What does SP actually mean?
SP could mean : Silky Pix (raw editing program) or Socialist Party or Special Product or.............(the latter on Tamron lenses)
Martin.
Here is the link: http://www.pentax.co.uk/en/product/21720/Photo_Lenses.html
SP Coating
SP (Super Protection) coating is a special coating of the front lens element of particular PENTAX lenses. It is based on a fluoride bonding and prevents the contamination of the lens by waterbased or oily substances. SP coated lenses are much more easily cleaned of finger marks, smears or other matter than may come in contact with the lens.
edit: added smily
The front surface of the optics is treated with the PENTAX-original Super Protect (SP) coating. Applying a special fluorine compound to the lens surface through a vapour deposition process, this coating effectively repels dust, water and grease, making it easy to wipe off annoying stains such as fingerprints and cosmetic marks.
UGH.
It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart and head. Henri Cartier-Bresson
Lots of film bodies, a couple of digital ones, too many lenses (mainly older glass) and a Horseman LE 5x4.
My website
Erm, I thought it refered to Spotmatic camera bodies!
And I thought it meant "Superb Pentax
Well I really knew it meant my Tamron macro was extra special but now I also know I can spit on my DA* lenses to clean them and they wont be harmed
For example the DA 55-300 has SP coating; if I understand well it protects its front lens against dirt and contamination but does it mean it is actually fully weather sealed? Apparently not but I just want to be certain. I suppose the fully weather sealed lenses are the Star DA lenses. Am I right?
You are right - the only fully weathersealed lenses are the DA* ones. The SP coating is similar to the anti-smear coatings that are often applied to glasses (spectacles) but do not offer sealing against the elements.
I have only seen the mark SP on Tamron lenses. And I know on these lenses it means Special Product. And no.......they aren't weather sealed.
Look here and scroll down for info.
Martin.
I was always led to beleive that with regard to Tamron SP stood for 'Super Performance', however on the Tamron website it says 'High-performance specifications'.!?
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