LensTip.com has completed their review of the Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD lens. They compared it directly to the Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8 and the Canon EF 16-35 f/2.8L II and came away extremely impressed by the Tamron.
In case you're wondering, early comparisons between the Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 VC and Canon EF 11-24 f/4L have been pretty close optically, although there is a big difference at the wide end in focal length as well distortion control in the Canon's favour. However, for $1199, it looks like Tamron has a winner on their hands and they'll probably sell a ton of them.
When it comes to the duel with the Canon EF 16–35 mm f/2.8L USM II the Tamron wins hands down. The Canon was able to compete successfully only in the frame centre, on the edge of the frame it was definitely worse. Still it is possible to use filters with it, a quite important asset in this class of parameters.
To sum up the boasting of Tamron about the superior quality of their new lens proved to be true. The company managed to present a device which compares favourably with its rivals, is cheaper, has optical stabilization and a 5-year warranty period – it would be difficult not to recommend it. Independent producers have been proving for some time that they are no longer specializing in cheap equivalents of brand name lenses. The Tamron 15-30 mm is an excellent example of that strategy.
TAMRON 15-30MM F/2.8 DI VC HIGHLIGHTS
- Aperture Range: f/2.8 to 22
- XGM and LD Glass Elements
- Vibration Compensation
- eBAND and BBAR Coatings
- Fluorine Coating on Front Element
- Ultrasonic Silent Drive AF System
- Built-In Lens Hood
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
Read the full review | Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 VC $1199: Adorama | B&H Photo