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Posts Tagged ‘1530mm’

Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2 sample gallery

13 Nov

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We got our hands on Tamron’s second-generation SP 15-30mm F2.8 a couple of months ago at Photokina, and we’ve just started shooting with a copy for Nikon mount. The lens sports a number of internal enhancements, such as the addition of a second processor so that autofocus and stabilization are each handled by their own chip. See how we’ve gotten along with the lens so far.

See our Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 G2 sample gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Photokina 2018: Hands-on with Tamron’s 2nd-gen 15-30mm F2.8 lens

27 Sep

Open wide: Tamron’s 15-30mm F2.8 G2

Tamron has updated their SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD full-frame lens and we got a chance to check out version 2 as this year’s Photokina. It handles essentially the same as its predecessor but there are some cosmetic changes. The design now matches that of the SP 24-70mm F2.8 and SP 70-200 F2.8 – specifically the grey bit by the base is new and the switches on the side have been redesigned.

Aside from cosmetic changes, a list of improvements under the hood make the 15-30mm F2.8 version 2 all the more appealing, including: dual processors for faster AF and better stabilization, fresh coatings to reduce flare and a new aspherical element.

It is available in both Canon EF and Nikon F mounts – the Nikon mount just began shipping, Canon mount ships October 12th. The list price is $ 1299.

Open wide: Tamron’s 15-30mm F2.8 G2

Like version 1, the front element is large and bulbous and the front of the glass moves forward in the housing as you zoom in – it is shown here zoomed to 30mm. There’s no way to put a threaded filter on it but the Canon version has a rear filter holder that can accept gels. The Nikon does not due to the F mount’s flange distance.

Version 2 also features a new Anti-reflection eXpand coating that Tamron developed in house to ensure flaring is as well-controlled toward the edges as it is in the center. The lens has two additional coatings to combat flare and ghosting. It also features an updated fluorine coating on the front element that is ‘abrasion resistant.’ This should make it easy to wipe away dust, water or grime and provide some level of scratch resistance. Speaking of water, the whole thing is weather resistant.

Open wide: Tamron’s 15-30mm F2.8 G2

Vibration control has been improved thanks to the inclusion of a second processor – now one processor is dedicated to AF and one to VC. Tamron says the new VC-dedicated processor should result in up to 4.5 stops of stabilization.

In addition to a dedicated AF processor, the lens has an updated AF algorithm. All of this should result in faster AF speeds. And because focus is driven by an ultrasonic silent drive motor, AF noise shouldn’t be an issue for video shooters. Then again, if you are old-fashioned, a manual override switch has you covered.

Open wide: Tamron’s 15-30mm F2.8 G2

A rubber gasket along the mount ensures no water gets inside your DSLR. And as mentioned, the lens design is moisture-resistant with internal seals located in critical areas where water or dust might get in.

Also the 15-30mm can make use Tamron’s TAP-in console for AF fine-tuning, VC control adjustments and firmware updates. The console will set you back about $ 60.

Open wide: Tamron’s 15-30mm F2.8 G2

In terms of handling, version 2 is nearly identical in size and weight to version 1. At 1100 g, it is not light-weight. Nor is it small, but that’s the price of ice when it comes to a stabilized constant-aperture wide-angle full-frame zoom.

Overall we’re excited to get the Tamron 15-30mm F2.8 version 2 on a body and start shooting. We were big fans of version 1 and it will be nice to see how all these improvements affect overall image quality and the shooting experience. Stay tuned for a sample gallery!

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Tamron introduces 2nd-generation 15-30mm F2.8 full-frame lens for Canon and Nikon

31 Aug

Tamron has updated its SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD lens with new elements and coatings, a more powerful autofocus CPU and an enhanced Vibration Correction system.

The use of XGM (eXpanded glass-molded aspherical) and low-dispersion elements reduce distortion and lateral chromatic aberrations, according to Tamron, while an AX (Anti-reflection eXpand) coating handles ghosting and flare. The lens is weather-sealed and has a fluorine coating to keep water and oil off of the front element. The 15-30 F2.8 has nine rounded aperture blades.

A Dual Multi-Processing Unit and new algorithms have boosting AF speed and precision, and the VC system now corrects for up to 4.5 stops of shake. The 15-30 has a minimum focus distance of 28cm (11″), a magnification of 0.2x and support for rear gel filters on the Canon model. It supports Tamron’s TAP-in Console for making fine adjustments to autofocus and Vibration Correction.

The Nikon FX-mount lens will ship first on September 21st, with the Canon EF-mount version coming about three weeks later. The Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 G2 will be priced at $ 1299.

Press Release

Tamron Announces A New Advanced, Super High-Quality, Fast, Ultra-Wideangle Zoom Lens

SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 (Model A041)

August 31, 2018, Commack, New York— Tamron announces the launch of a new high-speed ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, the SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 (Model A041), for full-frame DSLR cameras. The new model will be available in Nikon mount on September 21st and in Canon mount October 12th at a suggested retail price of $ 1299.

With a well-established reputation for ultra-high-quality wideangle zoom lenses with its Model A012, Tamron carries on the tradition of high optical performance with the new SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 (Model A041). By incorporating an XGM (eXpanded Glass Molded Aspherical) lens element, as well as multiple LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements, the distortion and lateral chromatic aberrations so common in wideangle shooting have been greatly minimized. Furthermore, a newly developed AX (Anti-reflection eXpand) Coating has been applied to reduce ghosting and flare more thoroughly than ever before. The optical performance in this high-speed F/2.8 ultra-wideangle zoom lens is outstanding. In addition, the built-in Dual MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) enables vastly improved AF speed and precision and image stabilization. This is a next-generation super high-quality, high-speed ultra-wideangle zoom lens with first-rate optics and a wide range of features that serve to revitalize the user’s shooting experience. With the release of this model, three of Tamron’s high-speed F/2.8 zoom lens with VC (Vibration Compensation) are now G2 (Generation 2).

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

1. Super high-quality high-speed ultra-wideangle zoom lens
The Model A041 is an F/2.8 ultra-wideangle lens with a focal length starting at 15mm that offers high resolution even in the peripheral area of the image. By incorporating an XGM (eXpanded Glass Molded Aspherical) lens element and multiple LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements to curtail distortion and lateral chromatic aberrations, Tamron has achieved a degree of resolution throughout the range that is just as good as a fixed focal length lens.

2. Newly developed AX Coating
The AX (Anti-reflection eXpand) Coating, especially effective for wideangle lenses that tend to let in harmful light from peripheral areas, was developed to control rays that affect image quality. It is a revolutionary new proprietary coating developed in-house by Tamron using specialized deposition technology. The new coating keeps the reflection factor for peripheral areas at the same high level as that for the center area, not only overcoming standard curvature issues, but even overcoming the problems of conventionally produced convex surface with large curvatures for which uniform deposition has always proved difficult to achieve. Furthermore, the Model A041, along with eBand (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) Coating utilizing nanotechnology, and BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) Coating, makes effective use of three different types of coatings, thereby enabling unsurpassed curtailment of ghosting and flare and consequently enabling superlative, exceptionally clear image quality edge to edge.

3. High-speed, high-precision AF
Superb AF speed and precision is delivered by equipping the lens with a Dual MPU (Micro-Processing Unit) system and employing an enhanced AF control algorithm to improve performance. The AF drive uses proprietary Tamron technology, USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive), enabling high torque, high response, and silent operation. And because it comes with a Full-time Manual Focus override system, manual focus adjustments can be made on the fly.

4. VC promises sharp images for all varieties of shooting
Tamron released the first high-speed F/2.8 ultra-wideangle zoom lens in the world equipped with a VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism, the original Model A012. The new Model A041 has been further improved with a newly developed VC mechanism that surpasses former versions and reaches 4.5 stops , according to CIPA standards. This makes it possible to shoot sharp photos over a wide range of photographic scenes, including indoor and outdoor shots as well as handheld shots at stopped-down aperture settings for landscape photography.

5. Rear filter holder
The Model A041 made for use on Canon (EF-mount) cameras comes with a filter holder as a standard feature that lets you insert gelatin and other sheet filters into the rear side of the lens. This makes photography using filters much easier and simpler by overcoming the problem of the curvature of the front lens elements that made shooting with filters so difficult in the past.

6. Vastly improved highly durable Fluorine Coating
Abrasion resistance capability has been vastly improved on the new Model A041. The front surface of the lens element is coated with a Fluorine Coating based on a newly developed fluorine compound with high water- and oil-repellent properties. The lens surface is easier to wipe clean and is less vulnerable to the damaging effects of dirt, dust, moisture, and fingerprints, and enabling your important lenses to be continually protected on a long-term basis.

7. The new design provides greater operability and design consistency
With the new SP design applied, Model A041 shares the same feel of high quality and operability as the other two models in this series, SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 (Model A032) and SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 (Model A025). Tamron has merged beautiful craftsmanship with intuitive design in this new high-speed ultra-wideangle zoom lens. Even details like the shape of the switch box, distance-scale window, and the precision and stability of the metallic mount reveal a commitment to functionality, as well as design. The result is a next-generation lens that’s easy to use yet loaded with cutting-edge technology.

8. Compatible with TAMRON TAP-in ConsoleTM, an optional accessory
The new Model A041 is compatible with the TAMRON TAP-in Console, an optional accessory product that provides a USB connection to a personal computer for easy updating of the lens’s firmware as well as customization of features including fine adjustments to the focus position of AF and VC control.

9. Moisture-Resistant Construction
Seals are located at the lens mount area and other critical locations to prevent infiltration of moisture and/or rain to provide Moisture-Resistant Construction. This feature affords an additional layer of protection when shooting outdoors under adverse weather conditions.

10. Manufacturing innovation with thorough attention to details based on the rigorous quality standards worthy of the SP series
Tamron has enhanced the SP series lenses to fulfill high-level photographic requirements and provide the pleasure of ownership. While introducing a new exterior design, Tamron reviewed the SP series standards. The new SP series has been developed by setting rigorous standards for design, manufacturing and quality that apply to the optical design and mechanical design as well as such wide-ranging areas as the product’s robustness and improvements in a variety of individual functions. This has helped to achieve a more consistently superb optical performance, making it a lens that fulfills the demand for higher image quality that is compatible with the latest high-pixel cameras. To maximize the optical performance of the SP series, Tamron will continue to enhance the accuracy of the component parts of each lens element unit and improve the mechanical precision of the entire lens, thereby achieving a high overall performance.

Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2 specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Zoom lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 15–30 mm
Image stabilization Yes
CIPA Image stabilization rating 4.5 stop(s)
Lens mount Canon EF, Nikon F (FX)
Aperture
Maximum aperture F2.8
Minimum aperture F22
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Optics
Elements 18
Groups 13
Special elements / coatings 2 eXpanded glass molded aspherical + 1 molded glass aspherical + 3 aspherical elements, Anti-reflection eXpand + BBAR + fluorine coatings
Focus
Minimum focus 0.28 m (11.02″)
Maximum magnification 0.2×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Ring-type ultrasonic
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale Yes
DoF scale No
Physical
Weight 1110 g (2.45 lb)
Diameter 98 mm (3.86″)
Length 145 mm (5.71″)
Sealing Yes
Colour Black
Zoom method Rotary (extending)
Power zoom No
Zoom lock No
Filter notes Canon version accepts rear gel filters
Hood supplied Yes
Tripod collar No

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Ricoh adds 15-30mm F2.8 SDM WR and 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR to full-frame lens range

20 Feb

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Ricoh has expanded its full-frame lens range, announcing the HD Pentax-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 and FA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 alongside the introduction of the full-frame K-1 DSLR. The 15-30mm F2.8 brings a fast, constant wide-angle zoom to the lineup offering a Supersonic Direct-drive Motor, rounded nine-blade aperture, and close focus distance of 28cm. The 28-105mm offers a DC motor and a minimum focus distance of 0.5m.

The ‘WR’ in their names means that these lenses are weather-resistant, with SP (Super Protect) coatings on the front lens element to repel water.

The 15-30mm F2.8 and 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 join two Pentax full-frame lenses announced last year, the HD Pentax D FA* 70-200mm F2.8 and FA 150-450mm F4.5-5.6.

Press releases:

Ricoh announces HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30mm f/2.8 lens for new PENTAX K-1 full-frame DSLR

Weather-sealed, ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, ideal for landscapes and nightscapes

DENVER, Colo. February 17, 2016 – Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30mm f/2.8ED SDM WR lens. This new lens is designed to work seamlessly with the full-frame sensor of the new PENTAX K-1 camera, also announced today.

When mounted on the PENTAX K-1 camera body, the lens covers a focal-length range from 15mm ultra-wide-angle to 30mm wide-angle.(Note: with a PENTAX  APS-C-size digital SLR camera body, the lens covers a focal-length range from 23mm to 46mm.) Its exaggerated ultra-wide perspective and state-of-the-art optical design enable capturing high-resolution, dynamic, sweeping views of subjects, ideal for landscape photography. Treated with PENTAX-developed HD Coating, the lens produces well-defined, fine-detailed images with ample light levels even at the edges of the image field, while effectively reducing chromatic aberration and distortion to a minimum. 

Its large f/2.8 maximum aperture is also well-suited for photographing nightscapes and starry skies. The built-in SDM (Supersonic Direct-drive Motor) provides quiet, high-speed autofocus operation.

| Pricing and Availability | 

HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30mm f/2.8ED SDM WR lens will be available in April 2016 at www.ricohimaging.com and retail outlets nationwide for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $ 1,499.99.

Main Features

1. Exceptional imaging power

When mounted on the PENTAX K-1 35mm full-frame digital SLR camera body, the lens provides an ultra-wide-angle focal-length coverage from 15mm to 30mm. Its exaggerated perspective helps the photographer produce spectacular landscape photographs. With a 30mm focal length at the telephoto end, the lens is also well-suited to portrait and street photography.

2. State-of-the-art optical design

The zoom lens incorporates three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass optical elements and three aspherical optical elements in its 18-element, 13-group optics to deliver high-resolution images rich in contrast even at the edges of the image field, while effectively minimizing chromatic aberration, distortion and coma. 

3. Large-aperture zoom lens, with a maximum aperture of f/2.8

Since this zoom lens provides a maximum aperture of f/2.8 over its entire zoom range, it is versatile enough to be used for many different subjects and scenes, ranging from sweeping landscapes to nightscapes and starry skies. Despite its ultra-wide-angle perspective, it can capture the subject with an excellent bokeh (defocus) effect on the background. Even in macro photography from its minimum focusing distance of 28 centimeters, it can capture subjects with a well-defined sense of depth.

4. Built-in SDM (Supersonic Direct-drive Motor)

The incorporation of a new-generation SDM (Supersonic Direct-drive Motor) assures that this zoom lens provides quiet, high-speed autofocus operation, letting the photographer react swiftly to all types of subjects.

5. Weather-resistant construction

Special seals applied throughout the lens body provide this zoom lens with dependable weather-resistant construction, effectively preventing the intrusion of water into the lens interior. By pairing it with a weather-resistant PENTAX digital SLR camera body, the photographer has a durable, dependable digital imaging system that performs superbly under demanding shooting conditions — even in the rain or mist, or at locations prone to water splashes or spray.

6. HD Coating to improve image description

The lens is treated with high-grade, multi-layer HD (high-definition) coating. Compared with conventional multi-layer coatings, this PENTAX-original coating assures higher light transmittance and less reflection to deliver bright, high-contrast images free of flare and ghost images, even under demanding lighting conditions such as backlight. 

7. Other features

  • Quick-Shift Focus System for instant switching from autofocus to manual-focus operation, by holding the shutter-release button halfway down and turning the focus ring after the subject is captured in focus by the camera’s AF system.
  • Rounded diaphragm with nine blades produces a smooth, beautiful bokeh (defocus) effect, while minimizing the streaking effect of point light sources.
  • SP (Super Protect) coating applied to the front surface of the lens to effectively repel water and grease.

Ricoh announces 28-105mm lens for new PENTAX K-1 full-frame DSLR

Compact, lightweight and weather-sealed lens offers popular zoom range, is ideal companion to new PENTAX K-1 full-frame DSLR

DENVER, Colo. February 17, 2016 – Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the             HD PENTAX-D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6ED DC WR lens. This new, compact and lightweight zoom lens provides the most frequently requested focal-length range for general photography, from wide angle to medium telephoto.

This versatile zoom lens is designed to cover the large full-frame sensor found in the new PENTAX  K-1 camera, incorporating state-of-the-art optics and high-performance optical elements. When mounted on the K-1 camera body, it delivers high-resolution imaging power, and is an ideal every day-use lens for the new camera.

| Pricing and Availability | 

The HD PENTAX-D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6ED DC WR lens will be available in April 2016 at www.ricohimaging.com and retail outlets nationwide for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $ 499.99.  

| About Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation |

Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation is a subsidiary of Ricoh Company Ltd., a global technology company specializing in office imaging equipment, production print solutions, document management systems and IT services.  Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in about 200 countries and regions.

The company now known as Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation, was originally founded in 1919, under the name Asahi Optical Joint Stock Co. and launched its first SLR camera in the 1950s under the PENTAX name. Today, Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation continues to produce the heritage-rich, award-winning line of PENTAX DSLR cameras, lenses and sport optics equipment as well as Ricoh’s offering of stylish and compact digital cameras, known for their wide-ranging, rich set of features.

For further information, please visit www.ricohimaging.com/pentaxff

Main Features

1. Standard zoom lens covering most frequently-used range

This standard zoom lens accommodates the image circle of a 35mm full-frame image sensor, and covers focal lengths between 28mm wide angle and 105mm medium telephoto. By incorporating the latest optics and a number of high-performance optical elements, it retains a sufficient brightness level even at edges of the image field, while effectively compensating for aberrations. It delivers high-resolution images by optimizing the imaging power of the PENTAX K-1 camera’s approximately 36.4 effective megapixels. Its compact, lightweight body and excellent cost performance make this lens a perfect companion lens to the PENTAX K-1.

2. Excellent image resolution, complementing the PENTAX K-1 full-frame digital SLR camera performance

With 15-element, 11-group optics, this zoom lens incorporates two high-precision aspherical optical elements, one ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass optical element and one anomalous-dispersion glass optical element to deliver bright, sharp images with minimal chromatic and spherical aberrations. The optics are designed to deliver ample resolving power for the large, high-pixel image sensor, producing well-defined, fine-detailed images.

3. HD Coating to improve image quality

This lens is treated with the high-grade, multi-layer HD (high-definition) coating. Compared with conventional multi-layer coatings, this PENTAX-original coating assures higher light transmittance and less reflection to deliver bright, high-contrast images that are free of flare and ghost images, even under demanding lighting conditions such as backlight. 

4. Quick-Shift Focus System

This PENTAX-developed system allows for flawless, delay-free switching from autofocus to manual-focus operation, after the subject is captured in focus by the camera’s AF system.

HD Pentax-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 SDM WR and FA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6ED DC WR Specifications

  HD PENTAX-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR HD PENTAX-D FA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 ED DC WR
Principal specifications
Lens type Zoom lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 15–30 mm 28–105 mm
Image stabilisation No
Lens mount Pentax KAF3
Aperture
Maximum aperture F2.8 F3.5 – F5.6
Minimum aperture F22.0 F22.0 – F38.0
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Optics
Elements 18 15
Groups 13 11
Special elements / coatings Three ED and aspherical elements + HD and SP coatings One ED and two aspherical elements + HD and SP coatings
Focus
Minimum focus 0.28 m (11.02″) 0.50 m (19.69″)
Maximum magnification 0.2× 0.22×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Ultrasonic Micromotor
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale Yes
DoF scale No
Physical
Weight 1040 g (2.29 lb) 440 g (0.97 lb)
Diameter 99 mm (3.9″) 73 mm (2.87″)
Length 144 mm (5.67″) 87 mm (3.43″)
Sealing Yes
Colour Black
Power zoom No
Filter thread 62.0 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Hood product code PH-RBC62
Tripod collar No

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Ein Weitwinkel-Riese: Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8

22 May

Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Objektiv von oben

Ich habe in verschiedenen fotografischen Praxis-Situationen getestet, was das Objektiv hergibt und für wen es sich meiner Meinung nach besonders eignet.
kwerfeldein – Fotografie Magazin | Fotocommunity

 
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Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens Review

19 May

Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8

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Background

While I was at WPPI this past year I got to meet our illustrious managing editor Darlene Hildebrandt. We walked the expo floor for a bit and I was introduced to a number of people by Darlene. We talked with some of the people over at Tamron and had some of their snacks and coffee that they offered at their booth. One of the perks of writing for Digital Photography School is gaining access to new equipment and software for review. It was there at WPPI that I got to see the Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8 for the first time (to be perfectly honest, I didn’t even know it existed!). A few weeks later, a loaner lens arrived at my apartment in Brooklyn, and I spent the next week taking it to a wedding, a travel trip to Seattle, a portrait session with a ballerina, a shoot with a fashion blogger, a corset ball, and a yoga party. Here are some my thoughts in this mini lens review:

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Tiffany the ballerina (@glitteringpointe) looking lovely on the other side of the Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8. Taken at 1/1000 of a second at f/2.8, ISO 250

What do all the letters and numbers mean?

This is a Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD. Let’s define some of the named elements of this lens so we know what we are dealing with:

  • Tamron: A Japanese company manufacturing photographic lenses.
  • SP: Superior Performance. This is Tamron’s version of an L Series lens for Canon. These lenses have superior sharpness compared to their other lenses, as well as a larger maximum aperture and other elements that make it a cut above.
  • 15-30mm: This is sometimes referred to as an “ultra-wide” lens. These types of lenses can give you a very wide angle of view, and often have some distortion when at its most extreme focal length (15mm). These lenses are typically used for landscape photography, some event photography, and interior shots.
  • f/2.8: The lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.8, at whatever focal length you use within its range.
  • Di: Digitally Integrated. This lens is made for full frame cameras (but can also work on cropped sensor cameras as well).
  • VC: Vibration Compensation. This is Tamron’s version of IS (Image Stabilization) on a Canon lens and VR (Vibration Reduction) on a Nikon lens. There are motors inside the lens that will auto-steady the lens as you shoot at slower shutter speeds, allowing for you to get sharper images.
  • USD: Ultrasonic Silent Drive. A USD designation means the lens has faster, and noiseless focusing.

Basically this lens is a beast. It’s at the top of the food chain in terms of quality, build, and performance.

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Tarisa the bride descending the spiral staircase at the Santa Barbara Courthouse. Taken at 1/640th at f/2.8, ISO 1000.

How it feels and performs

This lens feels like a tank. It is super solid, heavy, and durable. I had no worries about bringing it out in some weather in NYC (and Seattle) since it has lens coating and moisture resistant construction to keep water away (still – don’t drop it into a pool). The front end has an enormous bulbous lens element that looks impressive when on the camera.

As I used the lens throughout my various shoots there was one funny thing that I had to get used to, and that was that the direction that I twisted the lens to zoom in or out was opposite that of my Canon lenses. There was some “learnability” involved when using the lens.

One thing I like about wide angle lenses, and shooting with a wide open aperture at f/2.8, is the natural vignetting that occurs. I think it is moody, cool looking, and natural.

1/4000 of a sec at f/2.8, ISO 100, at 15mm. Notice the natural vignetting around the edges of this unedited photo.

1/4000th at f/2.8, ISO 100, at 15mm. Notice the natural vignetting around the edges of this unedited photo.

One area that I think the lens performed spectacularly was shooting in low-light environments, when I had to focus in the dark. I really noticed this because every other lens I use always ends up “searching” a bit in the dark before focusing, or it just doesn’t focus at all. So it was extremely satisfying pressing my focus button and having the lens lock in right away. There is nothing more embarrassing than telling people to wait a moment while you try to focus in the dark, then ending up with a blurry picture anyway.

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Focusing in the dark was a breeze at this corset and gown ball.

My last observation was that this is a big, heavy lens. This is not a lens I would take traveling around the world. For this New Yorker, who doesn’t have a car and travels with everything on his back, I could definitely feel the weight of this lens throughout the day as I went up and down the stairs into subways, airports and gigs. For the rest of you non-urban travellers, throw this in your bag, put it in your car and you’ll be fine.

Sharpness

Although this is not something I normally notice on a lens, the Tamron SP 15-30mm is consistently sharp from edge to edge. Lack of sharpenss around the edges is a complaint heard often with regards to ultra wide lens. They perform fairly well in the center of the image, but tend to get a bit fuzzy as you move closer to the edges. You can see in the ballerina picture and the accompanying cropped in photos how consistent the lens is across the image (below). Again, another point in favor of the Tamron SP against the big names debate.

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Pros and Cons of the Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8

View of Seattle through the eyes of the Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8

View of Seattle through the eyes of the Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8

Pros:

  • Great low-light focusing ability.
  • Maintains aperture at f/2.8 all the way through its focal length range (I believe this is the only ultra-wide angle lens to do this with image stabilization).
  • It’s weather resistant.
  • It has a solid, durable body.
  • Price: This lens is about $ 400 cheaper than its Canon rival, the 16-35mm L f/2.8, almost $ 500 less than the Nikon version.

Cons:

  • It’s heavy.
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Tiffany the ballerina hanging out in an empty fountain. Taken at 1/400th at f/4.5, ISO 100, 15mm.

Overall Thoughts

This is really a great lens and Tamron is making a point to set itself apart from the competition by it being the least expensive lens with the widest aperture, fastest focus, while also incorporating image stabilization. I would definitely use this for interior photography all the time, and for great urban or natural landscapes. I would not bring this along for long travel trips abroad because of its size and weight.

On Amazon.com you can find the Canon mount here or the Nikon mount here.

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The post Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens Review by Phillip Van Nostrand appeared first on Digital Photography School.


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Video Field Test: Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD

15 Apr

Tamron claims that its new SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD offers prime lens quality across its focal length range, paired with a fast maximum aperture and – uniquely in its class – an optical vibration compensation system. We’ve been impressed by how this wideangle zoom performs in our studio, but that’s only half the story. Our latest video field test follows DPReview technical editor Rishi Sanyal as he uses the Tamron 15-30mm to shoot architecture, cityscapes and waterfalls. Watch the video 

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD real-world sample gallery posted

25 Feb

After handling a prototype at Photokina, we brought a final shipping sample of Tamron’s new 15-30mm wideangle zoom back from CP+. The stabilized ultra-wideangle lens covers a full-frame sensor, offers a unique double lens hood design for added strength and boasts a very competitive $ 1200 price tag. We’re impressed so far – check out our samples gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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CP+ 2015: Hands-on with Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD

14 Feb

We were intrigued by Tamron’s stabilized SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD when we first saw it in prototype form at Photokina in September last year. In tbe meantime, Tamron has confirmed pricing and availability for this fast ultra-wideangle zoom and is showing off the new lens at Japan’s CP+ show in Yokohama. We’re there, and headed straight to Tamron’s booth on Saturday to get our hands on the new zoom. Click through for some images

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Tamron announces SP 15-30mm F/2.8 release date and $1200 price point

24 Jan

Tamron has announced availability and pricing for its much-anticipated 15-30mm F/2.8 stabilized wide angle zoom. Set for availability on January 30th in Canon and Nikon mounts with Sony to follow later, the lens will retail for $ 1199. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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