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Tamron lenses use the following terms to indicate features of each lens. 

Common

  • 123mm: Focal length
  • F/1.2: Maximum aperture (or F/1.2-3.4 for variable aperture zooms)
  • AF: Auto-Focus

Compatible Body Brands

  • Nikon
    Di: Digitally Integrated (optimized for use with full-frame digital cameras)
    Di-II: Digitally Integrated (optimized for use with APS-C digital cameras)
  • Canon
    Di: Digitally Integrated (optimized for use with full-frame digital cameras)
    Di-II: Digitally Integrated (optimized for use with APS-C digital cameras)
  • Sony/Minolta (A-mount / Alpha)
    Di: Digitally Integrated (optimized for use with full-frame digital cameras)
    Di-II: Digitally Integrated (optimized for use with APS-C digital cameras)
  • Sony E Mount (NEX)
  • Di-III: Digitally Integrated (optimized for use with use with NEX series mirrorless APS-C digital cameras)
  • Pentax

In theory you can use Di II on full frame cameras. However as the Di II lenses pass in a smaller image, on the bigger sensor it will show a black halo (vignetting) (images courtesy of photographylife.com)


Unlike Canon EF-S series having a phyiscally longer bayonet connector to the camera body, Tamron Di II uses the same short connector as Canon EF lenses, so physically it can fit, however you will still get the vignetting issue.

Functional Features

  • VC: Vibration Compensation  (similar in idea to Canon IS, Nikon VR)
  • USD: Ultrasonic Silent Drive (similar in idea to Canon USM)
  • SP: Super Performance (professional line similar idea to Canon L series, )
  • IF: Internal Focusing System
  • ZL: Zoom Lock (prevents undesired zoom lens barrel extension)
  • A/M: Auto-focus/Manual-focus Switch Mechanism
  • FEC: Filter Effect Control (controls filter direction when lens hood attached, i.e. for Polarizing filters)
  • 1:1 Macro: 1:1 Magnification

Lens Elements

  • XR: Extra Refractive Index Glass (lighter, smaller lenses)
  • LD: Low Dispersion (chromatic aberration reduction)
  • XLD: Extra Low Dispersion (advanced chromatic aberration reduction)
  • ASL: Aspherical (improved focal plane convergence)
  • LAH: LD + ASL hybrid lens element
  • AD: Anomalous Dispersion (improved control over chromatic aberration)
  • ADH: AD + ASL hybrid lens element
  • HID: High Index, High Dispersion Glass (minimizes lateral chromatic aberration)
This article is aimed to keep thing simple, there are many more abbreviations used by Tamron you can see them directly on Tamron official glossary http://www.tamron.eu/service/glossary/

Some more info for shoppers comparing Sigma, Tamron, Tokina lenses with the Canon, Nikon and Sony equiv models.
MeaningNikonCanonSigmaTamronSony (A Mount)Tokina
Image Stabilized VR IS OS VC Not in lens Not Marked
Fast Focusing Motor SWM USM HSM USD/PZD SSM IF-S
Pro Lens Not Marked L EX SP G ATX
Low dispersion glass ED ED APO LD ED SD
Full-frame FX EF DG Di Not Marked FX or not marked
APS-C Crop frame DX EF-S DC Di-II DT DX

Micro Four Thirds and Mirrorless System camera lenses have a slightly different set of abbreviations, this table is just for the Canon EOS, Nikon DSLR camera lenses.