Tamron has announced the TAP-in console which enables firmware updates and customized setup for select lenses.
The TAP-in console can update supported lenses to the latest firmware, making round-trips to Tamron service facilities unnecessary. Newly announced SP 90mm F/2.8 VC USD MACRO 1:1 VC and SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD lenses as well as the latest SP 35 mm f/1.8 Di VC USD and SP 45 mm f/1.8 Di VC USD prime models are compatible with the product.
The TAP-in console is expected to be available in March. Pricing is currently unavailable.
TAMRON ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF ACCESSORY THAT ENABLES FIRMWARE UPDATES AND CUSTOMIZED SETUPS FOR SELECTED LENSES
Tamron TAP-in Console™TM (Model TAP-01)
February 22, 2016, Commack, New York – announces the launch of the Tamron TAP-in Console™ (Model TAP-01), a new lens accessory that enables firmware updating and customized setups for selected Tamron lenses. The TAP-in Console™ is expected to be available in March. The price will be announced shortly.
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
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.
1. Custom Options
With a Tamron TAP-in Console™, customers can do the following things.
- Update firmware
- Update the firmware of compatible lenses
- Update the firmware of the TAP-in Console™ itself
- Customize functions of selected lenses
- Focus adjustment
- Focus distance limiter customization (only for lenses that have the Focus Limiter feature)
- Full-time Manual Focus override customization (only for lenses that have the Full-time Manual Focus feature)
- VC adjustment (only for any lenses with VC)
- Save customized data files
2. Tamron TAP-in Utility Software
Customers download the free Tamron TAP-in Utility and install it on their Mac or PC. Updating firmware and customizing various lens functions is as easy as connecting the TAP-in Console™ with a USB cable and making selections. An internet connection is required for firmware updates.
3. Updating Firmware
Customers can update firmware of selected Tamron lenses using this utility software. Additionally, the firmware in the TAP-in Console™ unit can be updated as needed. Using an internet connection and the utility software, users can access a dedicated website and easily confirm that the lens attached to the TAP-in Console™—and the Console™ itself—have the most up-to-date firmware. If a newer version is available, updating is quick and secure.
4. Customization of Selected Tamron Lenses
Various lens functions can be customized, depending on the lens model and built-in features.
(1) Focus adjustment
Focus can be adjusted in three distance regions: close, intermediate, and far ranges. For zoom lenses with variable focal length ranges, adjustments can be made for up to eight segments, which means that focus adjustment for a combined total of up to 24 regions is possible. Fixed-focal length lenses have only one segment, so customization for the three distance regions is possible. The conditions and range of possible adjustments may differ according to the lens model.
(2) Focus distance limiter customization
For lenses equipped with a Focus Limiter switch, it is possible to adjust the autofocus drive range by setting the near and far limits according to user preferences. If the Focus Limiter switch has three positions, setting the middle position is also possible. Only lens models equipped with the Focus Limiter function can be adjusted. The conditions and range of possible adjustments may differ according to the lens model.
(3) VC adjustment (only for any lenses with VC)
Users can choose the VC (Vibration Compensation) mode they prefer from the selection below for any TAP-in Console™ compatible Tamron lens equipped 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
These options apply only to lens models equipped with the VC system. The conditions and range of possible adjustments may differ according to the lens model.
(4) Full-time Manual Focus override customization
For any lens with a Full-time Manual Focus override system, you can set the mode to ON or OFF. In addition, you can optimize the sensitivity of the focus ring to your preference relative to its angular rotation anywhere between High and Low, when setting the manual focus mode menu button to ON.
5. Compatible Tamron Lenses (As of February 2016: in the order of product launch, starting with the newest)
SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F016): Launch date TBA
For Nikon and Canon. Sony-compatible model to be released later.
SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F017): To be launched February 25, 2016
For Nikon and Canon. Sony-compatible model will be released later.
* By first updating firmware to the most up-to-date version with use of TAP-in Console™, it becomes possible to use all the functions of TAP-in Console™ compatible with this lens.
SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F013): Launched in September 2015
For Nikon and Canon. Sony-compatible model will be released later.
*Initial firmware update by Tamron service facility is required to enable compatibility with the TAP-in Console™.
SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F012): Launched in September 2015
For Nikon and Canon. Sony-compatible model will be released later.
*Initial firmware update by Tamron service facility is required to enable compatibility with the TAP-in Console™.
About the firmware updating service for SP35mm F/1.8 (Model F012) and SP45mm F/1.8 (Model F013)
The firmware update service will begin soon. Additional information will be provided on the Tamron website and by authorized distributors and/or service facilities by the time of launch.
