Intro by Skip Cohen

At the end of August last year Tamron introduced two new lenses that set an unbeatable standard for quality optics. I shared a post at the time which included a short sound byte with Erik Valind. Well, this week Tamron does it again with three stellar announcements. 

But don't take my word for it. Visit your Tamron dealer and check these new products out for yourself, along with the SP35mm and SP45mm introduced last year. Just click on the tab below to find a Tamron dealer nearest you.


Announcing the launch of the SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F016), the world's first*1 fast-aperture lens with VC (Vibration Compensation). Tamron's acclaimed VC makes it possible to take handheld photographs in dim light or at night. The 85mm SP lens uses LD (Low Dispersion) and XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) glass elements in the optical design to minimize color fringing and to achieve sharp and clear image quality with high-fidelity color. ​

​Pricing and delivery dates to be announced shortly.

[1] Among 85mm F/1.8 interchangeable lenses for full-frame DSLR cameras (as of February 21; Tamron). 

​​For the first time, customers can update firmware in selected Tamron lenses and customize various lens functions to meet their needs simply by attaching a Tamron TAP-in Console™ and running the Tamron TAP-in Utility software on their PC or Mac. Previously, firmware updates could be performed only at a Tamron Customer Service Center. Using the new accessory and an internet connection, customers can access a dedicated website and update firmware themselves anytime, anywhere. In addition, selected lenses can be customized by changing various settings (described below) to match the customer's preferences based on how they like to use the lens, making it even more versatile and user-friendly.

The TAP-in Console™ is expected to be available in March. The price will be announced shortly.
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I love working with the Tamron team because there's so much more involved than just great glass! This company is about education and helping photographers, whether professional, aspiring pros or serious hobbyists, raise the bar on the quality of their images. It's also a company with a tech team that sets the standard for their passion and search for the ultimate image.

With WPPI and ShutterFest coming up next month, make it a point to visit the Tamron booth and get to know the team. You'll never be disappointed in the help and time they're willing to give to help you become a stronger artist with images to match.

In the meantime, meet my good buddy, Jillian Bell. She's the author behind one of Tamron's FREE eBooks, this one on Sports Photography. It's especially challenging for many of you this time of year because you're either shooting indoor sports or you're outside in bright sun with a lot of reflective snow, cold blue skies etc.

Click on the cover above to download the complete Sports Photography book!

I love the way Jillian's eBook lays out a series of helpful sports photography tips, each one with an image, the settings, lens she's chosen and a specific shooting tip. The book is loaded with good content to help you become an even better photographer!

Click on any book in the series below to link to each download from Tamron's website!

What a kick to get my good buddy Kevin Gilligan to stand still long enough for a podcast today and talk about his trip to Zion National Park last year. Just click on the sound byte above to hear the podcast. It's also fun to share some of his images, but a more complete body of work is on his website and featured in Tamron's newsletter today. 

Kevin is one of Tamron's Image Masters, and we first met when I did a podcast with him last year. Then, like so many relationships in photography, the friendship just grew as we discovered how much we had in common with our love for imaging. In fact, one of the best guest posts I've shared here at SCU is Kevin's three part series on putting together your own photographic show for the public. There's a lot more involved than just putting prints on display in a gallery.

Regarding this special post and podcast today, for his birthday last year, he gave himself a present, a solo trip with his creativity, his camera and some of his favorite Tamron lenses. A BIG thanks to Kevin's family for giving him the "alone time space".  Out of this trip came some stunning images and all with Kevin's never-compromise-on-quality signature.

To see more of Kevin's work, click on the link below and sign up for Tamron's free newsletter. Then bookmark Kevin's website so you can follow his travels and images throughout the year.

I shared this video in a blog post a couple of years ago, but it's so loaded with great information, thanks to Tamron USA and Rick Lieder, I decided to share it again and include some of the screen shots of his images.

There's so much great information in Tamron's video archives. Whether you're into macro work with "critters" like Rick or not makes no difference. This "Tipcast" is loaded with great ideas to help you raise the bar on your technique. Even if you're a wedding photographer shooting macros of the flowers, the rings or an heirloom cake knife you need to create exciting images!

That quote I shared up top really says a lot about Rick and the way he approaches macro-photography. It's the same way all artists need to challenge themselves, have the right tools and set a goal to make your work different from what your competitors are sharing.

Check out more of Rick's work with this special post from the SCU archives. And, if you're not familiar with the incredible glass Tamron has been producing, find a Tamron dealer near you! There are some terrific rebates going on through February 29. Just click the banner below to find out more and hit their dealer locator.