Tamron, the Japanese company specialising in lenses and other optical components, has announced its Lens Utility software will be made available for mobile devices.

Lens Utility was originally released as PC software in October. It gives users the opportunity to customise their Tamron lenses and optimise them for different functions.

Lens Utility helps users customise their camera lense

Specifically, the software lets users customise their functions and update the firmware of Tamron lenses which are equipped with a USB Type-C connector. “Personalising lens settings to match your shooting style allows you to be more creative and makes photography more fun”, the company says.

An array of settings is available in the Tamron Lens Utility Function List. A-B Focus lets users shift focus from one subject to another with ease, while Focus Present entails moving focus to a prerecorded focal point.

Select AF/MF allows users to switch between autofocus and manual focus, while Focus Ring Function Setting makes manual focus easier to use.

Tamron uses Lens Utility features to create mobile app

On August 4, 2022, Tamron announced the development of the Tamron Lens Utility Mobile app for Android OS. The app has been described by the company as a “dedicated application for smartphones and tablets running with Android OS that provides convenient use in the field and expands the possibilities of video and still photography”. Both the existing software and the upcoming mobile app have been developed in-house by Tamron.

The creation of an app version of the company’s software was driven by several factors. One was reportedly the feedback given to the PC software. “…We have received feedback regarding improved convenience from customers wishing to make lens function customisations when shooting in the field”, a press statement noted.

“As a result, we have developed Tamron Lens Utility Mobile for Android OS. Using the Tamron Connection Cable, an Android smart device can be connected to a lens to easily configure lens customizations without requiring a computer”.

Mobile app expands functions and customisation

The app will also unlock new functions and capabilities. For example, a new function will let users carry out lens operations from their phone. The A-B focus function, which can shift the focus from one subject to the other, can be configured without needing to touch the camera lens.

Dedicated features, developed for the smartphone, can be programmed to perform tethered control. This can then be configured with the Remote Set Button within the application.

Using the mobile app, users can set the focus travel time to 0.1-second increments. There are eight possible speed levels that are available on the PC software version.

Tamron to develop “game-changing” ultra-telephoto zoom

Tamron also recently announced the development of a new, versatile 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Model A067), a “next level” ultra-telephoto zoom lens for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras.

The model is intended to create a new category for high-performance ultra-telephoto mirrorless zoom lenses. Standout features include an 8x zoom ratio beginning at 50mm. The model is around the same size as conventional 100-400mm zoom lenses, while offering a wide angle of view.

The 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 is 183.4mm long, making it a compact offering in the world of mirrorless zoom lenses. There is a high magnification ratio and image quality across the 50-400mm range. This is achieved via the arrangement of special lens elements.

The first wide range lense produced by Tamron

Earlier this summer, Tamron announced the launch of the “world’s first” 17-70mm F2.8, wide range 4.1x standard zoom lens with VC, for the FUJIFILM X-mount.

The lense was previously available for Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras, and will now be featured for products supporting the FUJIFILM X-mount. The model features a maximum aperture of F2.8 across the entire 4.1x zoom ratio, which covers the focal length range of 17-70mm.

Furthermore, the lense has been described as small and lightweight, and equipped with Vibration Compensation. This innovative feature decreases camera shake.