The Japanese lens manufacturer truly outdoes itself with these two new contenders in the prime lens market! Yes, Improve Photography readers get to be some of the first to get the skinny on these optics before they are available for sale on September 29, 2015. Tamron is ahead of the pack considering the price tag, sharpness, aesthetically pleasing design, and ergonomics offered to BOTH full frame and APS-C shooters!
Specs
Tamron SP 35mm f/1.8 DI VC USD (Model F012)
- Compatible with APS-C & full frame cameras.
- Ships on September 29, 2015 for Canon and Nikon. (Sony Alpha Mount available late 2015 to early 2016.)
- Affordable price point at $599.00 USD.
- Prime Lens with VC (3 Stops of Image Stabilization) for sharper handheld shots.
- Minimum Object Distance (MOD) of .2m (7.9 in) – This can be used as a macro lens option!
- eBand nano layered Coating to make lens flaring and ghosting minimal.
- Fluorine coating keeps the front element clean by providing superior oil and water repelling properties.
- Fast, reliable Autofocus (AF) with Tamron’s Ultrasonic Silent Drive (USD).
- Stylish new look and ergonomic design both advanced hobbyists and professionals will appreciate.
Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 DI VC USD (Model F013)
- Compatible with APS-C & full frame cameras.
- Ships on September 29, 2015 for Canon and Nikon. (Sony Alpha Mount available late 2015 to early 2016.)
- Affordable price point at $599.00 USD.
- Prime Lens with VC (3.5 Stops of Image Stabilization) for sharper handheld shots.
- Minimum Object Distance (MOD) of .29m (11.4 in) – This can be used as a macro lens option!
- eBand nano layered Coating to make lens flaring and ghosting minimal.
- Fluorine coating keeps the front element clean by providing superior oil and water repelling properties.
- Fast, reliable Autofocus (AF) with Tamron’s Ultrasonic Silent Drive (USD).
- Stylish new look and ergonomic design both advanced hobbyists and professionals will appreciate.
First Impressions
Admittedly we need to be clear that I do not buy into the need for everyone purchase lenses made by the same company that manufactures your camera body of choice. Blind loyalty is just that if you do not weigh the options and your shooting situation. Personally, I would rather put the savings towards a photography workshop, vacation, or upgrade my tripod if the sharpness difference was mostly scientific. Here are Improve Photography we shoot it to you straight and always let you know that there is a use case for almost everything. Now that we have cleared the air let’s fill you in on these lenses!
First of all, they are BEAUTIFULLY designed with noticeable enhancements. It takes mere seconds to appreciate the the minimalistic, brushed metal ring separating the lens from the mount. Everyone on the block will know you are shooting with something special. – Just imagine Canon’s well-known red ring signifying L-Glass and a hefty price tag. These Tamron lenses look just as refined and aesthetically pleasing as the red ringed competition, but at a fraction of the price.
Secondly, the switches are perfectly positioned and poised to please the photographer in a rapidly changing environment. The VC On/Off and the AF/MF switches are ample in size and right next to each other. Within a few hours of shooting I could operate both the 35 and the 45 in complete darkness and know what I was controlling. – I cannot say the same for a lot of other lenses, including some of Tamron’s previous offerings. Did I mention ample switch sizing? This is perfect for the photographer who does not want to expose their fingertips to the elements in frigid weather.
Lastly, I had the opportunity to shoot both of these lenses on a Canon 6D this afternoon at Tamron’s New York City Press Conference. The bokeh created by nine aperture blades is equally creamy and dreamy. Stopping down to f/1.8 was really a blast where I was able to photograph woodgrain, textures, flowers, musicians, and of course the New York Skyline. The sweet spot for sharpness is at f/8.0 as Commercial & Lifestyle Photographer, Erik Valind, reported when testing the prototypes on a world-wind tour. However, I dare you to tell me an image is not sharp once these puppies are focused to infinity in a landscape shot at a wide variety of aperture settings.
Conclusion
It is too soon to conclude how I feel about these two new offerings from Tamron. Yes, I have a secret crush on this company for offering me affordable, high quality, and wonderfully priced optics. I also work for Improve Photography where we give it to you straight. Tomorrow, I will be joining photographers from around the globe on an all-day photowalk testing both the 35mm and 45mm to find what I love and what can be improved. Check back soon and feel free to comment with questions you may have about this very exciting announcement. Cheers! – Darin Mellor
Was short before buying, but read on Amazon about autofocus issues especially on the 6d. Can you confirm this obstacle?