Lenses with fast aperture have always attracted photographers, partly because of the possibilities for photographing in available light, and partly for the ability to provide shallow depth of field and good separation between the main subject and the background. Moreover, a fast aperture is often associated with a sense of exclusivity, which comes from both the amount of high-quality glass and the large front element used in such lenses. All these features and more are found in Tamron’s new, premium wide-angle lens – Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di VC USD.
The lens marks the 40th anniversary of Tamron’s popular Superior Performance series. With its fast aperture, exceptional optical quality and quick autofocus, it is ideal for reportage, street photogtraphy, portraits, weddings and sports.
Weather sealed and durable
Well aware that there are competing 35mm lenses with very high optical performance, Tamron has worked hard to be able to offer not only equal or even better image quality, but also other attractive features. One of them is weatherproofing. Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di VC USD is equipped with rubber gaskets at all exposed points that prevent rain and moisture from penetrating the casing. The front element has a fluorine coating that repels water and grease and makes it easy to clean. The outer casing itself is not only elegant with its smooth, matte black surface but also resistant to shocks and scratches. The lens’s solid construction creates a very tangible premium feeling and together with Tamron’s 5-year guarantee, it is also a safe purchase.
Fast, silent and tailor-made autofocus
Another important feature is the autofocus, which is powered by Tamron’s silent USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) motor. The fast aperture sets special requirements and Tamron has adapted the focus mechanism so that it can move the heavy glass elements quickly and with high precision. The latter is particularly important with the shallow depth of field produced at f/1.4. The USD motor also allows the user to perform manual fine adjustments of the focus, without switching from AF to MF mode.
Superior optics
The lavish optical design of the Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD consists of 14 elements divided into 10 groups. These include three aspherical elements that correct spherical aberration and astigmatism. Together, they ensure that the lens provides high sharpness across the entire image even at full aperture, and exceptional resolution after stopping down the aperture only moderately. Four elements made of LD glass (Low Dispersion) minimize chromatic aberration, unwanted color bleeding. The amount of chromatic aberration is so low that it’s practically invisible. The optics and its nine-blade aperture are also designed to provide a soft and beautiful bokeh, which is an important feature for many users of fast lenses.
Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD also becomes the first lens to use Tamron’s newly developed anti-reflective coating BBAR-G2, which improves the result so much that it simply outperforms the original BBAR. The new coating provides extreme light transmission which guarantees images with high contrast and stunning brilliance even in difficult situations such as backlight, spotlights on concerts and motifs with lots of shiny and reflective details.
Future-proof investment
Although Tamron 35mm f/1.4 Di USD is designed as a wide-angle lens for full-frame cameras, it also works great as a fast normal lens on models with APS-C sensor. It can also be used on the latest mirrorless cameras from Canon and Nikon, when combined with these manufacturers’ special adapters (Canon EF to EOS R and Nikon FTZ adapter). Metering modes, aperture control and autofocus will function just as usual. With the Tamron Tap-in Console (accessory), the user can update the lens firmware and, if necessary, fine-tune the autofocus via a dedicated software. The Tap-in console makes Tamron 35mm f/1.4 Di USD a future-proof investment.
Price and delivery
Delivery of Tamron 35mm f/1.4 Di USD with Nikon mount will start in the end of June while the Canon version will arrive on the market in late July.
Retail price: € 1099
Summary of Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD
Fast and weather sealed wide-angle lens for Canon EF and Nikon F mount
Exceptional optical performance at all apertures
Full-frame compatible but can also be used on APS-C cameras
Optical construction with 3 aspheric elements and 4 elements made of LD glass
New anti-reflective coating, BBAR-G2, provides high contrast even in difficult light conditions
Front element with fluorine coating that repels raindrops and grease
USD motor with tailor-made focus mechanism provides quick, silent and exact focusing
Can also be used on mirrorless cameras (with the manufacturers’ adapters)
Tamron Tap-in Console (accessory) makes the lens future-proof
Specifications
Focal length: 35 mm
Maximum Aperture: 1.4
Image Circle: 24 × 36mm (full-frame). Will also fit APS-C
Lens Mount: Available for Canon EF and Nikon F
Focusing: Autofocus
Image Stabilizer: NoOptical Construction:14 elements / 10 groupsMinimum Aperture:16Minimum Focus:30 cmMaximum Magnification:0,2x (ratio 1:5)
Aperture blades: 9
Filter Size: 72 mm
Length: Canon: 105 mm. Nikon: 102 mm
Diameter: 81 mm (both versions)
Weight: Canon: 815 grams. Nikon: 805 grams
Included Accessories: Lens hood, lens caps Other Features: Weather sealed construction. Fast and silent autofocus with USD motor. Compatible with Tamron Tap-in Console
Referred by Photo Studio Equipment