Sample Shots

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Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 22.0mm Aperture: f/8.0 Exposure 1/320s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 15.0mm Aperture: f/8.0 Exposure 1/320s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 27.0mm Aperture: f/7.1 Exposure 1/250s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 30.0mm Aperture: f/2.8 Exposure 1/3200s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 16.0mm Aperture: f/7.1 Exposure 1/1600s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 26.0mm Aperture: f/4.0 Exposure 1/800s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 15.0mm Aperture: f/4.0 Exposure 1/800s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 30.0mm Aperture: f/4.0 Exposure 1/1250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 22.0mm Aperture: f/8.0 Exposure 1/250s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 26.0mm Aperture: f/5.6 Exposure 1/2000s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 19.0mm Aperture: f/8.0 Exposure 1/320s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 15.0mm Aperture: f/8.0 Exposure 1/320s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 20.0mm Aperture: f/7.1 Exposure 1/400s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 20.0mm Aperture: f/4.0 Exposure 1/1250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 22.0mm Aperture: f/2.8 Exposure 1/1250s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 24.0mm Aperture: f/2.8 Exposure 1/1250s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 30.0mm Aperture: f/5.0 Exposure 1/640s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 21.0mm Aperture: f/8.0 Exposure 1/320s
Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 22.0mm Aperture: f/8.0 Exposure 1/200s	Make NIKON CORPORATION Model NIKON D3X ISO Speed 100 Focal Length 15.0mm Aperture: f/2.8 Exposure 1/200s

Verdict

Slightly more detailed summary: Tamron got a lot of things right with this one, and it's hard to find any issues or drawbacks. The build quality is on a very high level, the specs are highly attractive, featuring an nice and versatile zoom range, a constant and fast f/2.8 aperture, a silent and modern USD autofocus drive and in addition (for those who appreciate it on an ultra-wide lens) Tamron's optical stabilization (VC).

Distortion is nothing to rave about, but in line with the competition (actually a tad better than competition at the wide end). Vignetting is well controlled, especially for such a wide and fast lens, as is CAs. And the resolution figures are on par with the Nikon AF-S 14-24, undoubtedly on of the better lenses in this regard. On top, the lens handles backlight quite well with only occasional flare. As the sample images above show, the bokeh quality is also pleasing, especially for such a wide lens.

So, anything to complain about? Well, yes, for some the lack of a filter thread might be an issue, as is, of course the size and weight. If you want to travel light, the Tamron is not the best choice. If you don't mind these issues, though, it is a great and versatile tool and definitely highly recommended. Especially given its (comparably) affordable price.

Optical Quality:    

★★★★★

Mechanical Quality:

★★★★★

Price/Performance:

★★★★★

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