Go-faster glass
Tamron’s 35mm f/1.4 prime tested
Compared with the large array of Sigma f/1.4 Art prime lenses in a wealth of focal lengths, as well as own-brand f/1.4 lenses from Nikon, Tamron has looked a step behind, or at least two-thirds of an f-stop. Instead, the company launched slower f/1.8 35mm, 45mm and 85mm primes, which were typically smaller and lighter, with the useful addition of Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Correction) optical stabilization. In contrast, the new Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD lens goes large on aperture rating and all-round performance.
Build and handling
Something a bit special, Tamron’s new 35mm f/1.4 for full-frame Nikon DSLRS has been designed as the ‘ultimate’ lens to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the ‘SP’ (Super Performance) line-up. As such, it has a robust pro-grade barrel and mount, complete with weather-seals, and a delectable feast of exotic glassware.
The optical path is based on no fewer than 14 elements in 10 groups, and includes three moulded glass aspherical elements and four LD (Low Dispersion) elements. High-end coatings include nano-structure BBAR-G2 (Broad-band Anti-reflection Generation 2) for enhanced light transmission and reduced ghosting and flare. There’s also a newly developed fluorine-based coating for repelling grease and moisture, and enabling easier cleaning.
Unlike the stepping motor-based autofocus systems in many recent lenses, Tamron has stuck with a more conventional ring-type ultrasonic system. Advantages include a mechanical rather than electronically coupled focus ring, which is large, operates with smooth precision, and is available full-time for manual focusing or autofocus override. The autofocus system also incorporates a new DR (Dynamic Rolling-cam) mechanism designed specifically for the lens, which enables rapid focusing despite the relatively heavy,
large-diameter elements required for the wider f/1.4 aperture rating.
Performance
As promised, autofocus is very fast, yet still whisper-quiet. In our tests, it also proved to be highly accurate with excellent consistency. Sharpness and contrast are excellent, even wide-open at f/1.4, where corner-sharpness is particularly impressive, given the wide aperture rating. Vignetting is clearly noticeable, but does become much less apparent when stopping down a little bit to the f/1.8 mark.
Lateral and longitudinal chromatic aberrations are both very well controlled, so colour fringing isn’t really an issue here. Similarly, distortion is of a very low order and even architectural shots rarely need any correction later on in post-production. We wouldn’t usually pass comment on bokeh for a wide-angle 35mm lens, but the close minimum focus distance and large aperture give you the option to isolate close foreground objects against a blurred background. Defocused areas look suitably smooth and dreamy.
This Tamron lens sells for less than two-thirds of the price of the Nikon’s AF-S 35mm f/1.4g, yet more than matches the own-brand camera manufacturers’ offerings in terms of handling, image quality and all-round performance. It’s a little more expensive than the competing Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens, which is also a star performer, but the Tamron’s bokeh is a little smoother, making it worthy of some serious consideration.