TAMRON 10-24MM F3.5-4.5 DI II VC HLD

This major revamp of Tamron’s 10-24mm lens gains a high-tech autofocus system and optical stabilisation

The first generation of Tamron’s 10-24mm hit the market back in 2008, boasting a bigger zoom range than any competing wide-angle lens at the time. This second edition is now two years old and comes complete with major improvements. First up, the revamped optical line-up includes enhanced aspherical and LD (Low Dispersion) elements. Next, there’s a new HLD (High/Low torque-modulated Drive) autofocus system that replaces the more basic electric motor. Last, VC (Vibration Compensation) is added, making the Tamron the only lens on test with optical stabilisation.

The new autofocus system is faster, quieter and more accurate. It also improves handling, as the focus ring doesn’t rotate during autofocus (as it did in the previous edition), and full-time manual override also becomes available. Even so, autofocus isn’t quite as quick or quiet as in the two Sigma lenses.

The new Tamron is better built than its predecessor and is the only one in the group to feature a full set of weather seals, although the Tokina shares a similar rubber gasket on the mounting plate. The Tamron also adds a keep-clean fluorine coating on the front element. An optional ‘TAP-in Console’ is available for applying firmware updates and fine-tuning autofocus accuracy.

Throughout our tests, the Tamron delivered impressive sharpness across the entire image frame, throughout its whole zoom range. It beat every other lens in the group for corner sharpness, although colour fringing proved a little more noticeable towards the edges of the frame. Barrel distortion can be noticeable at the shortest zoom setting, but is minimal at mid-zoom settings and there’s just a touch of pincushion at the long end.