Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD review

It’s inexpensive for an f/2.8 lens, and has the added bonus of optical stabilisation

(Image: © Future)

Digital Camera World Verdict

represents a great middle ground choice between something like the Canon 16-35mm and Sigma 14-24mm lenses. Well-built and weather-sealed, with an optical stabiliser and constant f/2.8 aperture to boot, this lens will give you practically everything you need in all sorts of shooting situations.

Pros

  • +

    Constant f/2.8 aperture

  • +

    Fast, high-torque autofocus

  • +

    Handles with smooth precision

Cons

  • -

    Some sharpness issues when wide open

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With a maximum angle of view midway between that of the Canon 16-35mm and Sigma 14-24mm lenses, the Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD is the best of both worlds in a lot of ways. It combines the fast and constant f/2.8 aperture of the Sigma and the added bonus of optical stabilisation as featured in the Canon. All this makes for a solid compromise, made better by the Tamron’s up-market build quality and handling, and a construction that’s complete with weather-seals and a fluorine coating on the front element. 

One drawback with the Tamron lens compared with the Canon is it’s nearly twice the weight. However, it’s a touch lighter than both the Sigma full-frame lens.  The zoom and focus rings work with smooth precision, with the focus ring placed near the rear of the lens, and there’s a focus distance scale to help with accuracy.

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Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.