Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD £929/$1200

Almost as wide as the big Nikon

An imposing FX-format lens, the Tamron has the same diameter as the Nikon 14-24mm, but is slightly longer and heavier. It has a larger overall zoom range but the maximum viewing angle is marginally less, at 110 degrees compared with the Nikon’s 114 degrees. It’s also only about two thirds of the price, making it one of the least expensive FX-format lenses in the group.

It matches the Nikon’s fast f/2.8 aperture rating but adds optical stabilization, with roughly a 2.5-stop effect according to our tests. Highgrade construction incorporates a large XGM (eXpanded Glass Moulded Aspherical) element in the front group, nano-structure coatings, weather seals and a fluorine protective coating on the front element.

Performance

30mm at f/2.8 enables a tighter depth of field than is usually available with an ultra-wide zoom, and bokeh looks pleasantly smooth.

Outright sharpness is a little lacking wide-open, but becomes excellent when narrowing the aperture just a single f/stop.