Tamron SP 35mm F1.4 Di USD

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Review

The Tamron SP 35mm F1.4 Di USD is a prime lens that has quickly established itself as a strong contender in the realm of fast standard lenses for Nikon F (DX) mount cameras. With a wide aperture of f/1.4, this lens is designed for those who value low-light performance, impressive bokeh, and sharp images.

Build Quality and Design

The lens boasts a solid build quality, featuring a metal barrel and weather-sealing, which is a significant plus for outdoor photographers who often face varying environmental conditions. It has a smooth focus ring that provides a satisfying tactile feedback, enabling precise manual focusing when needed. The relatively compact size for a lens of this aperture makes it highly portable, which is particularly useful for street photography and travel.

Optical Performance

When it comes to image quality, the Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 excels across various scenarios. Sharpness is exceptional even wide open at f/1.4, making it ideal for portrait and landscape photography. The lens maintains impressive detail across the frame, and stopping down to f/2.8 or f/4 results in near-pristine sharpness.

Distortion and chromatic aberration are well controlled, although some users may notice slight barrel distortion, which is typical for a lens in this category. Additionally, the lens produces beautiful bokeh thanks to its 9-blade diaphragm, creating creamy backgrounds that can isolate subjects effectively.

Autofocus Performance

Equipped with Tamron's Ultra Silent Drive (USD) autofocus motor, the lens provides quick and accurate focusing. It performs admirably in well-lit conditions, making it easy to capture fleeting moments. However, in low-light situations, some users have reported that the autofocus can struggle a bit, which is something to consider if you frequently shoot under such conditions.

Compatibility and Use Cases

Being a 35mm lens on a DX-format camera, it offers an effective focal length of approximately 52.5mm, making it versatile for a variety of photography styles, from portraits to street photography and even close-up work. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for both enthusiasts and professionals looking for a reliable prime lens.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional sharpness even at maximum aperture
• Solid build quality with weather-sealing
• Smooth, responsive autofocus in adequate lighting
• Beautiful bokeh for portrait and artistic shots
• Versatile focal length for various styles of photography

Cons

• Autofocus can be unreliable in low-light conditions
• Slight barrel distortion may be noticeable
• Heavier compared to some competitors

Verdict

The Tamron SP 35mm F1.4 Di USD is a fantastic addition to the Nikon F (DX) lineup, offering a combination of sharpness, build quality, and beautiful rendering that few lenses can rival in its category. While there are minor drawbacks, such as slight distortion and autofocus performance in low light, the advantages greatly outweigh these issues. If you're in the market for a premium prime lens that excels in various scenarios, the Tamron SP 35mm F1.4 deserves serious consideration.