TAMRON SP35mm F1.8 Di VC USD Model F012E

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

If you're to choose one lens, you may pick up a 35mm. People often say, "photography starts with 50mm and ends with 50mm." But as far as wide angle lenses are concerned, I think we can say, "it starts with 35mm and ends with 35mm." This new 35mm lens from Tamron is F1.8 and it's fixed-focal. I was excited to test it because it's made by Tamron, the master of bokeh. And, my heart beat ever faster when I heard about the short 0.2m minimum focus distance and the image stabilization up to 3 steps. And, the design of this new SP series is so smart and handsome that it also looks cool even with the high-end cameras (the lens is compatible with Canon's full frame E-mount). Enough said. Let's check the image quality. One apology. I took too many shots wide open because I loved the creamy buttery bokeh...

( Photography & Text : T.Takahashi )

At a Japanese restaurant in Kanazawa. Sharpness and gentleness coexist wide open in this realistic rendition of the tranquil space. Because of the great tone of the vermilion color and the wall, the gradation of the light looks even more refined.

Showing the contrast between sharp focal plane and defocused background. The focal peak is never overly sharp, but solid enough to fully capture the subject. And, the smooth and soft bokeh emphasizes the subject. I love the texture rendition of the subject and the tonal gradation of the shining floor as well as the shadow.

Kanazawa looks graceful with rain. The lens successfully captured the air of the scene and I can almost feel the smell of the wet air after the rain. This performance is something the spec sheet doesn't talk about.

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I shot this beautiful sunrise from the Mt. Tsurugadake from the passenger's seat trying not to disturb the driver. I shot wide open because I didn't have time to change the aperture, but the result looks all right. Because I shot through the windshield, I could get this dramatic vignetting effect. Even though the shooting condition wasn't ideal, the ridgeline looks sharp and I can also feel the refreshing morning air.

Using slow shutters is no problem thanks to the image stabilization. Even though I shot at 1/2 sec, which is slower than the least safe speed for handheld shooting, the rocks and the grass look sharp and solid while the water is flowing naturally.

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Shooting a remote scene at F8. What a wonderful resolution. The definition of the ripples is stunning.

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The 35mm focal length is ideal for a variety of situations including streets, landscapes, portraits, and even table-top. And because of this versatility, it's deep and hard to master. So, at least you want to use the best lens like this one delivering sharpness, smooth and soft bokeh, and sweet falloff wide open. The elegant and profound rendition even reminds me of some legendary old lenses, too. And, you'll love the elegant and smart appearance, including the craftwork-like curved ring at the mount. If I should choose one lens, I'd pick this lens for sure.

( 29.09.2015 )