Tamron SP 35mm f/1.8 Di VC USD

Finally it's here! I'm wanting to order one ASAP as they are now on some of the popular camera websites for sale. Anxious to see photos from this one!

I'm usually a 24/85 shooter for all my wedding work but I've been wanting to add a 35 for a long time. Had some Adorama rewards and rebates so I picked this up for about 90 bucks Took it out today for about an hour. Overall, I'm pretty impressed so far. Focus is quick despite the mixed reviews that said it's a bit slow. Maybe not as fast as Canon's 85 1.8, but still pretty good. It's damn sharp as well. I have the 24L, and just like that lens, sometimes hitting focus shooting wide open with outer focus points is tricky. It's probably more user error than anything but stopping down to f2.2 and on, it was nailing it every time. Flare is controlled pretty well, whatever coating they use on this seems to work nicely. When I did get it to flare, it was easy to control and wasn't going all blob like over the frame. The only thing I don't like is that the lens hood does not click in or lock so it can be turned very easily. I'll probably have to put some gaffers tape on the mount to make the connection a little tighter.

All shots below are at f1.8 except for the sunstar which was done at f16 to see how it handled that.

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Took this out for an engagement session and family shoot this weekend. I dig it a lot.

I've used this at a few more weddings and engagement shoots and it's performing well. I'm guessing the 35L II probably does some things better but it's nothing worth the extra money IMO. It gets the job done and that's what matters. Focus has been great even in near pitch black receptions and outdoor night time environments.

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I rolled the dice and sold my Canon 35mm f/2 IS for the Tam, mainly for the weathersealing option. I haven't regretted it since. I haven't done much daylight work with it yet, but night time and very low light on the street is working out great as you can see. This was taken inside my car only lit by the 3w interior dome light of an 82 Mercedes. AF isn't a strong suit with this in such low light situations, but I'm guessing most other lenses would be equally difficult.

~Canon 1D MkIII, Tam SP 35mm f/1.8 @ f/2.8, 1/15 sec, ISO 1600.

Hey BlackParrot,

So far, how do the 2 lenses compare overall from your experience with both? I've got the 35mm f/2 IS currently, but was also considering the new Tamron for its weather-sealing, and slightly closer MFD.

They are pretty neck and neck. I've read a lot about the AF not being as good, I've not found that to be the case. AF speed is fine for me, I haven't noticed any difference ... if it's that marginal I could care less. My 35 IS was great, but honestly between the two in real world situations it's a dead heat. Weathersealing is really the difference, I'm planning a rainy shoot in the next few months and will post a pic or two from that. All in all I don't shoot test patterns or grids, so maybe it's all perspective.


Tamron did an amazing job with this lens! Since I really haven't manually focused since a very long time ago ... it's been a relearning curve. lol
The MF ring is very smooth on the Tam too. It's a keeper in my book.
I haven't tested the IS on video yet, that was a serious plus for the Canon. Not that I do that much of it.

Right on, man - thanks for sharing your experience! The Tamron has definitely piqued my interest.

Holy hell somebody else got this lens It was getting a bit lonely in here. I really like the processing of that ^^ It has a nice cinematic feel to it. Looking forward to seeing more! I just shot my last wedding of the season last weekend. It was only a short 3 hour gig but it was all done at night in a very dark glass blowing studio. Any natural light shots were 6400 iso @ f/2 The lens had no problems at all with focusing. I had about 20 minutes for formals outside in the dark and focus was quick and consistent. If it missed at all, it was my own fault. Here's one from the night.

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Just won this lens from a Viewbug/Instagram contest, looking forward to trying it out Thinking of paring it with a 135L for wedding shoots.

Have you guys noted any issues with AF performance when using this lens? I'm right on the edge of trading up my 35mm f2 IS for a Tamron, but this is a concern that kind of holds me back. I found this review online from Resource Magazine by Jaron Schneider - mostly glowing, with the one major drawback being AF performance:

http://resourcemagonli​ne.com …re-near-perfection/58647/

The sample images he posted are pretty darn awesome

Personally I haven't had a problem with the AF. I didn't try to recreate the test in this article, but I'm not sure if there wasn't any kind of test done or lack of MFA. I test every lens I get and adjust accordingly ... my 1D is also the first camera I've owned that'll do that.
As good as my Canon 35 f2IS was, there were missed focus with that. Could have been me, not really sure. My copy (I haven't heard about variances in copies on this model but have seen articles where that may be an issue with any 3rd party lens).
I'd say pick one up if you can without selling the Canon. Test it out and if it doesn't work for you, return it.
I'm heading to NYC on Monday for some photo walking for a couple days. I plan on using it a lot, so if you want to hold off until Wed I'll post some shots as soon as I can and give more feedback.

When he says razor sharp ... he means it. haha The Tam def does that very well!