Tamron SP AF 14mm f/2.8 IF Review

Introduction

The Tamron 14mm f/2.8 is a ultra wide-angle lens, and features two Hybrid Aspherical lens elements, the large Hybrid Aspheric elements efficiently compensate for aberrations thus achieving flat-field image depiction from corner to corner. Using this lens i wish my D2H was a FF camera, by all means this lens is still pretty wide when used on a DX sized Dslr, but you do loose allot of the fun you could have had if it was Full Frame. This lens have a rather high price tag on it, so the question is, is it worth the money? read on to find out.

Specifications

Lens Construction: 14 elements in 12 groups

Closest focusing: 0.20m / 0.66ft

Picture Angle: 113° (35mm)

Filter: Rear gelatin filter

Size and weight: 86,5x87mm 675g / 3.41x3.43 in 23.8 oz

Included accessories: Lens case, rear cap, front lens cover

Diaphragm: 5 bladed with rounded blades

Price from: $ 1,099.00 USD

Manufacturers web site: www.tamron.com

Positives

• DOF/IR markings
• Sharp, good sharpness, even wide open.
• Wide! on a FX(full frame)camera that is.

Drawbacks

• CA, this lens shows more then average CA, and more then you would expect for a lens with a 1000$+ price tag.
• Light fall-off at edges wide open.
• Lens-Flare/ghosting. Not a major problem compared to other lenses tough.
• Rubber on focus ring, too hard IMO.
• Price.

Verdict

This lens is of less value on a DX sized Dslr then on a FX(FF) camera like the D3.This lens also shows strong CA on all apertures, something you don't want on a lens for 1000$+. A fun lens to use, but it`s overpriced, and the CA on this lens is worse then i have ever seen before. On a DX sized Dslr you will be better of with the Sigma 10-20mm, which has a way better price tag on it. On the D3 this lens is Wide!

Alternatives

Nikon AF Nikkor 14mm f2.8D ED. From $ 1229.95 USD

Sigma AF 14mm f/2.8 EX HSM. From $ 899.00 USD

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED. $ 1,799.95 USD

Sample Pictures