Tamron 17-35mm F2.8-4 Di OSD

Canon EF

Review

The Tamron 17-35mm F2.8-4 Di OSD is a versatile ultra-wide-angle zoom lens designed for Canon EF mount cameras. It offers an appealing combination of a relatively fast aperture, a wide focal length range, and a compact design, making it an attractive option for landscape, architecture, and even some astrophotography.

Build Quality and Design

The lens has a solid build that feels durable and well-constructed. It features a weather-sealed design, which provides added protection against moisture and dust—an excellent feature for outdoor photographers. Weighing in at just around 1.1 pounds (approximately 500 grams), it is lightweight compared to many other lenses within its category, making it more portable for on-the-go photographers. The front lens element has a fluorine coating that helps repel fingerprints and water, ensuring the lens remains cleaner during use.

Optical Performance

In terms of optical performance, the Tamron 17-35mm delivers impressive sharpness throughout most of its focal range. At f/2.8, the lens performs quite well, with images coming out sharp in the center. However, as you move towards the edges, there is a slight drop in sharpness, particularly at the widest focal lengths. Stopping down to f/8 significantly enhances edge performance, making it a good choice for landscape photography where detail across the frame is crucial.

Distortion is present, especially at the extreme ends of the focal length. This is typical for wide-angle lenses, but the good news is that in-camera correction or post-processing can effectively reduce this issue. Chromatic aberration is also minimal, which is a plus for those who embrace editing but prefer to start with clean images.

Autofocus System

The lens incorporates Tamron's OSD (Optimized Silent Drive) autofocus system, which is surprisingly fast and quiet. This makes it a strong contender for both stills and video work, where silent operation is essential. The autofocus performs well in various lighting conditions, although it may struggle slightly in very low light. Nonetheless, it usually locks focus quickly and accurately, which is beneficial for shooting dynamic subjects or when shooting in a hurry.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Lightweight and compact design, making it easily portable.
• Good build quality with weather sealing for outdoor use.
• Impressive sharpness in the center even at f/2.8.
• Fast and quiet autofocus, suitable for video recording.

Cons

• Slight edge softness at wider focal lengths.
• Some distortion at the extreme ends, requiring correction.
• Autofocus can struggle in very low light situations.

Verdict

The Tamron 17-35mm F2.8-4 Di OSD for Canon EF mount cameras is an excellent choice for photographers looking to explore ultra-wide-angle photography without breaking the bank. Its combination of solid build quality, optical performance, and effective autofocus makes it a reliable option for various shooting scenarios—from landscapes to vlogs. While it has its minor drawbacks concerning edge sharpness and distortion, these are manageable and often compensated by the overall quality and value it provides. If you need a lightweight and versatile lens for your Canon system, this Tamron lens deserves a spot in your bag.