjust focus manually. Ensure your camera's focus mode is also set accordingly.

4.2 Zooming

To change the focal length, rotate the zoom ring on the lens barrel. The focal length markings (17mm, 24mm, 35mm, 50mm) indicate the current zoom position. Rotate towards 17mm for a wider angle and towards 50mm for a more telephoto view.

4.3 Aperture Control

The lens features a constant maximum aperture of F/2.8. Aperture control is typically managed through your camera body's settings. Refer to your camera's instruction manual for details on adjusting aperture (f-stop).

4.4 Zoom Lock (ZL)

The Zoom Lock switch is located on the lens barrel. When the lens is set to 17mm, slide the 'LOCK' switch to engage the zoom lock. This prevents the lens from extending unintentionally during transport or when pointing the camera downwards. To unlock, simply slide the switch back.

5. Maintenance

• Cleaning the Lens: Use a soft, lint-free cloth specifically designed for optical surfaces to clean the lens elements. For stubborn smudges, use a small amount of lens cleaning fluid applied to the cloth, not directly to the lens.
• Dust Removal: Use a blower brush to remove dust from the lens surface before wiping. Avoid using abrasive materials or excessive force.
• Storage: When not in use, store the lens with both front and rear caps attached in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Consider using a desiccant to prevent mold growth in humid environments.
• Handling: Avoid dropping or subjecting the lens to strong impacts. Always hold the camera by the lens when carrying it with the lens attached to prevent strain on the camera mount.

6. Troubleshooting

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

For information regarding warranty coverage, service, or technical support, please refer to the official Tamron website or contact Tamron customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.