Tamron 10-24mm F3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD

Canon EF

Review

The Tamron 10-24mm F3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD is a versatile ultra-wide-angle zoom lens designed specifically for Canon EF mounts, making it an excellent companion for both amateur and professional photographers looking to capture expansive landscapes or architecture. Notably, this lens offers a range of focal lengths from 10mm to 24mm, allowing for creativity in various shooting scenarios.

One of the standout features of the Tamron 10-24mm is its Vibration Compensation (VC) technology. This image stabilization system significantly reduces camera shake, which is particularly beneficial when shooting at slower shutter speeds or in dynamic situations. The lens maintains sharpness even in low-light conditions, which is a crucial attribute for landscape photographers or those capturing interiors where natural light is limited.

The build quality of the lens is generally solid, with a lightweight, compact design that makes it easy to carry around. However, it does have a slightly plastic feel that may not match the premium feel of some higher-end Canon lenses. The zoom ring is smooth, yet some users have reported that the focus ring could benefit from a bit more resistance for finer adjustments.

In terms of optical performance, the Tamron 10-24mm produces impressive results. It exhibits good sharpness across the zoom range, although some distortion may be noticeable at the extreme ends (particularly at 10mm). This can be corrected in post-processing, but it’s something to keep in mind if you're focused on straight lines. Additionally, chromatic aberration can subtly creep in under certain conditions, particularly at the widest aperture.

The maximum aperture of f/3.5-4.5 does limit its low-light usability somewhat when compared to faster prime lenses, but for an ultra-wide zoom, this is quite typical. It's also worth mentioning that this lens relies on a 77mm filter size, which is common and gives users flexibility when it comes to filtering options.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Versatile 10-24mm focal length range ideal for landscapes and architecture.
• Effective Vibration Compensation (VC) for reduced camera shake.
• Good overall sharpness at most focal lengths.
• Lightweight and compact design.

Cons

• Build quality feels somewhat less premium due to plastic construction.
• Some distortion and chromatic aberration, particularly at the extremes.
• Maximum aperture of f/3.5-4.5 may be limiting in low light.

Verdict

The Tamron 10-24mm F3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD is a capable ultra-wide-angle lens that offers a great range for those shooting landscapes or dynamic shifts in perspective. While it has a few drawbacks, such as some distortion and a build that may not impress everyone, its image stabilization and optical performance make it a worthy consideration for photographers in need of a reliable and versatile ultra-wide zoom. For Canon EF mount users looking for a budget-friendly option, this lens is certainly worth a place in your toolkit.