You might remember Tamron's SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD lens being released in 2015. It is an excellent wide angle lens with good contrast, clarity, and color touting a price tag of around $1,100. The company has now released a new wide-angle zoom full-frame lens, the 17-35mm F/2.8-4 Di OSD, at half the cost.
Available in Nikon mount this September and Canon later, it's 3.5" in length and weighs 16.2 oz, making it small and light for space conscious shooters. While its "SP" counterpart provides 2mm more on the wide angle, you're getting an extra 5mm in focal length on the telephoto side. Tamron also kept the F/2.8- F/4 aperture range. What you will find missing, and probably why it has a reduced price point, is the vibration compensation engine that helps with image stabilization and reduces shake as well as the ultrasonic drive that enables speedy autofocus. For those in need of autofocus, the 17-35mm does have an optimized silent drive that does offer silent free autofocusing.
Tamron also added its broad-band anti-reflection coating to reduce ghosting and flare. A flourine coating to keep dirt and oil at bay and its moisture-resistant construction makes it safe in adverse weather conditions. Additionally, the lens is compatible with Tamron's TAP-in Console. Its street price is set at $599. It will be interesting to see how this lens stacks up with its more expensive "SP" counterpart.
Tech Specs:
- Focal Length: 17-35mm
- Maximum Aperture: F/2.8-4
- Optical Construction: 15 elements in 10 groups
- Minimum Object Distance: 11.0 in.
- Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:4.9
- Filter Size: Ø77mm
- Compatible Mounts: Canon, Nikon
