The Tamron SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD lens (read review) has won the EISA Award for 'European DSLR Lens 2016-2017.' Introduced in February, the Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD is the World's first image-stabilised 85mm f/1.8 lens for SLR cameras. Using LD (Low Dispersion) and XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) glass elements, the award-winning lens is constructed with Tamron’s new SP design, incorporating a new look and feel which includes larger and more tactile switches, together with Tamron’s Moisture-Resistant Construction. VC (Vibration Compensation) is also included in the lens design to help reduce camera shake making it easy to take handheld photographs in low light. USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) focusing is also a key part in delivering sharp and precise focus every time, with full-time manual override for extra creative control.

Tamron Press Release

SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD wins “European DSLR Lens 2016-2017”

Tamron lens wins EISA Award for 11th consecutive year

August 15, 2016, Saitama, Japan - Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Shiro Ajisaka), a leading manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces that its SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD, the world’s first* fast-aperture lens with VC (Vibration Compensation) for full-frame DSLR cameras, has won the EISA Award for European DSLR Lens 2016-2017.

*For 85mm F/1.8 fixed focal lens for full-frame DSLR cameras (As of January, 2016. Source: Tamron)

The Sony mount model does not include VC since Sony DSLR bodies include image stabilization functionality. The name of the Sony mount model is “SP 85mm F/1.8 Di USD (Model F016)“ without the VC designation. The launch date of the Sony mount model will be announced at a later date.

Excerpt from the Award of the EISA Jury

The Tamron SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD sets new standards of performance for a short telephoto portrait lens. It’s the first of its type equipped with optical image stabilization, allowing the photographer to use shutter speeds up to 3.5 stops slower than usual. Optical performance is enhanced by the use of Low Dispersion and Extra Low Dispersion glass elements to minimize chromatic aberrations, and the barrel is also sealed against dust and moisture. The optical design strikes a perfect balance between sharpness at the point of focusing and producing a soft natural effect at the background, making it a perfect lens for portrait artists.

About the EISA Award

The European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) presents awards each year to products judged to be the best in Photography, Hi-Fi, Home Theatre Audio, Home Theatre Display & Video, In-Car Electronics and Mobile devise categories. A panel of editors from over 50 leading imaging, sound, and electronic industry magazines in 22 countries review and vote determine the leading products on the market.

Tamron Lenses that have received the EISA Award

The receipt of this prestigious award marks the 18th year Tamron has won an EISA Award, and the 11th consecutive year since 2006.

Year Awarded

Product Name

1992-1993

SP AF35-105mm F/2.8 Aspherical (Model 65D)

1993-1994

AF28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 Aspherical (Model 71D)

1997-1998

SP AF90mm F/2.8 MACRO 〔1:1〕 (Model 72E)

1999-2000

AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Aspherical 〔IF〕 MACRO (Model 185D)

2000-2001

AF28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 Aspherical-IF Super Ⅱ (Model 371D)

2002-2003

AF28-300mm Ultra Zoom XR F/3.5-6.3 LD Aspherical 〔IF〕 MACRO (Model A06)

2003-2004

SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical 〔IF〕 MACRO (Model A09)

2006-2007

SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di Ⅱ LD Aspherical 〔IF〕 (Model A16)

2007-2008

AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di Ⅱ LD Aspherical 〔IF〕 MACRO (Model A18)

2008-2009

AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD Aspherical 〔IF〕 MACRO

2009-2010

AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di Ⅱ VC LD Aspherical 〔IF〕 MACRO (Model B003)

2010-2011

SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD (Model A005)

2011-2012

18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di Ⅱ VC PZD (Model B008)

2012-2013

SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A007)

2013-2014

SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F004)

SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A009)

2014-2015

16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di Ⅱ VC PZD MACRO (Model B016)

SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD (Model A011)

2015-2016

SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A012)

2016-2017

SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F016)

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