The new Tamron 35/1.8 VC is a very versatile and interesting lens: It offers a fast f/1.8 aperture combined with image-stabilization that is good for two stops in my tests. That makes this lens hold out longer in dimly lit situations. It produces sharp images right into the corner of a full-frame sensor and can focus close up to a magnification of 1:2.5 which is ideal for capturing small subjects. On top of that it's relatively small and light. The only thing standing against a Highly Recommended are the color aberrations of this lens which can be pretty nasty at times.

But the Tamron 35/1.8 VC clearly earns a Recommended. Regarding the performance the price of this lens seems okay although compared to the Sigma 35/1.4 Art and Tamron's own 24-70/2.8 VC it looks a bit on the high side.

 

The new SP Series 35mm lens produces stunning high-resolution quality across a wide range of focusing distances. In particular, this lens features a milestone of proximity never before achieved with a standard lens – at an MOD of 0.2m*.

 

 

And with VC, photographers can now fully take advantage of the potential of optical performance from F/1.8 full open aperture. Furthermore, even in close-ups, the lens maintains a wide-angle perspective that will add context and story depth to your subject. The SP 35mm will keep pace with the photographer’s spontaneity – on the spur of the moment, with a handheld shot.

 

 

 

Wow. I'm speechless. Between the incredible close-distance focusing, and the downright crazy sharpness at just about every aperture, I am blown away. I've always been a fan of Tamron, because of their excellent VC (not sure how I can ever shoot without it now), but this is on a whole new level. Tamron already offered great optical quality for the price, but with this it's just a no-brainer. I've been shooting non-stop for the last 48 hours because of how nice this makes everything look (shooting it on my full-frame d750).

 

 

Build quality and fit/finish are superb. This lens just feels great, and balances very nicely on modern DSLR bodies. I want to compare this lens to the Sigma Art 35mm and Nikon 35mm f/1.8 ED.

 

Sigma first, because it's easiest. I've tried the Sigma and have a few friends who have it. The optics of the Sigma are the best of the bunch, but it is pretty heavy . If they all weighed the same I'd probably own the Sigma because the extra stop of light and the optics would be worth the extra $ and lack of VC, but I wanted my 35mm lens to be great for carrying around.

 

 

Compared to the Nikon, Tamron is much sharper in the center and to edges, the Nikon has more vignetting, but the Tamron has more chromatic aberrations. In the end I'd call image quality of Tamron is much better.

 

 

Some people have mentioned autofocus being an issue. I didn't find it to be much of one. Admittedly I don't often use my 35mm prime to take pictures of fast moving subjects. The Sigma might be a little more confident in low light or with low contrast focal points, but they're close. The Tamron focus ring does have a pretty long throw, so when it misses and the focus cycles, that's a little slow. But I imagine this is what enables it to be a better macro lens, which is a nice add-on.

I had no problems with focus accuracy, and I did no calibration on my Nikon D7200. For another comparison, this Tamron focuses significantly better than my Sigma 35mm f/1.4 both in terms of speed and low light. VC is very big factor for me.Image stabilization is very good. I'd call it 2-3 stops. Definitely the best I've seen.

 

The Tamron is a little heavier, but it also has slightly better ergonomics, so to me this is justified. The Tamron feels better in hand, and is supposedly weather sealed. I'm not sure I would put too much weight in that. I think the internals of both lenses are mostly plastic, and the Nikon has a good feel to it (but Tamron is definitely better than the Sigma 35mm f/1.4).

Also, the Nikon lens completely internally focuses so there are no moving elements on the exterior, which I really like. The Tamron doesn't change length but the recessed front element does move in and out. Those designs always make me nervous that the moving piece creates a weak point to suck in dust and water. Note the Sigma is like the Nikon and focuses internally as well.

 

I ultimately chose to stick with the Tamron 35mm f/1.8. Tamron were $150 cheaper than Sigma and its macro focusing and VC is important to me.  The Sigma is the only 1 of the 3 that comes with a case, and I really like the Sigma cases. They're durable nylon and padded and they let me throw lenses right into my bag (I generally put my gear in a normal backpack since carrying a real camera bag is awkward and asks to be stolen). I really wish the other companies would include cases like Sigma's.

BOTTOM LINE

Tamron hasn’t built the fastest or cheapest 35mm DSLR lens on the market, but it has arguably built the most versatile. It’s second to none when it comes to close focusing and its image stabilization ensures solid performance when shooting at slower shutter speeds. This lens has some heft relative to its competitors, but it’s not a major liability and it’s very attractively priced for the quality it delivers.

 

– Size – significantly smaller than 1.4 35mm alternatives
– Price – always a good thing – great value
– Macro – as much macro as I need for most of my shooting
– High image resolution – I haven't tried on 50 megapixel bodies but should be more than adequate on my Nikon D7200.
– Autofocus – very good on my bodies. It can take less than a second to lock but once it locks accurate focus
– Image stabilization – works great
– Water resistant – a must since I don't control the weather

 

 

Model	F012
Focal Length	35mm
Maximum Aperture	F/1.8
Angle of View (diagonal)	63°26’ for full-frame format 43°29’ for APS-C format
Optical Construction	10 elements in 9 groups
Minimum Object Distance	0.2m (7.9 in)
Maximum Magnification Ratio	1:2.5
Filter Size	Φ67mm
Maximum Diameter	Φ80.4mm
Length*	80.8mm (3.2 in) Canon | 78.3mm (3.1 in) Nikon
Weight	480g (16.9 oz) Canon | 450g (15.9 oz) Nikon
Aperture Blades	9 (circular diaphragm**)
Minimum Aperture	F/16
Standard Accessories	Flower-shaped lens hood, Lens caps
Compatible Mounts	Canon, Nikon, Sony***

* Length is the distance from the front tip of the lens to the lens mount face.
** The circular diaphragm stays almost perfectly circular up to two stops down from maximum aperture.
*** Sony mount model without VC.

 

 

Few Sample Pictures –