Tamron SP AF 17-35mm F/2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical (IF)

Nikon F (DX/FX)

Review

The Tamron SP AF 17-35mm F/2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical (IF) lens is a versatile ultra-wide-angle zoom lens designed specifically for Nikon F mount cameras, particularly in the DX format. This lens offers a wide focal range, ideal for landscape, architecture, and interior photography. With its relatively fast aperture and solid build quality, it has garnered attention among photographers looking for an affordable alternative to more expensive options.

Build Quality and Design

The Tamron 17-35mm features a robust construction that inspires confidence in its durability. The lens body is primarily made of high-quality plastic, which helps keep the weight manageable, yet it feels sturdy enough for regular use. The front element is coated with a resistant material to reduce flare and ghosting, a common issue with wide-angle lenses. Additionally, the zoom ring is smooth and allows for easy adjustments, providing a tactile feel that is appreciated when shooting.

Optical Performance

Optically, the Tamron 17-35mm delivers impressive results for its price bracket. The lens boasts a decent sharpness across most of its focal range, especially at f/8, where images have a crisp quality. The aspherical elements in its construction help to reduce distortion and aberrations, making it a solid performer for landscape photography. However, at the extreme ends of the zoom range, you may notice a slight decrease in sharpness, particularly when shooting wide open at f/2.8.

Autofocus and Usability

Equipped with an internal focusing (IF) system, this lens ensures fast and accurate autofocus capabilities, which can be particularly beneficial when capturing moving subjects or changing scenes. It handles low-light situations reasonably well due to its f/2.8-4 aperture range, although the lack of a constant f/2.8 could deter some users. Additionally, the closest focusing distance is commendable, allowing for some close-up creativity while maintaining the ultra-wide perspective.

Compatibility

Designed for Nikon F mount, the Tamron 17-35mm is compatible with many Nikon digital and film cameras. While it excels on DX-format bodies, it's worth noting that its performance on FX-format cameras might result in vignetting at the wider end, thus reinforcing its status as an ideal lens for DX users.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Good build quality and durable design
• Impressive sharpness at f/8
• Versatile focal length for various photography styles
• Fast and accurate autofocus with internal focusing
• Competitive price point for an ultra-wide lens

Cons

• Slight sharpness drop at extreme focal lengths and wider aperture
• Variable aperture may limit low-light performance
• Vignetting can occur on full-frame cameras

Verdict

Overall, the Tamron SP AF 17-35mm F/2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical (IF) is an excellent option for Nikon DX camera users seeking an affordable and versatile wide-angle lens. Its solid build and decent optical quality make it a worthy addition to any photographer's kit, particularly for landscape and architecture enthusiasts. Despite some minor drawbacks related to sharpness and variable aperture, it offers great value for its price and is certainly worth considering for your next photography venture.