Tamron SP AF 14mm f/2.8 IF Review

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Introduction

The Tamron 14mm f/2.8 is a ultra wide-angle lens, and features two Hybrid Aspherical lens elements, the large Hybrid Aspheric elements efficiently compensate for aberrations thus achieving flat-field image depiction from corner to corner. Using this lens i wish my D2H was a FF camera, by all means this lens is still pretty wide when used on a DX sized Dslr, but you do loose allot of the fun you could have had if it was Full Frame. This lens have a rather high price tag on it, so the question is, is it worth the money? read on to find out.

Specifications

Lens Construction: 14 elements in 12 groups (two Hybrid Aspherical lens elements)

Closest focusing: 0.20m / 0.66ft

Picture Angle: 113° (35mm)

Filter: Rear gelatin filter

Size and weight: 86,5x87mm 675g / 3.41x3.43 in 23.8 oz

Included accessories: Lens case, rear cap, front lens cover

Diaphragm: 5 bladed with rounded blades

Price from: $799.00 USD

Manufacturers web site: www.tamron.com

Positives

• DOF/IR markings
• Sharp, good sharpness, even wide open.
• Wide! on a FX(full frame)camera that is.

Drawbacks

• CA, this lens shows more then average CA, and more then you would expect for a lens with a 1000$+ price tag.
• Light fall-off at edges wide open.
• Lens-Flare/ghosting. Not a major problem compared to other lenses tough.
• Rubber on focus ring, too hard IMO.
• Price.

Verdict

This lens is of less value on a DX sized Dslr then on a FX(FF) camera like the Nikon D3. This lens also shows strong CA on all apertures(on the D2H and the D200), something you don't want on a lens for this price. A fun lens to use, but it`s overpriced, and the CA on this lens is worse then i have ever seen before. On a DX sized Dslr you will be better of with the Sigma 10-20mm, which has a way better price tag on it. On the D3 this lens is Wide! And it also performs alot better then on the D2H and the D200. On the D3 the built in CA removal does a lot, and it generally isn't a problem to worry about at all.

Features
Performance D3
Performance D2H/D200
Build
Value D3
Value D2H/D200

Tamron SP AF 14mm f/2.8 Aspherical IF. Price from: $ 799.00 USD

Alternatives

Nikon AF Nikkor 14mm f2.8D ED. Price From $1,549.95 USD

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED. Price: $1,799.95 USD

*Prices and rebates are subject to change. Listed price is from July 29, 2009

Sample Pictures

Images have been imported to photoshop CS3 through Capture NX 2 thus leaving the original image settings as shot, I. E white balance, sharpening, etc .etc. Full resolution sample images are in RGB color mode. Check out my copyright page for information about usage of these images.