Tamron SP 85mm F1.8 Di VC USD

Canon EF

Review

The Tamron SP 85mm F1.8 Di VC USD is a compelling lens for Canon EF mount users, especially those who are passionate about portrait photography. With its classic focal length, it offers a beautiful balance of compression and depth of field, creating stunning portraits with a creamy bokeh that draws attention to the subject while softly blurring the background.

Build Quality

One of the standout features of the Tamron 85mm F1.8 is its robust construction. The lens feels solid in hand, built with a combination of high-quality plastics and metal, giving it a premium look and feel. Weather sealing adds an extra layer of protection against moisture and dust, which is a bonus for outdoor shooting in less-than-ideal conditions. The front element has a Fluorine coating, which makes cleaning smudges and dust much easier.

Image Quality

In terms of optical performance, the Tamron SP 85mm impresses with sharpness. Images are incredibly sharp from wide open at F1.8 all the way through to F11, with a pleasing contrast and color rendition that can rival more expensive lenses in the same category. Chromatic aberration is well controlled, and distortion is negligible, making it an excellent choice for portraiture and other applications. However, as with any lens, there's a slight decrease in sharpness at the extreme edges, especially when shot wide open.

Vibration Compensation

The inclusion of Vibration Compensation (VC) is another highlight. This feature is particularly advantageous for low-light shooting or when you want to minimize camera shake, especially at longer focal lengths. This is a significant advantage for portrait photographers who may want to shoot at slower shutter speeds without sacrificing image sharpness.

Autofocus Performance

The autofocus system is generally fast and accurate, which is crucial for capturing fleeting moments. It operates quietly, making it suitable for situations where noise can be an issue, such as weddings or events. However, some users have reported slight inconsistencies in the autofocus in challenging lighting conditions, which could be a point of consideration for those who shoot in diverse environments.

Compatibility

Designed for full-frame Canon EF mount cameras, this lens is also compatible with APS-C sensor cameras, effectively becoming a 136mm equivalent. This makes it versatile for different types of photography beyond just portraits, including events and even nature photography.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality with weather sealing
• Sharp images with pleasing color and contrast
• Vibration Compensation (VC) helps in low-light situations
• Fast and quiet autofocus

Cons

• Some autofocus inconsistencies in low light
• Edge sharpness slightly less impressive when shot wide open

Verdict

Overall, the Tamron SP 85mm F1.8 Di VC USD is a fantastic lens for Canon EF mount users looking for a reliable portrait lens that delivers stunning performance without breaking the bank. With its solid construction, excellent image quality, and the added benefit of Vibration Compensation, it stands out as a worthy contender in the portrait lens market. Whether you are a professional photographer or an enthusiastic hobbyist, this lens is well worth considering for your next purchase.