Ergonomics
We tested the lens on a Nikon D750 body. The lens balanced very well but those with smaller hands may find the combo a bit on the heavier side. In spite of the focus confi rmation dot in the camera’s viewfi nder, manual focus confi rmation was a bit diffi cult due to the super-wideangle’s extended depth of field (the infocus confi rmation dot can come ‘on’ even when the lens has not achieved perfect focus). But then this cannot be considered as a lens fault.
Performance
Autofocus was fast and accurate but please note that the camera body also plays an important part. Darkening of corners with the lens wide open at 15mm was negligible, which is very impressive.
The lens exhibited noticeable barrel distortion up to 20mm setting. At 24 and 30mm settings we did not notice any distortion. Flare was very well controlled and a negligible amount of chromatic aberration could be seen but only when we really tried to search for it. In terms of image sharpness, the Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD impressed us. Images were sharp at all apertures and all focal length settings, with the usual slight drop in corner sharpness at the widest aperture. The sweet spot appeared to be around f/5.6. Overall, we were very impressed.
Value for Money
The Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD zoom lens is available at an MRP of Rs.79,990. At this price and performance, we would rate this lens as good value for money. |SP
In terms of image sharpness, the Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD impressed us.
Flare was very well controlled and a negligible amount of chromatic aberration could be seen but only when we really tried to search for it.
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
Model: AO12
Focal length: 15-30mm
Aperture range: F/2.8 – 22
Lens construction: 18 elements in 13 groups
Min. Focus Distance: 0.28m (11 inches)
Max. Magnification ratio: 1:5
Diagonal angle of view: 110 32’ to 71 35’ (for full-frame format) 85 51’ to 49 53’ (for
APS-C format)
Filter size: Not applicable
Length x Diameter: 143mm x 98.4mm (Nikon mount) 145 x 98.4mm (Canon mount)
Weight: 1100 g (with front & rear end caps)
Design and Build Quality 16/20
Key Features 17/20
Ergonomics 16/20
Performance
Autofocus 4/5
Sharpness 4/5
Distortion
Control 3.5/5
Aberrations 4/5
Darkening of corners 4.5/5
Extra Features 4/5
Sub-Total 24/30
Value for Money 8/10
PLUS
• Very good image quality
• Fast f/2.8 aperture
• Fast autofocus
• Vibration Compensation
MINUS
• Heavy
• Filters cannot be attached
VERDICT
The Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD zoom lens fared as well as we expected. Images were sharp and the lens was easy to use. With a ‘fast’ f/2.8 aperture throughout and a very useful focal length for landscapes and interiors, the lens is definitely recommended. Best Buy!
Rohinton Mehta
