I purchased the 45 f/1.8 VC during the Christmas 2021 holiday season and use it with my Canon 5Ds and have no complaints. I always thought the corners on my Canon 50 f/1.8 STM were a bit soft and after watching your review I decided to give the Tamron a try and the sharpness is incredible. Just yesterday UPS delivered another Tamron lens, this time it was the 90 f/2.8 VC Macro and wow it's is so sharp and the auto focus speed is incredible! Thanks for the awesome reviews!
sir its such a joy for me to see your kids in various videos as the cutest models we could get. and this time again to see your family picture just made me happy and smile for quite a long time. and despite being the best reviewer and my favorite photographer, you just feel so own like some family member is suggesting me whats the best. i know its as older video now but couldnt just jet it go without letting you know this. so yep thankss:)
I have watched many of your other reviews, and I gained the most value from this one. You connected your personal choice to buy and use the lens to the review in a way I think a lot of prospective buyers will appreciate. Nice work.
I would like to know what other lenses make the cut in your personal kit more times that not. So many of us are constantly trying to narrow what lenses it makes sense to own all of the time. It’s true, we all have different needs at different times but, it’s still nice to see what others like to put in their bag more times than not.
I was going back and forth between 35mm and 50mm and this was my choice a year ago. I am really happy with this lens. The VC is a real plus. Thanks for the review from a fellow AeroGardener.
Dustin, thank you for the long-term review. I decided to buy one of these, and I am very very pleased with this lens! This does seem to be the 50-ish version of the 35 F2 IS- simply perfect in a large number of situations. The build quality is definitely professional, and feels oh so perfect in hand. Beautifully balanced with my 5D Mark III.
I have quickly fallen in love with this lens. I did not think I would use a prime as much as this now stays on the camera. Is it perfect? No, but is a joy to use. I agree with you on the weaknesses, but I can easily live with them.
These are the kinds of real-world reviews that are most valuable IMO. I don't need to see charts and figures, having someone who clearly knows what they are doing describe the lens is much more informative. Also your talking manner is excellent.
I´m glad to have seen this review after purchasing this lens! You have shown me more options to do with it that I wasn´t aware of. Thanks for sharing. Bless you
I completely agree. I take this on my outside family portraits, inside studio work for full body and some half body, engagements.... I love this lens. I plan on breaking out the 85mm for some studio pets I'm doing soon. Tamron is doing an awesome job.
My best photo friend changed his opinion and took this lens as his standard traveling lens. I use the Tamron 1.8 35 and 85 VC, these are my standard lenses for on the go.
The "dead normal" focal length for 24x36mm format is 43.3 mm. Pentax makes a 43mm lens, the closest to the dead normal length, except it is from the film era and needs updating. For the other dead normal focal lengths, check this article: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_lens
After watching your review on this lens I decided to buy it. I was delighted when I seen it had a $200.00 instant rebate on it. After receiving the lens and unboxing it I began shooting simple shots at different apertures and swapping back and forth between my cannon 50mm 1.8. At first I was a little disappointed because of the focus speed but after taking it out and actually shooting with it I’ve fell in love with it. I actually have been using it more than my cannon 17-55 2.8 lens which is an awesome lens. The 45 mm is a very versatile lens with great build quality and a super sharp lens compared to the cannon 50mm. Your videos are very informative and well done continue the great reviews and I’ll continue to watch.
Hello Dustin , I shoot with the Canon EOS RP . I recently rented for a 3 day period the Canon RF 35 mm F/1.8 IS Macro STM lens to try it out as I wanted to purchase a Prime Lens . I do mostly Band Photography in Bars and Pubs . So the lighting conditions are challenging to say the least . Throw in the vast array of those annoying multi colored LED Lights and it can make for a really fun time lol . But to get to my point and yes I know that this review is a few yrs old but after watching all of your reviews on the Tamron SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD and researching it more and comparing the prices . Granted I would have paid for the significantly more native RF Lens . But I wasn’t that impressed with it and honestly I think my EF 85mm F/1.8 adapted over on the EOS EF - RF Adapter renders better images consistently with beautiful background bokeh . So I bought the Tamron 45mm and Its been spot on . Talk about Bang for your Buck . I purchased it for $399.99 on sale . I have been really really pleased with it . Now I am considering buying Tamrons 70-200 SP F/2.8 I can’t afford the RF version so I am looking for the most Professional Bang for the Buck . What do you suggest ??? Oh and by the way I watch many different photography videos and I really like yours the best . Thank you so much ...
Thank you very much for pointing out just how great these new Tamron lenses are. Thanks to your suggestions I just ordered both the 45 and 85 versions. These will be my first primes (except for the amazing Canon 100 2.8 L macro) and my first non-canon glass. I am very much looking forward to shooting with these lenses. Thank you for teaching me so much and helping to refine my eye! Greetings from Spain, Dirk
A focal length I first came across in the Sigma DP Merrill series, and it's remained my favourite length ever since. It's amazing that it isn't a more popular range.
The Merrill's a 1.5x crop (APS-C). The new SD Quattro H uses the rare APS-H format, giving a 1.3x crop. A 35mm lens becomes a 45.5mm in crop terms. DP Review generated a gallery mainly using this crop length with spectacular results, not just from the sensor, but also from the 45mm framing: www.dpreview.com/sample-galleries/4388344015/sigma-sd-quattro-h-real-world-samples-gallery
Yet again another review on a lens that I just bought and agree with you completely. This really is the lens I was looking for as a walk around lens when I go downtown and shoot urban and street photos The focal length is by far my favorite for that type of shooting. My one complaint is that I think I have purchased three of the last five lenses you have reviewed ( Tamron f017, f013 and Canon 70-300 IS II) and this is starting to get a tad costly. Dustin, all kidding aside another excellent review.
Lovely long term impression. I own about 30 F-Mount lenses, I'm at a stage of my career where I see the short comings of modern AF-S G nikkor lenses that the Tamron SP primes do better at what their they are made to do. I'm thinking of replacing my 50mm for the 45VC and the 85 for the 85VC.
going from Tamron to Nikon on the 24-70 = Good I didn't by the 45mm lens yet, however I've figured my way around shooting the 50 1.4G (close it down to 1.8 lol genius
care to share your images mate? you can contact me here: yannickkhong.com/contact/ I can send you an email for sending raws through "wetransfer" Yup! I pointed that out when I compared the Sigma ART 35 to the 35 2D. Your out of focus contrast phenomenon happens usually when the lens doesn't have the amount of optical correction (usually asphericals) that "smoothens" the falloff thus reducing contrast and obviously 3d pop.
EXACTLY! I came to this conclusion when I started shopping for expensive audiophile gear and talking to a friend about it. Read the reviews and impressions then went to audition carefully. Most of the audition taught more about me and my taste than I would ever read online :) When you're dropping so much money into something you hold dear, it better be PERSONAL. I almost bought the z35 but it was much heavier while not giving THAT MUCH MORE LENS than the 35D or the voigtlander 40 :)
Thank you for your reviews of this lens. I have decided after much reading of reviews etc, to order this lens for my 5d mk iv and my 80d. your reviews are very much a go to for me. Cheers
Dustin, I am interested in the 35mm version of this lens, but the 45mm is often available for $200 less. I've tried the 45mm before, and because of it's weight, I didn't enjoy how it felt in hand. I may give it a second chance.
My constant debate over that "Standard" lens has left me with out one for years. Your reviews on this lens are much appreciated as they are swaying me towards this lens. Being a landscape photographer the fact the Tamron has weather sealing has a great influence in the decision to lean toward this lens over my "short list" of options. I dropped the Sigma off the list last year because of focusing issues and the lack of weather sealing (I got a loner and I had endless issues with focus). The last lens in the competition is Canons' TSE 45mm (I use tilts lots☺️), while it isn't weather sealed and it it is full manual, I always get drawn to tilts (I have all the others that Canon makes). Have you ever thought of testing the TSE 45mm? It always seams to be the forgotten lens in the testing community. I have always preferred the 40-45mm as the standard lens it just seems to be more "natural" especially as the go to landscape lens. Anyway thank you for your reviews again!
That's a good suggestion. I've only reviewed one T/S lens (new ones don't come to market very often), but that would be a lens worth testing. I haven't used T/S a lot, so don't consider myself as "expert" as I should be. I guess I won't become more expert without testing more tilt shift lenses!
Tilts always seem to be forgotten but, as you truthfully point out they are not replaced with any regularity. I can say the TSE 17 and the TSE 24 are simply out standing, super sharpe almost perfect lenses with the ability to correct all sorts of perspective issues. The TSE 90 is a fantastic almost perfect portrait, and macro lens, it is getting long in the tooth like the TSE 45 but it is far more popular in the testing community. I warn you once you try a Tilt shift you will become hooked, especially the TSE 24, that lens is just awe-inspiring. :)
Having a UWA zoom (the 17-35 OSD) and a telephoto zoom (80-200 f2.8), my quandary is to get this prime to fill the gap, or a (more expensive) 24-70 f2.8. My other consideration is, is this lens appreciably better in final images (not pixel-peeping) than a regular 50mm f1.8 such as Nikon's 50/1.8G. I think I prefer 45 to 50mm though...
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks - that was my impression from comparing images on Flickr, although it's very hard to judge lenses that way. I'm actually trying out a Yongnuo 50/1.4 and the character of it is actually quite nice at 1.4-2, so perhaps I will end up getting the Tamron 35/1.5 instead.
Thank you Mr Abbott. It was this review that put everything in perspective for me about this lens and prompted me to pull the trigger (after much deliberation) and finally purchased it instead of the Sigma 50mm Art. Now that I've been using it for several weeks, I absolutely love it and feel, as you do, that it regularly has a place in my bag. While it's not the best at everything, it fits my style of shooting to a tee with all it's many attributes. You made this video close to 3 years ago. Does it still have the same spot in your bag a sit did back then, or have you found another lens that does a better job at what this lens provides? Knowing I just purchased the lens, if you did go with another lens, please be honest. I'm happy with this lens. I truly would like to know if you still feel the same way about it.
I still like the lens a lot, though I moved to the Sony Planar 50mm F1.4 as I tend to shoot Sony more often. To be fair, however, that lens costs about 3x as much and isn't a fair comparison.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Makes sense. If I was on Sony, I'd make the same choice. With a DSLR, I appreciate the VC and close focusing. Wish it had less CA though.
Hello Dustin, this morning I was working at the church photographing a nice baby baptism with a Canon 50 f1.4, the Canon 85mm f1.8 (with I love) and a couple more lens. To be honest I was disappointed by the canon 50 mm 1.4. I was sure to get in focus, but when back at my desk I noticed that the focus was not so precise. I am considering to sell the fifty in order to try this 45 mm; I will have 5 extra mm to put my subject in the scene. Do you think is it open enough and well reactive for the church ceremonies ? I shoot basically reportage of the day. Thanks Dustin for any tips, they would be appreciated. Peace, My Friend!
Thanks for such amazing review! I'm thinking of getting this lens in a future. Tamron is becoming an amazing tool for me, I own the 70-200 and I'm in love with it. My 50mm stm is incredible, but that vc and sharpness in the tamron just gets me so hyped. Great job, Dustin! Thanks for such in depth review. Greetings from Mexico.
As soon as I can, I´m gonna get that Tamron and let them know you got me into it! About your aunt, that´s awesome! Small world we live in, did you get any mexican influence from her?
This lens sells for the same price as the new Samyang FE AF 45mm f1.8 today. If both lenses were available in native e-mount, which one would you prefer and why?
Probably the Samyang due to its small size. It also has less CA and onion bokeh. The Tamron's big advantage is that it has a much better minimum focus/magnification faction.
Nice review and photos .. Not many 50mm out there with IS. So is this like heaps better than Canon's 50mm STM 1.8? And is there any another 45mm in 2020 that beats this one? Cheers.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I haven't got a high quality 50 so seriously considering this one; seems to have been universally accepted as a great lens, with some even comparing it to to Zeiss quality and its macro like abilities too.Thanks for your awesome inputs.
Hello, I bought this lens about a month ago. So far, I love it for photography. But for videos on my 6D Mark ii, it can't seem to autofocus at all and is constantly hunting for focus. I don't do videos very often, so it could be user error, but I haven't had any video autofocus issues with my Canon 24-105.
Thanks for the review. I'm in a quandary now. I have a Sigma 35mm f 1.4 on my Canon 5d mark iii which I love but I'm finding that since it lacks image stabilization I struggle to get quick shots. I also have a 35mm f2 IS which is OK but wanted a better glass. This Tamron interests me with the stabilization and close to my preferred 35mm. Question is, will it be a good replacement for either my Sigma or Canon for general still use? Any thoughts?
I think the Tamron 35mm VC is worth a look for you. Very sharp, has excellent stabilization, and, in my direct comparison, focuses about the same as the 35 IS (very good). The 45mm focuses a bit slower.
hi Dustin , I have the Rf 35mm f1.8 and to be honest the bokeh is starting to annoy me . This lens has come up for sale and I was just wondering if it would be of better IQ?
Hi Pieter, yes and no. It has its vulnerabilities (which I've highlighted in my reviews), but yes, I did find the overall rendering much, much more appealing than the RF35 (which was a little disappointing). The Canon EF 35mm F2 IS is also a nice alternative.
@@DustinAbbottTWI thanks for the reply. Yes if only canon did something about that bokeh . Very dissatisfied. Constantly having to add blur in post to soften up that jittery bokeh . It will be very interesting to see how the RF 85mm f1.8 will be bokeh wise , poor bokeh like the RF35 mm in a portrait lens will be unforgettable .
I used the 35mm on a Nikon D7200 (crop body) a lot and it was an amazingly versatile lens. Now that I've bought a D750 (full frame) I prefer the 45mm. But the 35mm does focus even closer. If you're trying to keep the weight of your kit down, the 35mm is a bit smaller. I still have my 35, and it still sees use... I actually sold all my nikon glass and I only have the Tamron SP 35/45/85. I think they're the closest to pro build lenses you can get at the price point.
Great review man. I try to see most of your review. All are informative and useful for me. I'm new to photography, only for 1 months. After researching a lot for few months I bought a Canon 80D body only. Later I bought a Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 as everyday go to lens. 2 weeks before I bought 1 Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 lens but now it's back to the agent as it has some issue with 80D in live view and video recording mode which I failed to research before buying. But it's a nice lens. A fraction of cost compare to that of canon with near performance and clarity, just need a firmware update. I'm a physician by profession, not a photographer but photography is my hobby. Long time I used point and shoot Sony, Canon, Nikon plus iPhone camera. I want to shift to full frame in future so want to buy lenses which will be useful in future also. I usually shoot mostly photograph. whatever I like in my eyes portrait, street, rarely landscape and video. I have a great affection for Sigma lenses for their sharpness but their overwhelming autofocus problem holds me back so I preferred Tamron. Would you please suggest me which prime lens I should buy for my daily use for both street photography and portrait for my 80D which I can use in the future full frame also? I'm thinking also to buy Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 as a short zoom lens, what's your opinion.
If you are happy with the Tamron lenses, I'm actually quite a big fan of Tamron's prime line. (35m 45, and 85mm lens + 90mm Macro lens). They are all relatively light, have a great build and optics, and have image stabilization. I own the 45 and 85 and use them all the time. They work nicely on crop (your 80D), but will work even better once you go full frame.
I really wish this had been a 55mm lens. I'd be WAY more inclined to pick it up since I already love my 35f2IS. Even with all your positive comments, I can't see myself switching between the two. I know my 35 is lighter and is sharp enough to make me happy.
The 35IS is a great lens. I own it, also, but I have a bigger kit than usual as its nice to have comparison points for other new lenses that come to market.
I feel that same way about a prospective 55mm lens, 45mm and 50mm are too close to my 35mm for my preference. I used to own the ef 35mm IS and recently bought the SP 35mm.
I have a Nikon D750 and a D500....one is DX, the other full-frame. If I'm going to buy ONE of two lenses to use on both cameras at diff. times for walking around and/or portraits, should I go for the 35mm VC or the 45mm VC?
currently i am using canon eos R.. i am looking for 50mm lenses... i saw my friends tamron 85mm and love its colours and renditions.. but i dont need such a longer focal length for my works.. for that , i am lean towards this tamron 45mm and canon RF 50mm f1.8... between those two lenses , which one will be your choice ? money is not an issue between those lenses.. i will use it with adaptor.. if tamron will be unique character like tamron 85mm , i will go with it.. otherwise RF 50mm f1.8.. which one will you recommend ? thanks
how did you find the auto focus speed of the tamron lens ? i do heard that some reviews that its quite slow .i mainly shoots event and i do not want to miss shots because of the slow auto focusing speed . amazing video Dustin :)
Interesting application. I've not heard of someone using it like. I really like the lens for video, though, in part because you can get so close to your subject.
Hi Dustin, I've just bought this lens. I have in mind the idea of buying the Tamron's Tap In Console; do I have to send it back to tamron's center in order get it updated until I can able to use de console?
+Dandy Dominguez Get the Tap In and try it. I would think that current copies of the lens have the newer firmware that will allow it be used with the Tap In.
I have found this lens at my local camera shop for just 300$ and am very tempted to buy it as an upgrade from my canon 50mm f1.8. The main drawback with that one is that it's really not that great at f 1.8 and while it gets better when stopped down, it doesn't get great from corner to corner before F4 or F5.6. I know this is an old video, but I have a small question: Sometimes with 3rd party lenses, light transmission can take a hit so an F1.8 lens ends up becoming an F2 or F2.2 lens in reality. Do you know if that is the case as well for this lens?
Light transmission is a complicated topic, and you're not really describing it accurately. F-stop is a measure of the physical aperture, so an F1.8 lens is in fact an F1.8 lens. T-stop measures light transmission, and that varies. Almost no lens has an identical T-stop to it's F-stop, as that would imply perfect light transmission through the glass elements, which is never the case. As a result, almost every F1.8 lens is going to be more like a T2 lens at best (maybe T1.9). The Tamron is about average in this metric.
Going back to this comment, I can now testify after comparing the 2 lenses that light transmission is actually slightly better on the tamron 45mm F1.8. Having used it now during a photoshoot, the good light transmission along with the image stabilization really gave me an advantage for low light shooting compared to the nifty fifty. Not to mention that it's very satisfying to get very sharp images straight from F1.8. The autofocus can be very quick when focusing on easy and close subjects, but it can hesitate for a moment if the subject is in a contrasting environment or far away. Still overall, it really blew me away with its optics, and I am glad to have listened to your review!
Watching the review again today; I'm in search for something around this focal lens as I own C50/1.8 II STM , but need it with stabilisation( as I'm getting older and older 😉 ) Being distracted between C50/1.4 usm( and no stabilisation) and this one, I reckon I'll take Tamron.
Has anyone used this for indoor sports such as basketball or swimming? I know the VC won't help much at the faster shutter speeds, but hoping it would be able to do both some sports work and general family photos. Thanks.
Thanks, I'm in the Nikon world do you think a 50mm 1.8 or 1.4 would be a better choice? I have a 18-35 f1.8 Sigma, and a 24-70 f2.8, currently shooting a crop sensor camera. Thinking a 1.8/1.4 would do a fair bit better then the 2.8 for the low light 50mm range. Thanks!
Quick question for Tamron 45mm VC owners - how bad is the CA? I know its pretty bad on the 35, is it any better on the 45? I'm trying to decide which to get for Video uses, and for every day photography (also would be used for family portraits and occasional individual portraits). Thanks!
The CA is worse on the 45 than the 35 (which is actually not bad). You will definitely see fringing in certain situations wide open. That being said, I actually really love the lens.
This lens; which replaced my Sigma 50mm F2.8 Macro; which I really loved but the mechanics were horrible; is near perfect. I'm on a Nikon; and for travel; this and the 28mm F1.8G make up 90% of all my images. CA is fine; and fixable; and on my D600 is fixed automagically in-camera on the jpgs.
@James Larsen I know this is an old comment, but I thought I would drop my opinion on the CA. It used to be one of the main issues that annoyed me about the 50mm f1.8 stm from canon. However, I still bought the tamron despite the complaints about some CA in some high contrast situation. The CA that shows up (occasionally) with this lens is mostly longitudinal, the lateral CA is not bad and only rarely makes an appearance in my photos. I may be in the minority here, but if a lens has a weakness with CA, I'd rather it be longitudinal rather than lateral. Longitudinal chromatic aberration affects out of focus areas, so it's already in a blurry area of the picture that doesn't distract from the main subject. It also quickly clears out after stopping down a stop or 2. Lateral CA on the other hand by nature doesn't go away after stopping down and it can really become distracting in certains situations where the subject has a weird outlining with a different color than expected. So I found the CA in the end to be much less of an issue than I initially anticipated.
The advantage on full frame is highly noticeable, but I think less noticeable on APS-C. The build and handling is world's better, but I'm not sure the pure image quality will blow away the 50 STM on APS-C.
Hey Dustin, So I'm looking for a Christmas/Bday gift for myself (winter birthday) and I'm in the market for a wide angle prime. I've been spoiled with my Canon 85 f/1.8 and I'm worried that my night adventures would push the AF to the max on this lens. I have a 6D and have heard that this struggles with outside AF points (which I use quite a bit). Also, would that extra jump to 1.4 (sigma or Canon refurb) be that noticeable? I find I'm at ISO 6400 and 1/100s a lot with my 85. It would be nice to have more freedom in the ISO. I value your opinion (I took the jump to the 24-70 after your extensive review), so what do you think?
I really like the lens myself, and found that after using the Tap In to dial in the focus at different distances it focuses better than any third party lens I've used. The current EF 50mm f/1.4 is garbage compared to this lens, though I own and really like the the EF 35mm f/2 IS if you don't mind a wider perspective.
I'm not even considering the Canon 50. It's a fight between Refurb Canon 35 1.4, Canon 35 2 IS, and either the Tamron 35 or 45. I think I might need to play with them before I commit to buying one. I'm worried about the f2 vs 1.4 for the Canon's. I feel like I'd rather have a faster shutter speed over a smooth long shutter (I shoot people typically), but I hear that the f/2 has one of the fastest AF's for the money.
thirdmort That's true regarding the focus speed on the f/2 IS. It's actually a pretty great lens. The new 35L II is really exceptional, but is also exceptionally expensive.
By far the best youtube channel. Anytime i see some random used lens and need a real educated opinion on it you just happen to have made like 4 videos about it LOLOL. Thanks 😊 🙏.
+manjot aulakh That depends on your priorities. The Tamron is the more accurately focusing lens, has an image stabilizer, and has near macro capabilities, but the Sigma has the bigger aperture and is incredibly sharp. There's no wrong answer here, but there might be a right answer for you.
Hi, how about the Tamron against the Canon 35mm F/2 Is? I juts sold my sigma 35 because of focus issues, would you recommend this Tamron for weddings over the Canon F/2? Thanks
I wouldn't (if you are talking about the f/2 IS). I love the the optical performance of the Tamron and it focuses very accurately, but I think the focus speed might be a little too slow in certain wedding situations. The Canon 35 IS focuses more quickly and would be a better wedding option.
Thanks Dustin, I'd go the Canon focus is the main thing for me at the moment, I can see the 35mm IS Canon is sharp enough... thanks again, by the way have you used the Tokina 16-28?
Dear Sir, Thank you for the nice review. May I please ask about the ability of this Tamron 45 to reproduce sharply ,jewelry ? or I should better use a macro lens like the Tokina 100 with a Nikon D500 camera?
Very good video! If Tamron ever comes out with the rumored 20mm f2 VC, it would be awesome having the 20mm f2+45mm f1.8+85mm f1.8 as a main setup for pretty much everything. Those three focal lengths would cover pretty much everything we would need for general use.
Thanks for an excellent review. Have you tried this lens on a crop body? I'm looking to upgrade my Canon 50mm f1.8 for my 7Dii. I would use the lens as a general purpose lens as well as a portrait lens. Thanks again.
+Patrick Benn I have used it on a crop sensor, and I think it performs nicely there (not quite as sharp wide open as full frame). It would be a much nicely fit in terms of balance and weather sealing on a 7Dii.
I rented it for a weekend. I thought overall it was a good solid lens, but it didn't have that wow factor. Wide open I didn't like the green fringing. I will likely rent it again when I head to Phoenix in the fall. I just don't know if it will have a place in my bag with the 35 IS & the Canon 50 1.4. Btw, I love your videos. Thanks for taking the time to produce them! Could you test out the Sigma 24-36 in the future?
No, as I already had the Canon 35mm f/2 IS, which I like a lot. I'm considering an upgrade to the new 35L II, though, which is a really special lens - but very, very pricey!
That was probably the biggest downside of the lens, but might also contribute to its very nice rendering. There's an odd relationship there that I've observed. Perfectly corrected lenses often lose something in the process.
Hi.. i use Nikon D5500 and was searching for a pro quality Portrait lens. Any idea how does it stand upto the Nikon 50 mm 1.8G?/? This has VC whereas Nikon doesnt. Is Tamron's image quality better than the Nikon's?
Hi, i stumble upon your video when researching for a stabilize lens for video and perhaps maybe to pair it with the Sony 6300. i like how concise yet easy to understand your video reviews are(English is my 3 language). While your reviews are largely focusing at photography, would you consider reviewing these Tamrons on the video side especially on how it fare on the stabilization. Thoughts?
Dustin Abbott i thought so too considering what i’d read...love the reviews bro thanx! Before I buy I gotta see what you and Angry Photographer have to say first! Different ways of reviewing but always in alignment...you 2 would make a dope “Odd Couple” review team
Nice roundup Dustin - I was looking at this lens for video because of the VC but finding you actually use your 'normal' 50mm that's made me think twice. I find it difficult to hand hold at 50mm and VC would have helped.
I use it a fair bit for video, and it's great save for the CA. I will stop down to f/2.8 a lot of times to help eliminate that. The VC definitely makes a difference, though, particularly if you program in the "Viewfinder Priority" mode in the Tap-In.
In some ways, yes, in others no. They are both nice and sharp. The Tamron has more chromatic aberrations, has onion-bokeh in some situations, and focuses slower. It has a better build and an image stabilizer, though. I love the Samyang, however, because it is sharp, has great rendering, but is also very small and light.
Great review as always. Purchased a couple of lenses in the past because of your reviews. I've been looking to invest in a 50mm glass, but with so many choices and price points these days it's hard to choose. So far I've been using a Takumar 50mm but looking for a lens with AF on my 6D for street photography... There seems to always be a comparison between the Sigma 50 f1.4 Art lens / Canon 50mm 1.4 vs this Tamron (which is understandable)... but I was wondering how you think it stacks up to the Canon 50mm 1.2L, or better yet, the Canon 50mm 2.5 Macro? I'd be curious to hear your take on this...
+Steven Resell I’ve used all of those lenses save the 50mm f/2.5 (which I wish Canon would make a modern updated version of). I think the Tamron is a pretty special lens, despite having the flaws I’ve detailed here. I just like the images that come out of it. The Canon 50L is somewhat similar, but in different ways. It has great rendering, but isn’t as sharp as some other lenses at wide aperture. Recently, to me, the Tamron has been a no brainer at some heavily discounted prices
Hey! I have this lens: the AF is TERRIBLE! How is your experience? Mine hunts around like crazy in low-light (on my 6D, center point) and even in daylight its slow to start up.
I have great focus accuracy (6D, 5DsR, 80D, 70D) in all types of lighting situations. You may need to have your lens checked out, as I've handled three different copies of the 45 VC and not experienced anything like what you describe.
I loved this review, if you have the time, please post more long term reviews, i, and im sure many others would be interested in the after purchase satisfaction level. Now the lens, the "lame duck FL" LOL, found it on ebay refurbished for $370, was a steal, couldn't help myself :), since then became my daily driver. Not really comparable with the 50 1.2 in bokeh and rendering, but much more practical. Thanks to your reviews, these new Tamrons were always in the back of my mind. God bless!
Great review, thank you Dustin. I really want to get this lens; the problem is, I already have the Canon 50L and the Sigma 50 ART. I am suffering from Smaug's syndrome - I can't let go of any and I want more... :) Still, I am itching to see how its VC would kick in in a dark restaurant setting, for example.
Dustin Abbott No, not really. Besides, I really like the 45mm focal distance, so I would want to own it, having heard many good things about it, including from you. Am really curious about the VC in low-light environment.
Drawing refers to a lens' rendering or the overall "look" of the images. It's hard to define, but your eye definitely sees it. Some lenses chart well but don't produce the "magic" out in the real world. I think this lens does a pretty decent job of both.
Unfortunately my sample wasn't very good. It was very soft at f1.8 or f2 and didn't improve much when stopped down. I guess that's just the luck of the draw however what I was really disappointed with was the construction. I've read and listened to so many reviews where people are stating the lens has a metal barrel and metal filter threads however it really looks and feels like plastic. Yes it's higher quality engineered plastic but it's still plastic. The focus ring and hood also felt very cheap for a lens of this price. It's a step in the right direction but it's not up to the construction and feel of the Art series. While I was in Europe this year I found myself using the 35mm and 50mm Milvus the most so I thought the 45mm Tamron would give me the best of both except with auto focus. Manually focusing in low light or if a subject is backlit is rather difficult and it would be nice to have an auto focus lens for those times. I'm now thinking of carrying two kits. A DX kit with the Sigma 18-35 plus the 50-100 and a FX kit with the manual focus lenses.
my friend believe me: the Tamron 45mm (and the 85, 35, and 90mm) lens is metal. those barrels are not plastic. The mount is not plastic. It is built like a tank.
The front half of the barrel is plastic. The bayonet where the hood attaches is injection molded. That bayonet design cannot be machined. As for the rear half of the barrel the housing where M/AF and VR switches are located is injection moulded plastic and there is no seams or screws where it attaches to the rest of the barrel. It all looks to be one piece of plastic. The silver piece between the lens mount and the outer barrel also looks and feels like plastic. I would love to know where this metal barrel is. As for it being a tank pick up a 50mm Milvus. The Tamron feels very cheap in comparison.
+Malcolm Kermode I have the lens right here. Main barrel is metal. Gold ring is metal. Mount is metal. As Tamron specifies in their literature. It's not over 2lbs like the Milvus but it's still plenty dense and it is weather sealed properly. I know because it's been in more than a few mountain thunderstorms. Should the SP 45mm compare to a $1200 lens? Surprisingly, it does in many aspects and is in some ways actually more versatile than the Milvus, thanks to AF, stabilization, and the closest MOD of its kind. Do we expect a $1200 Zeiss lens to be excellent? Yes we do. Is the Milvus twice as good? Highly subjective, to say the least.
So Tamron glued a thin piece of aluminium over the rear half of a plastic barrel to dress it up and my lemon of a lens had a silver painted ring instead of a gold one glued on the back. That makes all the difference. Yes the lens mount is brass however as I have already pointed out the bayonet where the lens hood attaches is injected molded plastic. This lens retails for $1100 in Australia and it feels cheap.
A few more points that should be mentioned. If you go to the B+H Photo page at no point does it mention a metal barrel for any of the Tamron SP lenses. If the Tamron 45mm lens was actually constructed of metal you would think that would be a big selling point and yet B+H Photo makes no mention of it. I would also like to point out the Tamron with it's ring type USD motor and VC weighs 499 grams and the Milvus weighs 875 grams. The Milvus weighs %75 more than the Tamron even though it has no USD motor or VC because it's actually constructed of metal. If the Tamron was constructed of metal it would almost certainly weigh more than the Zeiss. One final thing I would like to point out after reading the Tamrons specs and advertising. The Tamron is not weather sealed. It's not even weather resistant. Tamron specifies the lens is MOISTURE RESISTANT. Whatever that means. I'm guessing you can clean the Tamron with a wet wipe without voiding the warranty.
Great review in the first place, and now this to follow it up. Thanks for sharing. I have a question, that maybe you can answer. You can scroll to the botton for the actual question, or read my reason for asking here: I have an A7III. I love the Sigma 50 Art for it's ... well you know what's good about it.😀 But I always find myself backing up a bit when I use it. I have s 35, but now I find myself cropping in a bit. I can't find a 40 that is either fast enough or affordable enough. (Canon 40/2.8, Batis 40/2.0) So I really would like to try adapting this Tamron 45 to my camera. That leads me to this question: Do you know how it works adapted with the MC-11 on the A7III? My main concern, apart from the basic operation, is Eye-AF and AF-C. I can't find any info anywhere else. Thanks for reading rhis far. All the best, Torben
I've used the Tamron 45 on the A7III, and it worked fairly well (but not as well as the Sigma 50mm with the MC-11). Eye AF works, as does AF-C (for stills, not video).
@@DustinAbbottTWI Excellent! Thank you for taking your time to reply, Dustin. I did notice the slower af in your review, and I don't expect native-like performance. I rarely shoot moving subjects, and will just use native glass for that then. Thanks a bunch!
Ok, this comment is rather late. I am attracted to a lens that is somewhere between a 35 mm and a nifty fifty. Would be a focal length I would use a good deal once I can come to purchase and potentially use my 35mm and 50 primes perhaps less. Top travel focal length.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the standard lens has a focal length exactly the diameter of the sensor/film. Therefor for full frame (36mm*24mm) the standard lens should be the square root of 36²+24² = 1872^½ = 43.2666153055679mm (to be very presice).
You're not wrong, which is why I mention that the true "normal" is between 43 and 45mm - making this lens actually more of a "normal/standard" lens than the traditional 50mm.
I am amazed from time to time how much different perceived sharpness with what is suppose to impartial quantitative sharpness. For example, DXO Mark puts the very inexpensive Canon 50mm F/1.8 STM sharper and with less chromatic aberation than the Tamron 45mm f/1.8vc. Here is the link here that also shows how incredibly sharp the Canon 35mm F/2 IS (sharper than Tamron's version and most other lenses for that matter) is www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Compare/Side-by-side/Tamron-SP-45mm-F18-Di-VC-USD-Model-F013-Canon-on-Canon-EOS-5DS-R-versus-Canon-EF-35mm-F2-IS-USM-on-Canon-EOS-5DS-R-versus-Canon-EF-50mm-F18-STM-on-Canon-EOS-5DS-R__1594_1009_1086_1009_1541_1009
I think this ought to tell you all the story you need - the Tamron 45 VC blows the STM lens away wide open (and this is born out in field testing): www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=989&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=1004&CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0. When the lenses are stopped down to f/4 or narrower, the Canon becomes very sharp, but that isn't where most people actually use a wide aperture lens.
I love the 35 IS, too, but it isn't sharper than the Tamron 35 VC: www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=824&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=1003&CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0
P.S. - Look carefully at that DXO Mark test. #1) The actual test metric shows the Tamron actually was sharper (36) than the Canon (35) - they just arbitrarily gave the Canon a higher score in the boxes below (only DXO!) and 2) They show the Canon's peak sharpness at f/2.8 (where they tested it) vs. the Tamron at f/1.8 (where they tested it). DXO's data can be really confusing because they tend to just, well, make up stuff in their conclusions. Their raw data is always interesting to me, but I take their "scores" with a grain of salt. BTW, the Tamron has far less distortion and vignette, which also gives a much cleaner result at large apertures (which is, to me, the most important).
I have to question to one degree or another quantification web sites including www.the-digital-picture.com, www.photozone.de, and www.dxomark.com for lack of specifically they came to their numbers/comparisons and how is it really possible they actually tested all the combinations of camera bodies, aperatures, and lenses unless they are simply an extrapolated algorithm of each possible combination. In the link you provided it appears that Tamron is off from pure black while the Canon is spot on ?
I was speaking of Tamron 35mm F/1.8 vc (not exact comparison because they show the Nikon version) vs Canon 35mm F/2 IS where they show the Canon being sharper in the specific metric of "sharpness". All that said, I really like your overall care in doing videos that capture so much of what is important in a lens. Very thoughtful.
I would call it more a different approach. Both companies are producing some amazing optics than frequently surpass first party options. Tamron has gone with slightly smaller apertures but added VC and weather sealing, while Sigma has gone for large f/1.4 apertures. I've gone with Tamron's more often because I personally have experienced better focus results with them.
I agree with your take.... I do like that my Tamron primes are build very solidly and I've had zero functional problems, even after the 45 getting some pretty serious rain. I really love my 85 SP though.... that lens is amazing.
tamron lens using vs are generally smaller and lighter than the sigma counterparts. I think the stabilization is a key especially when you want to use lens for both video and still photography.
Thank you for the great review Dustin! You've mentioned you shot videos with this lens - what's your opinion on the VC? Is it helpful (compared to the 50 STM) while shooting handheld? Does it make sudden jumps when panning? Also wondering if you had a chance to shoot with an external (but mounted on the camera) mic? I watched your DPAF review ua-cam.com/video/xo5Unh4Ald8/v-deo.html and I'm not sure if a small shotgun-type mic like Rode VideoMic Pro would really eliminate that crazy AF sound? I really like the 50 STM, but watching the videos shot without any kind of stabilization device can lead to an epileptic seizure :) From the other side if the Tamron's AF noise still persists even when using an external mic, it also makes the lens somewhat useless for my purposes (unless the mic is completely off camera)...
I have used a RODE VideoMic Pro, and while it doesn't completely eliminate the noise, it is low enough to usually be masked by environmental sounds. Regarding the VC - it is worth noting that if you purchase the Tap IN console it allows to program the VC to different modes. There is an option particularly for video that produces a much smoother result. It definitively makes a difference, though it isn't quite "glidecam" stable.
I wouldn't expect a glidecam/steadicam for sure, but at least to get rid of jitters while trying to hold the camera still would be helpful. Ordered the console from your B&H affiliate link (found here dustinabbott.net/2016/08/tamron-tap-console-review/). Thanks!
Dustin you are by far the best reviewer on UA-cam. You could literally be a professional reviewer. Wait you are.
LOL - thank you
I purchased the 45 f/1.8 VC during the Christmas 2021 holiday season and use it with my Canon 5Ds and have no complaints. I always thought the corners on my Canon 50 f/1.8 STM were a bit soft and after watching your review I decided to give the Tamron a try and the sharpness is incredible. Just yesterday UPS delivered another Tamron lens, this time it was the 90 f/2.8 VC Macro and wow it's is so sharp and the auto focus speed is incredible! Thanks for the awesome reviews!
Both very good lenses.
sir its such a joy for me to see your kids in various videos as the cutest models we could get. and this time again to see your family picture just made me happy and smile for quite a long time. and despite being the best reviewer and my favorite photographer, you just feel so own like some family member is suggesting me whats the best. i know its as older video now but couldnt just jet it go without letting you know this. so yep thankss:)
Thank you so much 😀
I have watched many of your other reviews, and I gained the most value from this one. You connected your personal choice to buy and use the lens to the review in a way I think a lot of prospective buyers will appreciate. Nice work.
Thank you. I need to do these types of reviews with other lenses in my kit, too.
I would like to know what other lenses make the cut in your personal kit more times that not. So many of us are constantly trying to narrow what lenses it makes sense to own all of the time. It’s true, we all have different needs at different times but, it’s still nice to see what others like to put in their bag more times than not.
I was going back and forth between 35mm and 50mm and this was my choice a year ago. I am really happy with this lens. The VC is a real plus. Thanks for the review from a fellow AeroGardener.
It’s a sweet lens, for sure.
You are probably the most precise straight to the point critic in the domain on the internet, KUDOS DUSTIN no dust on these photos!
Thank you!
Dustin, thank you for the long-term review. I decided to buy one of these, and I am very very pleased with this lens! This does seem to be the 50-ish version of the 35 F2 IS- simply perfect in a large number of situations. The build quality is definitely professional, and feels oh so perfect in hand. Beautifully balanced with my 5D Mark III.
That's a good summation. It's a lens with some flaws, but also a lot of character. I too enjoy using it.
I have quickly fallen in love with this lens. I did not think I would use a prime as much as this now stays on the camera. Is it perfect? No, but is a joy to use. I agree with you on the weaknesses, but I can easily live with them.
That’s the way I feel, for the most part, though the CA does bother me at times.
These are the kinds of real-world reviews that are most valuable IMO. I don't need to see charts and figures, having someone who clearly knows what they are doing describe the lens is much more informative. Also your talking manner is excellent.
Thank you very much!
You do a really good job reviewing lenses. Very helpful. Thank you.
My pleasure!
I´m glad to have seen this review after purchasing this lens! You have shown me more options to do with it that I wasn´t aware of. Thanks for sharing. Bless you
Glad to help out!
I completely agree. I take this on my outside family portraits, inside studio work for full body and some half body, engagements.... I love this lens. I plan on breaking out the 85mm for some studio pets I'm doing soon. Tamron is doing an awesome job.
Definitely. So far so good for Tamron's SP primes. I haven't seen a misstep yet.
This is my favorite all-around lens. For all the reasons you mentioned.
It's a fun one.
My best photo friend changed his opinion and took this lens as his standard traveling lens. I use the Tamron 1.8 35 and 85 VC, these are my standard lenses for on the go.
that's interesting.
The "dead normal" focal length for 24x36mm format is 43.3 mm. Pentax makes a 43mm lens, the closest to the dead normal length, except it is from the film era and needs updating. For the other dead normal focal lengths, check this article: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_lens
Thanks to this and some of your other videos, my wife just ordered this for me. I wouldn't stop talking about it!
Enjoy the lens!
I agree 100% I love mine no complaints there.
I'm glad you are enjoying it.
Dustin Abbott yes also great on my M6 Mark II with adapter
After watching your review on this lens I decided to buy it. I was delighted when I seen it had a $200.00 instant rebate on it. After receiving the lens and unboxing it I began shooting simple shots at different apertures and swapping back and forth between my cannon 50mm 1.8. At first I was a little disappointed because of the focus speed but after taking it out and actually shooting with it I’ve fell in love with it.
I actually have been using it more than my cannon 17-55 2.8 lens which is an awesome lens. The 45 mm is a very versatile lens with great build quality and a super sharp lens compared to the cannon 50mm.
Your videos are very informative and well done continue the great reviews and I’ll continue to watch.
You'll love the amount of contrast and "pop" in your images compared to the nifty fifty. Image quality is at another level.
Thank you Dustin. Your review really helped me with my buying decision. Thank you also for all your other most excellent reviews.
Glad to help out.
Ordered one just now. Hope it's as good as you say. Thanks.
Enjoy the lens. It really does have beautiful rendering
Hello Dustin , I shoot with the Canon EOS RP . I recently rented for a 3 day period the Canon RF 35 mm F/1.8 IS Macro STM lens to try it out as I wanted to purchase a Prime Lens . I do mostly Band Photography in Bars and Pubs . So the lighting conditions are challenging to say the least . Throw in the vast array of those annoying multi colored LED Lights and it can make for a really fun time lol . But to get to my point and yes I know that this review is a few yrs old but after watching all of your reviews on the Tamron SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD and researching it more and comparing the prices . Granted I would have paid for the significantly more native RF Lens . But I wasn’t that impressed with it and honestly I think my EF 85mm F/1.8 adapted over on the EOS EF - RF Adapter renders better images consistently with beautiful background bokeh . So I bought the Tamron 45mm and Its been spot on . Talk about Bang for your Buck . I purchased it for $399.99 on sale . I have been really really pleased with it . Now I am considering buying Tamrons 70-200 SP F/2.8
I can’t afford the RF version so I am looking for the most Professional Bang for the Buck . What do you suggest ??? Oh and by the way I watch many different photography videos and I really like yours the best . Thank you so much ...
Thank you very much for pointing out just how great these new Tamron lenses are. Thanks to your suggestions I just ordered both the 45 and 85 versions. These will be my first primes (except for the amazing Canon 100 2.8 L macro) and my first non-canon glass. I am very much looking forward to shooting with these lenses. Thank you for teaching me so much and helping to refine my eye! Greetings from Spain, Dirk
+Canigou Cycling - Girona & Pyrenees Road Cycling Enjoy them, Dirk.
Thanks Dustin, for putting the effort into your videos, and revisiting this lens after some time. Appreciated.
You're welcome. There's a few lenses in my personal kit that I need to revisit - some of which I've never reviewed.
A focal length I first came across in the Sigma DP Merrill series, and it's remained my favourite length ever since. It's amazing that it isn't a more popular range.
Interesting. That's a 1.3x crop factor on the Merrill?
The Merrill's a 1.5x crop (APS-C). The new SD Quattro H uses the rare APS-H format, giving a 1.3x crop. A 35mm lens becomes a 45.5mm in crop terms. DP Review generated a gallery mainly using this crop length with spectacular results, not just from the sensor, but also from the 45mm framing:
www.dpreview.com/sample-galleries/4388344015/sigma-sd-quattro-h-real-world-samples-gallery
Okay. 45mm actually translates better than 50mm with that crop factor. Enjoy!
Yet again another review on a lens that I just bought and agree with you completely. This really is the lens I was looking for as a walk around lens when I go downtown and shoot urban and street photos The focal length is by far my favorite for that type of shooting.
My one complaint is that I think I have purchased three of the last five lenses you have reviewed ( Tamron f017, f013 and Canon 70-300 IS II) and this is starting to get a tad costly.
Dustin, all kidding aside another excellent review.
That is a problem :) This lens has been overlooked by a lot of people, but I personally like it a lot!
Lovely long term impression. I own about 30 F-Mount lenses, I'm at a stage of my career where I see the short comings of modern AF-S G nikkor lenses that the Tamron SP primes do better at what their they are made to do.
I'm thinking of replacing my 50mm for the 45VC and the 85 for the 85VC.
They are lovely lenses. I own them both and seriously enjoy them.
going from Tamron to Nikon on the 24-70 = Good
I didn't by the 45mm lens yet, however I've figured my way around shooting the 50 1.4G (close it down to 1.8 lol genius
Enjoy! There's no wrong in this :)
care to share your images mate? you can contact me here: yannickkhong.com/contact/ I can send you an email for sending raws through "wetransfer"
Yup! I pointed that out when I compared the Sigma ART 35 to the 35 2D. Your out of focus contrast phenomenon happens usually when the lens doesn't have the amount of optical correction (usually asphericals) that "smoothens" the falloff thus reducing contrast and obviously 3d pop.
EXACTLY! I came to this conclusion when I started shopping for expensive audiophile gear and talking to a friend about it. Read the reviews and impressions then went to audition carefully. Most of the audition taught more about me and my taste than I would ever read online :) When you're dropping so much money into something you hold dear, it better be PERSONAL.
I almost bought the z35 but it was much heavier while not giving THAT MUCH MORE LENS than the 35D or the voigtlander 40 :)
Thank you for your reviews of this lens. I have decided after much reading of reviews etc, to order this lens for my 5d mk iv and my 80d. your reviews are very much a go to for me. Cheers
Enjoy!
Dustin my man got us covered again, with an exceptional and detailed review. Love it 🧡🤙🏻
You're welcome.
Dustin, I am interested in the 35mm version of this lens, but the 45mm is often available for $200 less. I've tried the 45mm before, and because of it's weight, I didn't enjoy how it felt in hand. I may give it a second chance.
There's always a certain personal preference that comes into play, and, in that, your opinion is more important than mine.
Can you think of any reasons you'd trade the Tamron 45 for the RF35 on an eos R?
Not really, actually. I wasn't a huge fan of the RF35mm
@@DustinAbbottTWI thanks for your feedback
My constant debate over that "Standard" lens has left me with out one for years. Your reviews on this lens are much appreciated as they are swaying me towards this lens. Being a landscape photographer the fact the Tamron has weather sealing has a great influence in the decision to lean toward this lens over my "short list" of options. I dropped the Sigma off the list last year because of focusing issues and the lack of weather sealing (I got a loner and I had endless issues with focus).
The last lens in the competition is Canons' TSE 45mm (I use tilts lots☺️), while it isn't weather sealed and it it is full manual, I always get drawn to tilts (I have all the others that Canon makes). Have you ever thought of testing the TSE 45mm? It always seams to be the forgotten lens in the testing community. I have always preferred the 40-45mm as the standard lens it just seems to be more "natural" especially as the go to landscape lens.
Anyway thank you for your reviews again!
That's a good suggestion. I've only reviewed one T/S lens (new ones don't come to market very often), but that would be a lens worth testing. I haven't used T/S a lot, so don't consider myself as "expert" as I should be. I guess I won't become more expert without testing more tilt shift lenses!
Tilts always seem to be forgotten but, as you truthfully point out they are not replaced with any regularity. I can say the TSE 17 and the TSE 24 are simply out standing, super sharpe almost perfect lenses with the ability to correct all sorts of perspective issues. The TSE 90 is a fantastic almost perfect portrait, and macro lens, it is getting long in the tooth like the TSE 45 but it is far more popular in the testing community.
I warn you once you try a Tilt shift you will become hooked, especially the TSE 24, that lens is just awe-inspiring. :)
Having a UWA zoom (the 17-35 OSD) and a telephoto zoom (80-200 f2.8), my quandary is to get this prime to fill the gap, or a (more expensive) 24-70 f2.8. My other consideration is, is this lens appreciably better in final images (not pixel-peeping) than a regular 50mm f1.8 such as Nikon's 50/1.8G. I think I prefer 45 to 50mm though...
I personally found the images to be much richer from this lens than they typical 50mm F1.8. It has more premium rendering
@@DustinAbbottTWI Thanks - that was my impression from comparing images on Flickr, although it's very hard to judge lenses that way. I'm actually trying out a Yongnuo 50/1.4 and the character of it is actually quite nice at 1.4-2, so perhaps I will end up getting the Tamron 35/1.5 instead.
Thank you Mr Abbott. It was this review that put everything in perspective for me about this lens and prompted me to pull the trigger (after much deliberation) and finally purchased it instead of the Sigma 50mm Art. Now that I've been using it for several weeks, I absolutely love it and feel, as you do, that it regularly has a place in my bag. While it's not the best at everything, it fits my style of shooting to a tee with all it's many attributes. You made this video close to 3 years ago. Does it still have the same spot in your bag a sit did back then, or have you found another lens that does a better job at what this lens provides? Knowing I just purchased the lens, if you did go with another lens, please be honest. I'm happy with this lens. I truly would like to know if you still feel the same way about it.
I still like the lens a lot, though I moved to the Sony Planar 50mm F1.4 as I tend to shoot Sony more often. To be fair, however, that lens costs about 3x as much and isn't a fair comparison.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Makes sense. If I was on Sony, I'd make the same choice. With a DSLR, I appreciate the VC and close focusing. Wish it had less CA though.
Have you used this on R bodies? Think it would do well on my R5? Love their 35 1.4... but want a 45 or 50mm too.
I did use it for a bit on the EOS R body during that initial transitions.
Some beautiful images . . . .
Excellent, thoughtful words, too.
Many thanks
Thanks for the nice feedback!
Hello Dustin, this morning I was working at the church photographing a nice baby baptism with a Canon 50 f1.4, the Canon 85mm f1.8 (with I love) and a couple more lens. To be honest I was disappointed by the canon 50 mm 1.4. I was sure to get in focus, but when back at my desk I noticed that the focus was not so precise. I am considering to sell the fifty in order to try this 45 mm; I will have 5 extra mm to put my subject in the scene.
Do you think is it open enough and well reactive for the church ceremonies ? I shoot basically reportage of the day. Thanks Dustin for any tips, they would be appreciated. Peace, My Friend!
I've used it a lot in those kinds of settings, and I think it works great. Spend some time calibrating the focus, and it will definitely reward you.
Thanks for such amazing review! I'm thinking of getting this lens in a future. Tamron is becoming an amazing tool for me, I own the 70-200 and I'm in love with it. My 50mm stm is incredible, but that vc and sharpness in the tamron just gets me so hyped.
Great job, Dustin! Thanks for such in depth review.
Greetings from Mexico.
+Lex Arias I think it will be a great upgrade for you. I really enjoy the 70-200, too. I've got an aunt who is from Sonora.
As soon as I can, I´m gonna get that Tamron and let them know you got me into it!
About your aunt, that´s awesome! Small world we live in, did you get any mexican influence from her?
This lens sells for the same price as the new Samyang FE AF 45mm f1.8 today. If both lenses were available in native e-mount, which one would you prefer and why?
Probably the Samyang due to its small size. It also has less CA and onion bokeh. The Tamron's big advantage is that it has a much better minimum focus/magnification faction.
Nice review and photos .. Not many 50mm out there with IS. So is this like heaps better than Canon's 50mm STM 1.8? And is there any another 45mm in 2020 that beats this one? Cheers.
I think it is. As for others - not on Canon, really.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Cool thx. Is the AF a bit slow bcos of the long focus throw on the lens you reckon or AF motor issue?
Some of both, I think, but probably a lot the former.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I haven't got a high quality 50 so seriously considering this one; seems to have been universally accepted as a great lens, with some even comparing it to to Zeiss quality and its macro like abilities too.Thanks for your awesome inputs.
My next lens, great review!
Enjoy it. I have a lot of fun with mine.
Finally I bought the tamron. I am very happy with the results, super sharp, amazing IQ .It is so useful!!!. Thanks for the recommendation.
Regards!
Hello, I bought this lens about a month ago. So far, I love it for photography. But for videos on my 6D Mark ii, it can't seem to autofocus at all and is constantly hunting for focus. I don't do videos very often, so it could be user error, but I haven't had any video autofocus issues with my Canon 24-105.
That wasn’t my experience with the lens at all. Something isn’t right there
I had it on Live 1-point AF, where it struggled under the lighting conditions. But when I changed it to smooth zone AF, it did much better.
Thanks for the review. I'm in a quandary now. I have a Sigma 35mm f 1.4 on my Canon 5d mark iii which I love but I'm finding that since it lacks image stabilization I struggle to get quick shots. I also have a 35mm f2 IS which is OK but wanted a better glass. This Tamron interests me with the stabilization and close to my preferred 35mm. Question is, will it be a good replacement for either my Sigma or Canon for general still use? Any thoughts?
I think the Tamron 35mm VC is worth a look for you. Very sharp, has excellent stabilization, and, in my direct comparison, focuses about the same as the 35 IS (very good). The 45mm focuses a bit slower.
hi Dustin , I have the Rf 35mm f1.8 and to be honest the bokeh is starting to annoy me . This lens has come up for sale and I was just wondering if it would be of better IQ?
Hi Pieter, yes and no. It has its vulnerabilities (which I've highlighted in my reviews), but yes, I did find the overall rendering much, much more appealing than the RF35 (which was a little disappointing). The Canon EF 35mm F2 IS is also a nice alternative.
@@DustinAbbottTWI thanks for the reply. Yes if only canon did something about that bokeh . Very dissatisfied. Constantly having to add blur in post to soften up that jittery bokeh . It will be very interesting to see how the RF 85mm f1.8 will be bokeh wise , poor bokeh like the RF35 mm in a portrait lens will be unforgettable .
Thanks Dustin for your dedication and professionalism, which of the 35 or 45 would be suitable on a crop sensor body like the 70D and T6s???
I used the 35mm on a Nikon D7200 (crop body) a lot and it was an amazingly versatile lens. Now that I've bought a D750 (full frame) I prefer the 45mm. But the 35mm does focus even closer. If you're trying to keep the weight of your kit down, the 35mm is a bit smaller. I still have my 35, and it still sees use... I actually sold all my nikon glass and I only have the Tamron SP 35/45/85. I think they're the closest to pro build lenses you can get at the price point.
+singletrack29349 Thanks for your feedback!!!
The 35mm might be a better crop focal length.
+Dustin Abbott thanks Dustin!!!
Great review man. I try to see most of your review. All are informative and useful for me. I'm new to photography, only for 1 months. After researching a lot for few months I bought a Canon 80D body only. Later I bought a Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 as everyday go to lens. 2 weeks before I bought 1 Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 lens but now it's back to the agent as it has some issue with 80D in live view and video recording mode which I failed to research before buying. But it's a nice lens. A fraction of cost compare to that of canon with near performance and clarity, just need a firmware update.
I'm a physician by profession, not a photographer but photography is my hobby. Long time I used point and shoot Sony, Canon, Nikon plus iPhone camera. I want to shift to full frame in future so want to buy lenses which will be useful in future also. I usually shoot mostly photograph. whatever I like in my eyes portrait, street, rarely landscape and video. I have a great affection for Sigma lenses for their sharpness but their overwhelming autofocus problem holds me back so I preferred Tamron.
Would you please suggest me which prime lens I should buy for my daily use for both street photography and portrait for my 80D which I can use in the future full frame also? I'm thinking also to buy Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 as a short zoom lens, what's your opinion.
If you are happy with the Tamron lenses, I'm actually quite a big fan of Tamron's prime line. (35m 45, and 85mm lens + 90mm Macro lens). They are all relatively light, have a great build and optics, and have image stabilization. I own the 45 and 85 and use them all the time. They work nicely on crop (your 80D), but will work even better once you go full frame.
Thanks.
I really wish this had been a 55mm lens. I'd be WAY more inclined to pick it up since I already love my 35f2IS. Even with all your positive comments, I can't see myself switching between the two. I know my 35 is lighter and is sharp enough to make me happy.
The 35IS is a great lens. I own it, also, but I have a bigger kit than usual as its nice to have comparison points for other new lenses that come to market.
I feel that same way about a prospective 55mm lens, 45mm and 50mm are too close to my 35mm for my preference. I used to own the ef 35mm IS and recently bought the SP 35mm.
I have a Nikon D750 and a D500....one is DX, the other full-frame. If I'm going to buy ONE of two lenses to use on both cameras at diff. times for walking around and/or portraits, should I go for the 35mm VC or the 45mm VC?
I actually found the 45mm focal length very useful.
currently i am using canon eos R.. i am looking for 50mm lenses... i saw my friends tamron 85mm and love its colours and renditions.. but i dont need such a longer focal length for my works.. for that , i am lean towards this tamron 45mm and canon RF 50mm f1.8... between those two lenses , which one will be your choice ? money is not an issue between those lenses.. i will use it with adaptor.. if tamron will be unique character like tamron 85mm , i will go with it.. otherwise RF 50mm f1.8.. which one will you recommend ? thanks
I would go with the Tamron. It's a nicer lens in basically every way.
how did you find the auto focus speed of the tamron lens ? i do heard that some reviews that its quite slow .i mainly shoots event and i do not want to miss shots because of the slow auto focusing speed . amazing video Dustin :)
It is on the slower side, though not so slow that I feel like I miss many shots because of it.
Nice review Dustin, I've seriously considered one of these on a micro four thirds body with a metabones converter for video
Interesting application. I've not heard of someone using it like. I really like the lens for video, though, in part because you can get so close to your subject.
I have this lens and I adore it. I guess until you have spent time with it you just wouldn't understand its beauty.
That's true. It is a better lens than the specs suggest.
Is the autofocus fast enough for weddings?
Thanks
I've shot in a number of event settings without issue. As long as the subject isn't moving too fast, it should be fine.
Hi Dustin, I've just bought this lens. I have in mind the idea of buying the Tamron's Tap In Console; do I have to send it back to tamron's center in order get it updated until I can able to use de console?
+Dandy Dominguez Get the Tap In and try it. I would think that current copies of the lens have the newer firmware that will allow it be used with the Tap In.
Hi Dustin. Does the VC on this Tamron 45mm display the same softening issues that you noticed the 85mm VC at higher shutter speeds?
I didn’t really
Hi Dustin, in real world conditions do you use a UV haze filter with this lens and if so, which one can you recommend?
I have one on there, yes. I'm using one of these: bhpho.to/2oRfaNb
I have found this lens at my local camera shop for just 300$ and am very tempted to buy it as an upgrade from my canon 50mm f1.8. The main drawback with that one is that it's really not that great at f 1.8 and while it gets better when stopped down, it doesn't get great from corner to corner before F4 or F5.6. I know this is an old video, but I have a small question: Sometimes with 3rd party lenses, light transmission can take a hit so an F1.8 lens ends up becoming an F2 or F2.2 lens in reality. Do you know if that is the case as well for this lens?
Light transmission is a complicated topic, and you're not really describing it accurately. F-stop is a measure of the physical aperture, so an F1.8 lens is in fact an F1.8 lens. T-stop measures light transmission, and that varies. Almost no lens has an identical T-stop to it's F-stop, as that would imply perfect light transmission through the glass elements, which is never the case. As a result, almost every F1.8 lens is going to be more like a T2 lens at best (maybe T1.9). The Tamron is about average in this metric.
Going back to this comment, I can now testify after comparing the 2 lenses that light transmission is actually slightly better on the tamron 45mm F1.8. Having used it now during a photoshoot, the good light transmission along with the image stabilization really gave me an advantage for low light shooting compared to the nifty fifty. Not to mention that it's very satisfying to get very sharp images straight from F1.8. The autofocus can be very quick when focusing on easy and close subjects, but it can hesitate for a moment if the subject is in a contrasting environment or far away. Still overall, it really blew me away with its optics, and I am glad to have listened to your review!
Watching the review again today; I'm in search for something around this focal lens as I own C50/1.8 II STM , but need it with stabilisation( as I'm getting older and older 😉 ) Being distracted between C50/1.4 usm( and no stabilisation) and this one, I reckon I'll take Tamron.
I think that is a solid choice.
Has anyone used this for indoor sports such as basketball or swimming? I know the VC won't help much at the faster shutter speeds, but hoping it would be able to do both some sports work and general family photos. Thanks.
AF speed is a little slow for fast action.
Thanks, I'm in the Nikon world do you think a 50mm 1.8 or 1.4 would be a better choice? I have a 18-35 f1.8 Sigma, and a 24-70 f2.8, currently shooting a crop sensor camera. Thinking a 1.8/1.4 would do a fair bit better then the 2.8 for the low light 50mm range. Thanks!
I don't shoot Nikon, so I don't have experience with the Nikkor lenses.
Quick question for Tamron 45mm VC owners - how bad is the CA? I know its pretty bad on the 35, is it any better on the 45? I'm trying to decide which to get for Video uses, and for every day photography (also would be used for family portraits and occasional individual portraits).
Thanks!
The CA is worse on the 45 than the 35 (which is actually not bad). You will definitely see fringing in certain situations wide open. That being said, I actually really love the lens.
This lens; which replaced my Sigma 50mm F2.8 Macro; which I really loved but the mechanics were horrible; is near perfect. I'm on a Nikon; and for travel; this and the 28mm F1.8G make up 90% of all my images. CA is fine; and fixable; and on my D600 is fixed automagically in-camera on the jpgs.
Thanks for the comment! I actually got the 45mm in late Nov. and am loving it!
@James Larsen I know this is an old comment, but I thought I would drop my opinion on the CA. It used to be one of the main issues that annoyed me about the 50mm f1.8 stm from canon. However, I still bought the tamron despite the complaints about some CA in some high contrast situation. The CA that shows up (occasionally) with this lens is mostly longitudinal, the lateral CA is not bad and only rarely makes an appearance in my photos. I may be in the minority here, but if a lens has a weakness with CA, I'd rather it be longitudinal rather than lateral. Longitudinal chromatic aberration affects out of focus areas, so it's already in a blurry area of the picture that doesn't distract from the main subject. It also quickly clears out after stopping down a stop or 2. Lateral CA on the other hand by nature doesn't go away after stopping down and it can really become distracting in certains situations where the subject has a weird outlining with a different color than expected. So I found the CA in the end to be much less of an issue than I initially anticipated.
Hi Dustin. Great review of this lens. I actually bought this lens and love the images it produces. Do you still use this lens for your photography?
I did until I switched to mirrorless (Sony + Canon). I now cover that focal range with the Samyang AF 45mm F1.8 and Sony FE 50mm F1.4 Planar
How much better would you say this lens is compared to the Canon 50mm 1.8 STM? On an apsc camera?
The advantage on full frame is highly noticeable, but I think less noticeable on APS-C. The build and handling is world's better, but I'm not sure the pure image quality will blow away the 50 STM on APS-C.
Hey Dustin,
So I'm looking for a Christmas/Bday gift for myself (winter birthday) and I'm in the market for a wide angle prime. I've been spoiled with my Canon 85 f/1.8 and I'm worried that my night adventures would push the AF to the max on this lens. I have a 6D and have heard that this struggles with outside AF points (which I use quite a bit). Also, would that extra jump to 1.4 (sigma or Canon refurb) be that noticeable? I find I'm at ISO 6400 and 1/100s a lot with my 85. It would be nice to have more freedom in the ISO.
I value your opinion (I took the jump to the 24-70 after your extensive review), so what do you think?
I really like the lens myself, and found that after using the Tap In to dial in the focus at different distances it focuses better than any third party lens I've used. The current EF 50mm f/1.4 is garbage compared to this lens, though I own and really like the the EF 35mm f/2 IS if you don't mind a wider perspective.
I'm not even considering the Canon 50. It's a fight between Refurb Canon 35 1.4, Canon 35 2 IS, and either the Tamron 35 or 45. I think I might need to play with them before I commit to buying one. I'm worried about the f2 vs 1.4 for the Canon's. I feel like I'd rather have a faster shutter speed over a smooth long shutter (I shoot people typically), but I hear that the f/2 has one of the fastest AF's for the money.
thirdmort
That's true regarding the focus speed on the f/2 IS. It's actually a pretty great lens. The new 35L II is really exceptional, but is also exceptionally expensive.
By far the best youtube channel. Anytime i see some random used lens and need a real educated opinion on it you just happen to have made like 4 videos about it LOLOL. Thanks 😊 🙏.
LOL - sounds about right!
Dustin, I always enjoy your reviews. I'm curious if this lens still in your bag as of mid 2019?
It left last year, mostly because I really love the Sony/Zeiss 50mm F1.4 Planar and am shooting my Sony bodies more than my Canon bodies.
Thanks Dustin!
Would you go for the Sigma 50 1.4 art or the Tamron 45 1.8.
I shoot both stills and video
-thanks
For me I chose the Tamron in part because when I reviewed the Sigma I struggled to get consistently accurate focus from it.
wat uh suggest. Tamron 35 1.8 vc over Sigma 35mm 1.4 ? ? Dustin abott ?
+manjot aulakh That depends on your priorities. The Tamron is the more accurately focusing lens, has an image stabilizer, and has near macro capabilities, but the Sigma has the bigger aperture and is incredibly sharp. There's no wrong answer here, but there might be a right answer for you.
umm.... tamron is not dat sharp ?
+manjot aulakh No, the Tamron is very sharp, but the Sigma is as sharp at f/1.4.
The best 50MM glass that I have ever used...I liked it so much that I purchased it twice! (Nikon and Canon mount)
I too had a lot of affection for this lens.
Hi, how about the Tamron against the Canon 35mm F/2 Is? I juts sold my sigma 35 because of focus issues, would you recommend this Tamron for weddings over the Canon F/2?
Thanks
I wouldn't (if you are talking about the f/2 IS). I love the the optical performance of the Tamron and it focuses very accurately, but I think the focus speed might be a little too slow in certain wedding situations. The Canon 35 IS focuses more quickly and would be a better wedding option.
Thanks Dustin, I'd go the Canon focus is the main thing for me at the moment, I can see the 35mm IS Canon is sharp enough... thanks again, by the way have you used the Tokina 16-28?
I haven't
Dear Sir, Thank you for the nice review. May I please ask about the ability of this Tamron 45 to reproduce sharply ,jewelry ? or I should better use a macro lens like the Tokina 100 with a Nikon D500 camera?
Very good video!
If Tamron ever comes out with the rumored 20mm f2 VC, it would be awesome having the 20mm f2+45mm f1.8+85mm f1.8 as a main setup for pretty much everything. Those three focal lengths would cover pretty much everything we would need for general use.
That would be fantastic!
Especially if the 20mm had pretty much no vignetting...which is hard to do on a wide angle, but it would be awesome!
"Rumored 20mm f/2 VC", where did you hear that? I sure hope so :D
On a few of the different rumors sites - it is just a rumor.
Thanks for an excellent review. Have you tried this lens on a crop body? I'm looking to upgrade my Canon 50mm f1.8 for my 7Dii. I would use the lens as a general purpose lens as well as a portrait lens. Thanks again.
+Patrick Benn I have used it on a crop sensor, and I think it performs nicely there (not quite as sharp wide open as full frame). It would be a much nicely fit in terms of balance and weather sealing on a 7Dii.
I rented it for a weekend. I thought overall it was a good solid lens, but it didn't have that wow factor. Wide open I didn't like the green fringing. I will likely rent it again when I head to Phoenix in the fall. I just don't know if it will have a place in my bag with the 35 IS & the Canon 50 1.4.
Btw, I love your videos. Thanks for taking the time to produce them! Could you test out the Sigma 24-36 in the future?
+mustardymayo If you will check my channel you will find the Sigma review.
I must have missed it. I normally keep up on your videos. Thanks for the reply!
Always a pleasure Dustin! Are you using the Tamron 35mm as well?
No, as I already had the Canon 35mm f/2 IS, which I like a lot. I'm considering an upgrade to the new 35L II, though, which is a really special lens - but very, very pricey!
Shame about the CA issue. I think it’s a bit too strong from samples I’ve seen. Might stick with my Nikon.
That was probably the biggest downside of the lens, but might also contribute to its very nice rendering. There's an odd relationship there that I've observed. Perfectly corrected lenses often lose something in the process.
Dustin Abbott from my understanding you may well be correct.
Hi.. i use Nikon D5500 and was searching for a pro quality Portrait lens. Any idea how does it stand upto the Nikon 50 mm 1.8G?/?
This has VC whereas Nikon doesnt. Is Tamron's image quality better than the Nikon's?
I haven't used the Nikon lens, but the Tamron is certainly rated as being much sharper.
Thank you for excellent review👍👍👍.God Bless You 🙏
You're welcome.
Hi, i stumble upon your video when researching for a stabilize lens for video and perhaps maybe to pair it with the Sony 6300. i like how concise yet easy to understand your video reviews are(English is my 3 language). While your reviews are largely focusing at photography, would you consider reviewing these Tamrons on the video side especially on how it fare on the stabilization. Thoughts?
I did do a brief video about a year ago that showed how they worked with Canon's DPAF - that may help you.
My copy of this lens is almost perfect on my D850, I’ve seen no color fringing in high contrast areas whatsoever, guess I got lucky!
Interesting. It's a very nice lens
Dustin Abbott i thought so too considering what i’d read...love the reviews bro thanx! Before I buy I gotta see what you and Angry Photographer have to say first! Different ways of reviewing but always in alignment...you 2 would make a dope “Odd Couple” review team
Nice roundup Dustin - I was looking at this lens for video because of the VC but finding you actually use your 'normal' 50mm that's made me think twice. I find it difficult to hand hold at 50mm and VC would have helped.
I use it a fair bit for video, and it's great save for the CA. I will stop down to f/2.8 a lot of times to help eliminate that. The VC definitely makes a difference, though, particularly if you program in the "Viewfinder Priority" mode in the Tap-In.
Is it better than the samyang 45mm 1.8?
In some ways, yes, in others no. They are both nice and sharp. The Tamron has more chromatic aberrations, has onion-bokeh in some situations, and focuses slower. It has a better build and an image stabilizer, though. I love the Samyang, however, because it is sharp, has great rendering, but is also very small and light.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I agree thanks
Great review as always. Purchased a couple of lenses in the past because of your reviews. I've been looking to invest in a 50mm glass, but with so many choices and price points these days it's hard to choose. So far I've been using a Takumar 50mm but looking for a lens with AF on my 6D for street photography...
There seems to always be a comparison between the Sigma 50 f1.4 Art lens / Canon 50mm 1.4 vs this Tamron (which is understandable)... but I was wondering how you think it stacks up to the Canon 50mm 1.2L, or better yet, the Canon 50mm 2.5 Macro? I'd be curious to hear your take on this...
+Steven Resell I’ve used all of those lenses save the 50mm f/2.5 (which I wish Canon would make a modern updated version of). I think the Tamron is a pretty special lens, despite having the flaws I’ve detailed here. I just like the images that come out of it. The Canon 50L is somewhat similar, but in different ways. It has great rendering, but isn’t as sharp as some other lenses at wide aperture. Recently, to me, the Tamron has been a no brainer at some heavily discounted prices
I ended up buying this Tamron. Waiting for it to arrive! Thanks for your help.
Onion bokeh ring, the same problem on the 35mm/1.8.
It's actually more pronounced on the 45 than the 35.
Hey! I have this lens: the AF is TERRIBLE! How is your experience?
Mine hunts around like crazy in low-light (on my 6D, center point) and even in daylight its slow to start up.
I have great focus accuracy (6D, 5DsR, 80D, 70D) in all types of lighting situations. You may need to have your lens checked out, as I've handled three different copies of the 45 VC and not experienced anything like what you describe.
I loved this review, if you have the time, please post more long term reviews, i, and im sure many others would be interested in the after purchase satisfaction level. Now the lens, the "lame duck FL" LOL, found it on ebay refurbished for $370, was a steal, couldn't help myself :), since then became my daily driver. Not really comparable with the 50 1.2 in bokeh and rendering, but much more practical. Thanks to your reviews, these new Tamrons were always in the back of my mind. God bless!
...if you have time... that's the key, right there!
Great review as usual Dustin..
Thank you very much
Great review, thank you Dustin. I really want to get this lens; the problem is, I already have the Canon 50L and the Sigma 50 ART. I am suffering from Smaug's syndrome - I can't let go of any and I want more... :) Still, I am itching to see how its VC would kick in in a dark restaurant setting, for example.
You are in a tough situation. Know anyone who has the lens that you could borrow it for a night?
Dustin Abbott
No, not really. Besides, I really like the 45mm focal distance, so I would want to own it, having heard many good things about it, including from you. Am really curious about the VC in low-light environment.
Arutemu
Having that stabilization definitely helps, but in low light the 1.2 aperture you already have is arguably more important.
I'd prefer if it was a 50mm 1.4. Btw, what exactly do you mean by "drawing?"
Drawing refers to a lens' rendering or the overall "look" of the images. It's hard to define, but your eye definitely sees it. Some lenses chart well but don't produce the "magic" out in the real world. I think this lens does a pretty decent job of both.
Unfortunately my sample wasn't very good. It was very soft at f1.8 or f2 and didn't improve much when stopped down. I guess that's just the luck of the draw however what I was really disappointed with was the construction. I've read and listened to so many reviews where people are stating the lens has a metal barrel and metal filter threads however it really looks and feels like plastic. Yes it's higher quality engineered plastic but it's still plastic. The focus ring and hood also felt very cheap for a lens of this price. It's a step in the right direction but it's not up to the construction and feel of the Art series.
While I was in Europe this year I found myself using the 35mm and 50mm Milvus the most so I thought the 45mm Tamron would give me the best of both except with auto focus. Manually focusing in low light or if a subject is backlit is rather difficult and it would be nice to have an auto focus lens for those times. I'm now thinking of carrying two kits. A DX kit with the Sigma 18-35 plus the 50-100 and a FX kit with the manual focus lenses.
my friend believe me: the Tamron 45mm (and the 85, 35, and 90mm) lens is metal. those barrels are not plastic. The mount is not plastic. It is built like a tank.
The front half of the barrel is plastic. The bayonet where the hood attaches is injection molded. That bayonet design cannot be machined. As for the rear half of the barrel the housing where M/AF and VR switches are located is injection moulded plastic and there is no seams or screws where it attaches to the rest of the barrel. It all looks to be one piece of plastic. The silver piece between the lens mount and the outer barrel also looks and feels like plastic. I would love to know where this metal barrel is. As for it being a tank pick up a 50mm Milvus. The Tamron feels very cheap in comparison.
+Malcolm Kermode I have the lens right here. Main barrel is metal. Gold ring is metal. Mount is metal. As Tamron specifies in their literature. It's not over 2lbs like the Milvus but it's still plenty dense and it is weather sealed properly. I know because it's been in more than a few mountain thunderstorms. Should the SP 45mm compare to a $1200 lens? Surprisingly, it does in many aspects and is in some ways actually more versatile than the Milvus, thanks to AF, stabilization, and the closest MOD of its kind. Do we expect a $1200 Zeiss lens to be excellent? Yes we do. Is the Milvus twice as good? Highly subjective, to say the least.
So Tamron glued a thin piece of aluminium over the rear half of a plastic barrel to dress it up and my lemon of a lens had a silver painted ring instead of a gold one glued on the back. That makes all the difference. Yes the lens mount is brass however as I have already pointed out the bayonet where the lens hood attaches is injected molded plastic. This lens retails for $1100 in Australia and it feels cheap.
A few more points that should be mentioned. If you go to the B+H Photo page at no point does it mention a metal barrel for any of the Tamron SP lenses. If the Tamron 45mm lens was actually constructed of metal you would think that would be a big selling point and yet B+H Photo makes no mention of it. I would also like to point out the Tamron with it's ring type USD motor and VC weighs 499 grams and the Milvus weighs 875 grams. The Milvus weighs %75 more than the Tamron even though it has no USD motor or VC because it's actually constructed of metal. If the Tamron was constructed of metal it would almost certainly weigh more than the Zeiss.
One final thing I would like to point out after reading the Tamrons specs and advertising. The Tamron is not weather sealed. It's not even weather resistant. Tamron specifies the lens is MOISTURE RESISTANT. Whatever that means. I'm guessing you can clean the Tamron with a wet wipe without voiding the warranty.
Anyone have experience with this lens using for weddings?
I have used it for some wedding work. dustinabbott.net/photography/weddings/nggallery/galleries/Travis-and-Mikah
Great review in the first place, and now this to follow it up. Thanks for sharing.
I have a question, that maybe you can answer. You can scroll to the botton for the actual question, or read my reason for asking here:
I have an A7III. I love the Sigma 50 Art for it's ... well you know what's good about it.😀 But I always find myself backing up a bit when I use it. I have s 35, but now I find myself cropping in a bit. I can't find a 40 that is either fast enough or affordable enough. (Canon 40/2.8, Batis 40/2.0) So I really would like to try adapting this Tamron 45 to my camera. That leads me to this question:
Do you know how it works adapted with the MC-11 on the A7III?
My main concern, apart from the basic operation, is Eye-AF and AF-C.
I can't find any info anywhere else. Thanks for reading rhis far.
All the best,
Torben
I've used the Tamron 45 on the A7III, and it worked fairly well (but not as well as the Sigma 50mm with the MC-11). Eye AF works, as does AF-C (for stills, not video).
@@DustinAbbottTWI Excellent! Thank you for taking your time to reply, Dustin. I did notice the slower af in your review, and I don't expect native-like performance. I rarely shoot moving subjects, and will just use native glass for that then.
Thanks a bunch!
Ok, this comment is rather late.
I am attracted to a lens that is somewhere between a 35 mm and a nifty fifty.
Would be a focal length I would use a good deal once I can come to purchase and potentially use my 35mm and 50 primes perhaps less. Top travel focal length.
I love the 45mm focal length, myself. It is one of my favorites.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the standard lens has a focal length exactly the diameter of the sensor/film. Therefor for full frame (36mm*24mm) the standard lens should be the square root of 36²+24² = 1872^½ = 43.2666153055679mm (to be very presice).
You're not wrong, which is why I mention that the true "normal" is between 43 and 45mm - making this lens actually more of a "normal/standard" lens than the traditional 50mm.
Great lens
I agree
I am amazed from time to time how much different perceived sharpness with what is suppose to impartial quantitative sharpness. For example, DXO Mark puts the very inexpensive Canon 50mm F/1.8 STM sharper and with less chromatic aberation than the Tamron 45mm f/1.8vc. Here is the link here that also shows how incredibly sharp the Canon 35mm F/2 IS (sharper than Tamron's version and most other lenses for that matter) is
www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Compare/Side-by-side/Tamron-SP-45mm-F18-Di-VC-USD-Model-F013-Canon-on-Canon-EOS-5DS-R-versus-Canon-EF-35mm-F2-IS-USM-on-Canon-EOS-5DS-R-versus-Canon-EF-50mm-F18-STM-on-Canon-EOS-5DS-R__1594_1009_1086_1009_1541_1009
I think this ought to tell you all the story you need - the Tamron 45 VC blows the STM lens away wide open (and this is born out in field testing): www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=989&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=1004&CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0. When the lenses are stopped down to f/4 or narrower, the Canon becomes very sharp, but that isn't where most people actually use a wide aperture lens.
I love the 35 IS, too, but it isn't sharper than the Tamron 35 VC:
www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=824&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=1003&CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0
P.S. - Look carefully at that DXO Mark test. #1) The actual test metric shows the Tamron actually was sharper (36) than the Canon (35) - they just arbitrarily gave the Canon a higher score in the boxes below (only DXO!) and 2) They show the Canon's peak sharpness at f/2.8 (where they tested it) vs. the Tamron at f/1.8 (where they tested it). DXO's data can be really confusing because they tend to just, well, make up stuff in their conclusions. Their raw data is always interesting to me, but I take their "scores" with a grain of salt. BTW, the Tamron has far less distortion and vignette, which also gives a much cleaner result at large apertures (which is, to me, the most important).
I have to question to one degree or another quantification web sites including www.the-digital-picture.com, www.photozone.de, and www.dxomark.com for lack of specifically they came to their numbers/comparisons and how is it really possible they actually tested all the combinations of camera bodies, aperatures, and lenses unless they are simply an extrapolated algorithm of each possible combination. In the link you provided it appears that Tamron is off from pure black while the Canon is spot on ?
I was speaking of Tamron 35mm F/1.8 vc (not exact comparison because they show the Nikon version) vs Canon 35mm F/2 IS where they show the Canon being sharper in the specific metric of "sharpness". All that said, I really like your overall care in doing videos that capture so much of what is important in a lens. Very thoughtful.
nice video! 👍
Thank you! 👍
Tamron , nowadays, seems to have overcome Sigma lenses. However, it may be a minute difference.
I would call it more a different approach. Both companies are producing some amazing optics than frequently surpass first party options. Tamron has gone with slightly smaller apertures but added VC and weather sealing, while Sigma has gone for large f/1.4 apertures. I've gone with Tamron's more often because I personally have experienced better focus results with them.
I agree with your take.... I do like that my Tamron primes are build very solidly and I've had zero functional problems, even after the 45 getting some pretty serious rain. I really love my 85 SP though.... that lens is amazing.
tamron lens using vs are generally smaller and lighter than the sigma counterparts. I think the stabilization is a key especially when you want to use lens for both video and still photography.
Tokina 50mm 1.4 is another great option.
I've tried to get some Tokina loaners, but I've never heard back from Tokina.
This lens sometimes won't focus and stays like that as if you're in manual mode. Seconds later it will spring back to life... weird...
Have you done the most recent firmware updates? If so, I would recommend sending it back to Tamron and have them check it out.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Have you encountered this error too? Hmm bought it just a week ago 2nd hand and he told me the issue with this particular lens.
Dam, that's some cold place you live lol. Great review
It is that.
Thank you for the great review Dustin!
You've mentioned you shot videos with this lens - what's your opinion on the VC? Is it helpful (compared to the 50 STM) while shooting handheld? Does it make sudden jumps when panning?
Also wondering if you had a chance to shoot with an external (but mounted on the camera) mic? I watched your DPAF review ua-cam.com/video/xo5Unh4Ald8/v-deo.html and I'm not sure if a small shotgun-type mic like Rode VideoMic Pro would really eliminate that crazy AF sound? I really like the 50 STM, but watching the videos shot without any kind of stabilization device can lead to an epileptic seizure :) From the other side if the Tamron's AF noise still persists even when using an external mic, it also makes the lens somewhat useless for my purposes (unless the mic is completely off camera)...
I have used a RODE VideoMic Pro, and while it doesn't completely eliminate the noise, it is low enough to usually be masked by environmental sounds. Regarding the VC - it is worth noting that if you purchase the Tap IN console it allows to program the VC to different modes. There is an option particularly for video that produces a much smoother result. It definitively makes a difference, though it isn't quite "glidecam" stable.
I wouldn't expect a glidecam/steadicam for sure, but at least to get rid of jitters while trying to hold the camera still would be helpful. Ordered the console from your B&H affiliate link (found here dustinabbott.net/2016/08/tamron-tap-console-review/). Thanks!
y0utube5uxx
It will definitely help with that.
cool