The lens features 17 elements in 12 groups and includes a Extra Low Dispersion element made from "specialised high-grade glass that has lower dispersive properties than standard LD lenses where refraction causes the dispersion of white light into spectral hues," says Tamron.

The new model is equiped with a ultrasonic silent drive, which, Tamron claims, achieves faster focusing, making this lens perfect for sports photography. The drive works using "high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations that are produced by a ring called a stator," says Tamron. "Energy from the vibrations is used to rotate an attached metallic ring known as the rotor." The energy from the vibrations are than converted into a motion known as deflective travelling waves. "The friction between these deflective traveling waves created on the metallic surface of the stator and the surface of the rotor produce force, causing the rotor to rotate. The focusing ring lens, which is linked to the rotor, is thus moved, creating a fast and smooth auto-focus drive."

The lens also sports an image stabilisation system, a full time manual focus control, and a new Broad-Band Anti Reflection multilayer coating to reduce reflection.

Price and availability of the SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD have yet to be confirmed. For more information, visit intro2020.co.uk.