Tamron has announced that it is working on a mobile version of its Lens Utility desktop app. Designed for Android devices, the Lens Utility Mobile will enable the customization of various lens functions on some Tamron lenses.
Tamron has provided a free Lens Utility software for computers since 2021. The software allows users to plug Tamron lenses into their PC via the USB-C connection port on select lenses and personalize the settings to match shooting styles.
The software lets photographers customize A-B focus letting them shift easily from one subject to another, as well as move focus to a prerecorded focal point with a button press. It also provides the ability to adjust the manual focusing between linear and non-linear, quickly switch between manual focus and autofocus with lenses that don’t have an MF/AF switch, and change the ring functions on the lens as well as assign other functions of the lens to buttons on the camera.
The Tamron Lens Utility software is free and the company says it is now developing a mobile version of the software to allow photographers to adjust these settings in the field using a mobile device.
Tamron says that since it released the software on PC, it has received feedback on how to improve the system from photographers and found that a common request was the ability to make these changes while they were away from their computers. As a result, the company is developing the Lens Utility Mobile for Android OS (compatible OS Android 6-124).
“Using the optional Tamron Connection Cable, an Android smart device can be connected to a lens to easily configure lens customizations without requiring a computer,” Tamron says.
Notably, the company makes no mention of availability on the iPhone or iPad. Many of the features in the app mimic the PC software, though there are some differences. For example, firmware updates are not going to be supported on the mobile version.
Below is the full list of settings that will be available via the mobile app:
Tethered remote control
- Dedicated features developed for the smartphone can be configured to perform tethered control. (Features that can be configured with the Remote Set Button in the application)
- A-B Focus: Set 2 focus positions (A and B) and make the focus shift between A and B
- Focus Preset: Set your desired focus position and move the focus to the recorded point by a single tap of the Remote Set Button. With the Mobile version, the focus travel time can be specified in 0.1-second increments. With the PC version, there are eight possible speed levels.
Customizing the Custom Switch or Focus Set Button (Normal functions available with the PC version)
- A-B Focus: Set 2 focus positions (A and B) and make the focus shift between A and B
- Focus Preset: Set your desired focus position and move the focus to the recorded point by a single press of the Focus Set Button7
- Select AF/MF: Select AF and MF function using the Focus Set Button
- Switch Focus Ring Function (Focus/Aperture): Switch Focus Ring Function from focus adjustment to aperture adjustment
- Assign function from the camera: Assign custom functions from the camera body to the Focus Set Button. The function of the Focus Set Button can be cleared.
Customizing the Focus Ring
- MF Ring Rotation: Change the rotation direction of the focus ring
- MF Method: Choose the method of focus operation when using the focus ring
Tamron says that the mobile app is expected to launch later this year, but did not provide a specific timeline. The software is expected to be free.
Author: Jaron Schneider
Source: Petapixel
