TAMRON TAP-in Console™ (Model TAP-01) Now Available for Sony Mount

Usually, when you need to update the firmware of a lens, you need to first mount the lens on your camera to do the update. If your lens is the same brand as your camera, the update is straightforward. But what if you are using a lens from another brand? You might need to send in your lens to the customer service center for the firmware update. The TAMRON TAP-in Console™ (Model TAP-01) Sony mount model updates firmware in selected Tamron lenses for Sony A-mount DSLRs simply by attaching a TAMRON TAP-in Console and running the TAMRON TAP-in Utility software on your computer. This TAP-in Console was previously available for selected Tamron lenses for Canon and Nikon DSLRs.

The TAMRON TAP-in Console™ (Model TAP-01) Sony mount model will be available August 25.

PRESS RELEASE

18 August, 2016
Tamron Co., Ltd.

TAMRON TAP-in Console™ (Model TAP-01) Sony mount model launched

Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Shiro Ajisaka; Headquarters: Saitama City), a leading manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces the launch of the TAMRON TAP-in Console (Model TAP-01), a lens accessory that enables firmware updating and customized setups for selected Tamron lenses, for Sony cameras (Sony A mount model).

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)
     – Save customized data files
     * Because Tamron lenses compatible with Sony cameras are not equipped with the VC (Vibration Compensation) system, the Customize function for VC adjustment, which is available for the Nikon and Canon mount models, is not available for the new Sony mount model.
2. TAMRON TAP-in Utility Software
   TAMRON TAP-in Utility Software
   Main screen
   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. 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 August 2016)
   SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F016) for Sony: To be launched soonSP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F017) for Sony: To be launched on August 25, 2016SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F013) for SonySP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F012) for Sony
6. TAP-in Utility Operating Environment
   This software program operates on a computer satisfying the following conditions.

   	Windows	Mac
   OS	Windows 10 Windows 8, Windows 8.1 Windows 7	Mac OS X 10.10 – 10.11
   CPU	Core2Duo with 2.0 GHz or faster	Intel processor
   RAM	1 GB or more	1 GB or more
   Hard Disk Drive Capacity	1 GB or more of available space	1 GB or more of available space
   Monitor Display Resolution	1024 × 768 pixels (XGA) or more 24-bit color or more	1024 × 768 pixels (XGA) or more 24-bit color or more
   Interface	USB 2.0 as standard feature	USB 2.0 as standard feature
   	* Functionality of this software program is not guaranteed on all Windows computers ** If setting the text size at 100% or larger in “Display” settings of Windows, a part of the operation screen may not be displayed.	* Functionality of this software program is not guaranteed on all Mac computers.

Specifications

Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. are subject to change without prior notice.

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.

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.

Related Links:
– TAP-in Console Specifications

You can pre-order / buy the TAMRON TAP-in Console™ (Model TAP-01) for Sony mount and for Nikon F and Canon EF lenses at B&H (prices are in USD):

• Tamron TAP-in Console for Sony A Lenses

• Tamron TAP-in Console for Nikon F Lenses

• Tamron TAP-in Console for Canon EF Lenses