The f/2.8 constant aperture zoom is considered the professional standard, but the category tends to sit at both a high price point and a heavier design. But Tamron has just built an f/2.8 zoom built for everyday carry – and for matching the compact size of APS-C shooters from Canon, Sony, Nikon and Fujifilm.
I took the Tamron 16-50mm f/2.8 A on a fall color hike. Weight-wise, shooting with the new lens felt like using a kit lens. The lens sits at just 10.8 oz / 305g and it’s only about 3.2 inches long (though the Nikon Z mount sits at 4.8 inches / 121.3mm and 11.2oz / 315g).
But while the weight felt like a kit lens, the bokeh from shooting at f/2.8 did not. Shooting at 50mm and the minimum focus distance of 11.5 inches / .29m on the long end created a lovely mix between sharpness and bokeh.
The 16-50mm doesn’t reach as far as competing 16-55mm lenses, but I thought the range was an ideal balance between versatility and keeping the lens lightweight. I was happy to fit some wide shots, longer shots, and close-ups – though not quite macro territory – all without swapping lenses.
Like a lot of modern lenses that prioritize size, using the lens profile is a must to avoid vignetting and barrel distortion. The one quirk that I couldn’t quite completely fix in one click was some occasional purple fringing when shooting backlit branches – minor enough not to spot when viewing the whole image, but detectable when pixel-peeping at 100 percent.
Another feature that didn’t feel like a kit lens? The Tamron 16-50mm f/2.8 A does have weather seals for shooting in rain and snow, as well as helping prevent dust buildup.
The new Tamron is built for budget as well as size, sitting between $529 / CA$729 and $549 / CA$749 depending on the mount. International pricing wasn’t initially available at launch, but that converts to about £399-£415 / AU$757-AU$786.
The Tamron 16-50mm f/2.8 A joins a growing list of lenses built for crop sensor shooters that mix a bright aperture with a compact design. Tamron’s biggest competitor here is probably the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN Contemporary, which is slightly lighter but also a bit less wide.
First-party competitors like the Sony 16-55mm f/2.8 G and the Fujifilm XF 16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR II have a larger price gap, along with being heavier optics.
The Tamron 16-50mm is launching first to the Sony E-Mount and Canon RF Mount with an October 29 ship date. A Nikon Z mount is expected to follow on November 19th, and a Fujifilm X mount on December 17.
You may also like
Read the full Tamron 16-50mm f/2.8 A review. Or, take a look at the best lenses for travel.
