Tamron SP AF 11-18mm F/4.5-5.6 Di II LD Aspherical (IF)

Canon EF

Review

The Tamron SP AF 11-18mm F/4.5-5.6 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) lens designed for Canon EF mount offers a fascinating journey into the world of wide-angle photography. As a shooting tool, this lens stands out particularly for users with APS-C sensor cameras, providing an effective focal length equivalent to approximately 17.6-29mm. Whether you're capturing sweeping landscapes, architecture, or dynamic street scenes, this lens is engineered to make the most of its expansive field of view.

One of the notable aspects of the Tamron 11-18mm is its build quality. The lens feels solid in your hand, and it comes with a sleek design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The use of LD (Low Dispersion) glass and aspherical elements helps in reducing chromatic aberrations and ensures sharp images even at the edges of the frame. As a photographer, you’ll appreciate the clarity and detail that this lens can produce, particularly in well-lit conditions.

Not to be overlooked is the lens's performance in low-light settings. The maximum aperture of F/4.5-5.6 is adequate for daylight shooting, but it can sometimes restrict performance in darker environments. The lack of a wider aperture across the zoom range may lead to a trade-off when trying to achieve a blurry background or shoot in low-light scenarios without sacrificing ISO or shutter speed. Nonetheless, it can still handle indoor and ambient lighting quite well when you’re mindful of your settings.

Focusing with this lens is predominantly smooth, aided by its internal focusing (IF) mechanism which means that the front element doesn’t rotate during focusing — making it perfect for using polarizers or ND filters. However, the autofocus can occasionally struggle in low-light conditions or in shots requiring a quick focus adjustment.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional build quality with solid construction.
• Good optical performance, especially in well-lit conditions.
• Minimal chromatic aberration due to the use of LD glass.
• Internal focusing mechanism avoids filter rotation.
• Versatile wide-angle range perfect for landscapes and architecture.

Cons

• Limited maximum aperture affects low-light performance.
• Autofocus can struggle in dim conditions.
• Slightly heavy compared to other wide-angle options.

Verdict

In conclusion, the Tamron SP AF 11-18mm F/4.5-5.6 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) lens for Canon EF is a robust choice for wide-angle photography enthusiasts, especially those utilizing APS-C cameras. It excels in build quality and optical performance, making it a reliable partner for stunning landscapes and architectural shots. However, its limitations in low-light performance and occasional autofocus challenges merit consideration. Ultimately, if your photography style leans towards daytime shooting and you value image quality over extreme versatility in low light, this lens could be the perfect addition to your kit.