This is a post about a lens. Specifically about a Tamron lens made for Nikon full frame DSLR's. Sorry, this post is probably of most interest to photographers and full frame sensor DSLR photographers at that.

For the past 20 years or so, one of my main lenses has been the F2.8 24-70mm Nikkor lens. It has been to Europe countless times and I schlepped it everywhere  on countless trips on planes, in my car, on the street and on hikes. I don't believe I ever left home on a shoot of any kind without it. Mine was the older version without stabilization.

It went soft twice and went back to Nikon both times. This is more common than you might think, a lens going out of whack.  Our gear takes a lot of abuse, especially since most of us use a roller case to move our kit from A to B.

I noticed that there were a few other companies rather than Nikon making lenses in this focal length, Tamron being one of them. Thinking that vibration reduction (VR) might be a real aid in a 24 -70mm lens I researched the Tamron lens (its full name is: Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2) and bought it, not knowing whether I would keep it or not. Earlier I had tested the Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 Art lens and was not impressed.

A lens is, after all, what makes our pictures look a certain way. The camera is crucial, of course, but the lens gives our work its "signature". The look of the photographs that the Tamron lens makes is very beautiful. This from a company that used to have a  reputation, along with Soligor, Spiratone and Vivitar, of making budget lenses that weren't very good. No longer. This lens is very very good.

It is heavy, beautifully made, well thought out and comfortable to work  with. The lens exudes quality, the way it zooms in and out with no creep, the way it feels in your hand. The VR is quiet and effective.

The lens is also very sharp. I come from a generation that taught us that the maker of our camera made the best lenses for it. And, for the most part, I have stayed with that and done well, but the Tamron has showed me a different way and I am most impressed.

The clincher? The Tamron at about $1200 is much cheaper than the Nikkor at about $2400. 

Boom