TAMRON SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD Model A012

[Zoom] Wide-zoom | Standard-zoom | Tele-zoom | High-zoom  
[Fixed-focal] Wide angle | Standard | Telephoto | Macro

The SP15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD is a F2.8 constant ultra-wide angle zoom lens for full frame. Thanks to the newly developed molded glass aspherical elements and LD (low dispersion) glass elements, this lens demonstrates the resolution equivalent to fixed-focal lenses and the high image quality throughout the zoom range. Additionally, Tamron unsparingly employed their technologies and ideas such as the proven image stabilization that is fine-tuned for the wide angle, the latest coating, and the drop-proof construction. And, together with the attractive price, this lens is impossible to ignore.

( Photography : Z II / Text : 4beats )

This lens is good at capturing so-called "airy feel" as well as moisture, and it faithfully reproduced the atmosphere of the port covered by the soft evening light. The gradation of tone from the shadow is just perfect. This image was shot almost at the tele-end wide open. The 3D appearance of the boat in the shallow depth of field is wonderful.

At F5.6, the wide-end. It realistically captured the biting sunshine and the summer of the sky. The highlight tonal quality is excellent. The rendition seems to be unaffected by the intense backlight, even considering the aperture setting that is two steps smaller. I believe this is due to the eBAND and BBAR coating. The rendition of thin wires demonstrates the high resolution.

Even with the 15mm focal length and the 110-degree angle of view, you can still enjoy bokeh shooting around wide open and from the short distance to the subject. The minimum focus distance, by the way, is 28cm throughout the zoom range.

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As in the first sample shot, there's a slight level of distortion towards the wide-end. On the other hand, as you see on this image, there's no distracting level of distortion at the tele-end. The distortion level seems to change according to the focal length and you may want to check it before real shooting.

Without the rich tonal gradation, I couldn't capture the mood of the single-colored subject like this mannequin.

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The best zoom for wide-angle

30mm is the best focal length to capture the space we perceive just as it is, and you can enjoy the perspective, shooting moderately-wide shots, and shooting things face to face. At 25mm or wider, you can capture wider than your vision, and the perspective is exaggerated. By emphasizing the contrast between foreground and background, or by compressing the vast scenes, you can easily convert what you see into a dynamic view. Plus, the F2.8 max aperture lets you control the depth of field. In sum, with this F2.8 wide-angle zoom lens, you can enjoy a variety of expressions by controlling the focal length, aperture, and distance.

The image quality is excellent and the ability to capture the "airy feel" is beyond what the spec sheet says. And, the reasonable price makes this lens the best lens to enjoy wide angle photography.

( 21.08.2015 )