Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2

£1099/$1299 The second gen of Tamron’s ultra-wide zoom

Unique in this group, the Tamron sports an optical stabilizer or ‘Vibration Compensation’ system. Moreover, it’s an upgraded version in the G2 edition of the lens, with increased 4.5-stop effectiveness. Useful when shooting at dusk or indoors, but of zero benefit for long exposures, where it’s best turned off.

There’s little change in the optical line-up, although the G2 gains an extra anti-glare coating and a more durable fluorine coating on the front element. As usual, the fixed hood protects the bulbous front element and there’s no filter thread. The Tamron has a large zoom ring at the front and a small focus ring at the rear.

Performance

Like the Sigma 14-24mm zoom, the Tamron delivers little barrel distortion and vignetting at its shortest focal length, although it can’t quite match the Sigma for maximum viewing angle. Sharpness is less impressive away from the central region of the frame. As with the Nikon F-mount zoom, there’s a little more coma and astigmatism towards the corners.

N-photo verdict

The Tamron G2 is a solid choice. Its stabilization works well but isn’t of any benefit for astrophotography.

Sharpness

At 15mm from f/2.8 to f/4, sharpness is lacklustre outside the central region of the image frame.

Fringing

There’s slightly less lateral chromatic aberration towards the corners than from the Nikon F-mount zoom.

Distortion

The Tamron exhibits slightly less barrel distortion at its shortest focal length than the Nikon F-mount lens.