NPhoto

Tamron SP 35mm f/1.8 Di VC USD

£649/$599 A stabilized prime for DSLRS

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This Tamron lags behind the Samyang and Sigma 35mm primes for speed, being two-thirds of an f-stop slower. As such it matches the two Nikon lenses with an f/1.8 aperture rating, which should prove easily sufficient for street photograph­y. An upside is that it’s reasonably lightweigh­t at 480g.

The Tamron is the only prime lens in the group to feature optical stabilizat­ion, with an effectiven­ess equivalent to about three f-stops, which can be a bonus under dull lighting. Rain needn’t stop play either, as the lens has extensive weather-seals and a fluorine coating on its front element. It focuses closer than any other lens in the group as well, right down to 0.2m, where it delivers a generous 0.4x max magnificat­ion.

Performanc­e

Autofocus and manual focus both work very well, although the focus distance scale lacks any depth of field markings, putting zone focusing off-limits. Image quality is very good overall but, for outright sharpness, the Tamron falls short of other lenses in the group.

N-photo verdict

The Tamron is a high-end 35mm prime for DSLRS, with the added bonus of optical stabilizat­ion.

Sharpness

It’s not massively sharp at the centre, however, it is nicely consistent across the entire frame.

Fringing

There’s only a little fringing but it’s a bit more noticeable than from most competing lenses on test.

Distortion

The Tamron nearly matches the impressive Sigma lenses here, with very minimal barrel distortion.

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