Tamron has announced the TAP-in Console (Model TAP-01), a new Accessory that allows users to calibrate their lenses, customize some lens feature behavior, and update lens firmware, without any need to return a lens to Tamron for those types of services.
You can now update firmware in selected Tamron lenses and customize various lens functions simply by attaching a Tamron TAP-in Console and running the Tamron TAP-in Utility software. Feb 22, 2016 - Tamron TAP-in Utility Software screenshot. Image by DPReview. In addition to downloading and installing the latest firmware updates yourself,. Tamron Products offer zoom, prime, telephoto and macro lenses for your cameras.
This new device is designed so that a lens connects to it in the same way you would attach a lens to a camera lens mount, then connects to a computer via a USB port for communication with Tamron's Utility Software.
This accessory is designed to work with the Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F016), SP 90mm f/2.8 USD Macro (Model F017), SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F013), and SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F012). Note that the 45mm and 35mm lenses may require a trip to Tamron for an update before they will be compatible with this new accessory.
The new Tamron TAP-in Console is expected to be available in March 2016. Pricing has yet to be determined.
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See the press release below for more information:
TAMRONANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF ACCESSORY
THATENABLES FIRMWARE UPDATES AND CUSTOMIZED SETUPS
FORSELECTED LENSES
TamronTAP-in Console™TM(Model TAP-01)
February22, 2016, Commack, New York- announces the launch of the Tamron TAP-in Console™ (ModelTAP-01), a new lens accessory that enables firmware updating andcustomized setups for selected Tamron lenses. The TAP-in Console™is expected to be available in March. The price will be announcedshortly.
PRODUCTHIGHLIGHTS
Forthe first time, customers can update firmware in selected Tamronlenses and customize various lens functions to meet their needssimply by attaching a Tamron TAP-in Console™ and running the TamronTAP-in Utility software on their PC or Mac. Previously, firmwareupdates could be performed only at a Tamron Customer Service Center.Using the new accessory and an internet connection, customers canaccess a dedicated website and update firmware themselves anytime,anywhere. In addition, selected lenses can be customized by changingvarious settings (described below) to match the customer'spreferences based on how they like to use the lens, making it evenmore versatile and user-friendly.
1.Custom Options
Witha Tamron TAP-in Console™, customers can do the following things.
Update firmware
- Updatethe firmware of compatible lenses
- Updatethe firmware of the TAP-in Console™ itself
Customize functions of selected lenses
- Focusadjustment
- Focusdistance limiter customization (only for lenses that have the FocusLimiter feature)
- Full-timeManual Focus override customization (only for lenses that have theFull-time Manual Focus feature)
- VCadjustment (only for any lenses with VC)
- Savecustomized data files
Tamron Firmware Update
2.TamronTAP-in Utility Software
Customersdownload the free Tamron TAP-in Utility and install it on their Macor PC. Updating firmware and customizing various lens functions is aseasy as connecting the TAP-in Console™ with a USB cable and makingselections. An internet connection is required for firmware updates.
3.Updating Firmware
Customerscan update firmware of selected Tamron lenses using this utilitysoftware. Additionally, the firmware in the TAP-in Console™ unitcan be updated as needed. Using an internet connection and theutility software, users can access a dedicated website and easilyconfirm that the lens attached to the TAP-in Console™--and theConsole™ itself--have the most up-to-date firmware. If a newerversion is available, updating is quick and secure.
4.Customization of Selected Tamron Lenses
Variouslens functions can be customized, depending on the lens model andbuilt-in features.
(1)Focus adjustment
Focuscan be adjusted in three distance regions: close, intermediate, andfar ranges. For zoom lenses with variable focal length ranges,adjustments can be made for up to eight segments, which means thatfocus adjustment for a combined total of up to 24 regions ispossible. Fixed-focal length lenses have only one segment, socustomization for the three distance regions is possible. Theconditions and range of possible adjustments may differ according tothe lens model.
(2)Focus distance limiter customization
Forlenses equipped with a Focus Limiter switch, it is possible to adjustthe autofocus drive range by setting the near and far limitsaccording to user preferences. If the Focus Limiter switch has threepositions, setting the middle position is also possible. Only lensmodels equipped with the Focus Limiter function can be adjusted. Theconditions and range of possible adjustments may differ according tothe lens model.
(3)VC adjustment (only for any lenses with VC)
Userscan choose the VC (Vibration Compensation) mode they prefer from theselection below for any TAP-in Console™ compatible Tamron lensequipped with the VC system.
Prioritize viewfinder image stabilization: This mode places priority on the stability of the viewfinder image
Standard (Factory Default): This mode is the same as the factory default, and strikes a balance between the stability of the viewfinder image and vibration compensation effects
Prioritize stabilization of captured images: This mode ensures stable vibration compensation effects
Theseoptions apply only to lens models equipped with the VC system. Theconditions and range of possible adjustments may differ according tothe lens model.
(4)Full-time Manual Focus override customization
Forany lens with a Full-timeManualFocusoverride system, you can set the mode to ON or OFF. In addition, youcan optimize the sensitivity of the focus ring to your preferencerelative to its angular rotation anywhere between High and Low, whensetting the manual focus mode menu button to ON.
5.Compatible Tamron Lenses (Asof February 2016: in the order of product launch, starting with thenewest)
SP85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F016): Launch date TBA
ForNikon and Canon. Sony-compatible model to be released later.
SP90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F017): To be launched February25, 2016
ForNikon and Canon. Sony-compatible model will be released later.
*By first updating firmware to the most up-to-date version with use ofTAP-in Console™, it becomes possibleto use all the functions of TAP-in Console™ compatible with thislens.
SP45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F013): Launched in September 2015
ForNikon and Canon. Sony-compatible model will be released later.
*Initialfirmware update by Tamron service facility is required to enablecompatibility with the TAP-in Console™.
SP35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F012): Launched in September 2015
ForNikon and Canon. Sony-compatible model will be released later.
*Initialfirmware update by Tamron service facility is required to enablecompatibility with the TAP-in Console™.
▪Aboutthe firmware updating service for SP35mm F/1.8 (Model F012) andSP45mm F/1.8 (Model F013)
Thefirmware update service will begin soon. Additional information willbe provided on the Tamron website and by authorized distributorsand/or service facilities by the time of launch.
* Functionality of this software program is not guaranteed on all Windows computers
* Functionality of this software program is not guaranteed on all Mac computers.
Thissoftware program operates on a computer satisfying the followingconditions.
SPECIFICATIONS
Product name
: TamronTAP-in Console™ (Model TAP-01)
Interface (Computer side)
: USB 2.0
Interface (Lens side)
: Nikon, Canon, and Sony
Power Supply
: USB bus-powered
Power Source
: MAX. 500mA
Dimensions
: (W/D)φ72mm (H) 26mm[(W/D) 2.8in (H) 1in]
Weight
: 70g/ 2.5oz (TAP-in Console™)
Operating Temperature
: 0°C -40°C (32°F - 104°F)
Operating Humidity
: 85% or less
Standard Accessories
: USB cable, Cap
Dedicated Software Program
: TAMRON TAP-in Utility
* Free download from Tamron website
Compatible Mounts
: For Canon, Nikon, and Sony
* Only selected lenses made by Tamron
Specifications,appearance, functionality, etc. are subject to change without priornotice.
TAP-INCONSOLE™: EXTERNAL APPEARANCE
Tamron Tap-in Console Software Download For Windows 7
The photographs and figures used in this press release show the product under development, which may be different from the final product. Also, product specifications and functions are subject to change without prior notice.
Tamron TAP-in Console™ and Tamron TAP-in Utility are both registered trademarks of Tamron Co., Ltd. in Japan and other countries. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Macintosh, Mac and OS X are trademarks of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. Other company and product names, etc. are the trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies.
ABOUTTAMRON CO., LTD.
'NewEyes for Industry' is Tamron's philosophy. This creed isconsistent with the company's position as a manufacturer of a widerange of original optical products, from interchangeable lenses forSLR cameras to various optical devices for both the general consumerand OEM. Tamron makes optical products that contribute to a range ofdifferent industries and will continue to devote its rich creativityand leading-edge technical prowess to various industrial fields.Furthermore, Tamron is fully aware of its responsibility to theenvironment and aspires to help preserve the natural environment inall of its business activities.
OpticalProduct Line-up:
Interchangeablelenses for SLR cameras, digital camera lenses, video camera lenses,lenses for automotive applications, IP and CCTV lenses, lenses forlong wavelength infrared cameras, ultra-precision optical componentsand more.
