TAMRON SP45mm F1.8 Di VC USD Model F013N

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

The SP45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD Model F013N is Tamron's first fixed-focal standard lens. I repeat. This is a fixed-focal standard lens featuring F1.8 maximum aperture. It represents Tamron's spirit for their new SP series. It has built-in image stabilization. The minimum focus distance is 0.29m. It has two molded glass aspherical elements correcting field curvature and one LD element correcting chromatic aberration. The eBAND and BBAR coatings work to minimize surface reflections of lights from all directions. The ultrasonic wave motor guarantees quick response. It has moisture resistant construction with additional anti-dirt coating on the front lens element. What a list of features. It's been 36 years since they released the legendary SP 90mm F/2.5 (Model 52B), the first SP series lens, and this new one is a renovation in every aspect including performance, functionality, operability, and appearance. And, the image quality is excellent enough to make a decision right now.

( Photography : Z II / Text : Rica )

This shot wide open represents the character of this lens. While the lady selling baked goods in the soft lighting pops out from the background, the texture rendition of her shirt and hair is so delicate.

Stopped down slightly to F2.8. The sharpness of the focal peak is perfect. The metal texture looks realistic and I can almost feel the coldness of the pet bottle. The bokeh is soft and natural, and the ring bokeh, generated by the rounded diaphragm, gives a great accent.

Shooting in the big luminance gap. The balance between shadow and highlight is moderate and natural. The highlight doesn't have clipping and it adds to the reproduction of depth of the narrow space. This lens makes me want to shoot in monochrome, too.

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I can almost feel the chilly wind and the momentum of the clouds thanks to the color reproduction of the beautiful autumn sky and clouds. The leaves in the foreground look delicate and the contrast is pleasant.

The VC image stabilizer assists shooting with slow shutter speeds. It's sharp all the way up to the remote buildings, but they still look natural without becoming edgy.

I shot the merry-go-round with ISO100 trusting the image stabilizer. The reflections of lights and the ripples on the water surface look beautiful, too.

Lowlight condition with a warm bulb is no problem. The great detail of shadow makes me have a feeling of being there.

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Unique identity shines modestly.

While producing high-performance zoom lenses, Tamron employed new optical design to make a fixed-focal lens that is compatible with digital cameras with more pixels. The warm appearance with soft curved lines is so appealing and the ring around the mount, called "luminous gold, " shines modestly but beautifully. The image stabilizer and the moisture resistant construction make this lens a great everyday lens to be shot in a variety of situations. And, the 45mm focal length works as a perfect eye that responds to the impulse of photographers. It's great for shooting sweet moments in everyday life. But, if you use your feet to get close to or walk away from the subject following the basic photographic theory, you can shoot just about everything with this lens. This lens isn't shiny as gold, but it always brings the best results just like an oxidized silver.

( 29.09.2015 )