DxOmark (Click here) tested the Tamron 15-30mm SP lens. They used the F-mount version on the D810 which uses the same A7r sensor. The A-mount lens can be ordered at BHphoto (Click here) and at Adorama (Click here). So how good is the lens? DxO writes:
All lenses are a compromise, but the Tamron has a good balance, with high central sharpness wide-open and sharpness improving across the frame on stopping down, and with generally good control of chromatic aberration. On the downside, it has some slight field curvature at 30mm and it has quite high levels of both barrel and pincushion distortion that are more noticeable than the Nikkor equivalents.
However, at least the Tamron doesn’t exhibit complex distortion, so it should be relatively easy to correct with software. In physical terms, the lens is large and heavy and doesn’t cover the popular 35mm focal length, but as a 24-47mm equivalent on an APS-C-format DSLR, it remains a versatile offering. Combined with its good performance and the lure of built-in stabilization, at around $1,200 it looks very tempting.
DxOmark (Click here) also tested the Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM lens:
Although the Sony has good center sharpness throughout much of the range, the exception is at 50mm, where field curvature can be problematic and stopping down doesn’t help. It also has quite noticeable chromatic aberration at the edges of the frame at 16mm and when stopped-down mid-range (24-35mm), making it look like a somewhat problematic lens. On balance, however, after taking the high speed aperture, stabilization, sonic type motor and price into account, it remains an attractive option for Sony users. But if brand loyalty isn’t a concern, potential buyers could look at the offerings from Sigma or Tamron.
20 Responses
and also is the best weight for the cabbage 😉
At 1199 is very hard to ignore this offering, specially if we consider the price of the Zeiss 16-35 F2.8 ZA SSM.
As always, not availible for FE, of course
Always available for the ‘E’ mount …. Via adapter of course, which is what the ‘E’ mount ‘system’ is all about isn’t it?
1530 is a beast in terms of weight. I dont think anyone would enjoy adapting.
I have the EF version of the lens adapted on my a7R II and it works great
I’ve considered picking up a Nikon for this lens alone. No A mount and it doesn’t look like we’ll ever get it.
Hi,
I already got for a mount and one of the sharpest lens what I ever used, but huge and heavy.
You must have ordered directly from Japan.
I pre-ordered from Wex photographyc in UK. The lens was in my hand
20th of December.
I got that lens, and I like it a lot. I’m really looking forward to a Nikon electronic adapter to use with that lens, at least for VR and aperture control. Hopefully Mr. Steel Chen will make a good one! 🙂
The new Canon 16-35/2.8 L II seems to be a great lens as well.
The so-called new Canon 16-35 f/2.8L II is about 8 years old and is easily beaten by the actually new(ish) 16-35 f/4L IS. Canon is working on a 16-35 f/2.8L III and hopefully it’s much better.
Nothing is perfect.
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=412&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=986&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=1&APIComp=0
Interesting. But I’ve been looking at other samples of Canon vs Nikon equivalent lenses, and all the samples from the Nikon I checked seemed to have horrible corners. I tried to find comparison of the same lens between Canon and Nikon bodies, but it seems like if a lens was available for all mounts, they would only test the Canon version. So I’m a little bit skeptical of the comparison based on the bodies they shot with.
The Canon is definitely lighter, thought, and it seems like a good lens. Could be well worth getting a used copy (for me, I’ll just go for the more affordable lens that offers a wide fast angle with not a lot of distortion). And it’s a really cool comparison tool, it’s too bad they don’t do Sony!
Canon lens are generally better than Nikon equivalent.
Is this a good astro lens? I know it’s much dearer but I was thinking of dumping my Samyang for the Tamron.
I haven’t been out at night with it much, but from the few photos I took with it I don’t remember seeing coma problems. So it should be pretty good. The Samyang 14mm is wider, thought. And the Samyang 24mm is two stops faster.
Worked well for me for aurora shooting. Haven’t gone anywhere dark enough yet for Milky Way shots or anything.
http://www.dxomark.com/Reviews/Best-lenses-for-the-Sony-A77-II-48-lens-roundup