TAMRON SP 15-30MM F2.8 DI VC USD G2
With significant upgrades over its predecessor, this wide-angle zoom aims to further boost the credentials of Tamron’s impressive ‘G2’ collection
we’ve seen some excellent second-generation Tamron zooms recently, including the 24-70mm f2.8, 70-200mm f2.8 and 150-600mm lenses. The 15-30mm wideangle zoom is the latest to get the G2 treatment.
The headline attractions remain the same, in that the Tamron combines a useful 15-30mm zoom range with a fast and constant f2.8 aperture, plus optical image stabilisation, which is unique in this group. However, the revamped ‘vc’ (vibration compensation) system is more effective, with a 4.5-stop benefit. as in the original lens, the optical path comprises 18 elements in 13 groups, complete with XGM (eXpanded Glass Moulded aspherical) elements and several LD (Low Dispersion) elements, aiming to keep distortions to a minimum.
whereas the original lens boasted two types of conventional and nanostructure coatings to reduce ghosting and flare, the G2 lens adds a third, newly developed aX (anti-reflection eXpand) coating. The main advantage of this is that it can be applied to the heavily curved convex surfaces of elements. again, there are comprehensive weather seals, but the fluorine coating on the front element is reformulated for greater durability and better performance in repelling moisture and grease. The autofocus system is also uprated, to enable faster aF with greater precision.
image quality is quite similar to that of the original lens. centre sharpness is slightly improved but corner sharpness remains less impressive than from the sigma lenses on test, although sharpness across the whole frame is lacklustre at f2.8. Barrel distortion at the short end of the zoom range is more noticeable than from the sigma 14-24mm and there’s a little pincushion at the long end, but resistance to ghosting and flare is very good.