The Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD ($1,199) couldn't have been an easy lens to design. It covers an extremely wide angle of view, has a maximum f/2.8 aperture, zooms, and is optically stabilized to boot.

Sharp; Optically stabilized; Maximum f/2.8 aperture throughout zoom range; Integrated lens hood; Ultra-wide field of view; Close focus capability; Available for Canon, Nikon, and Sony systems

Lots of distortion; Bulky; No filter support; Some flare issues

Tamron has greatly improved the wide-zoom lens market with its addition of the SP 15-30MM F/2.8 Di VC USD zoom lens. This lens features a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture, Ultrasonic Silent Drive Motor, Optical Image Stabilization and Flourine lens coating to help protect the lens from dirt and...

Comfortable and easy to operate; for a while; f/2.8 and VC provide great low-light and handheld performance; Controls aberrations and distortions very well; Sharp images; even when shooting wide open; Moisture resistant construction allows you to use the lens in most climates

Large and heavy; will wear you out after some time; Lens shape prohibits the use of protective and creative filters

I thought that Tamron had outdone itself first with its 70-300mm lens and then with the 24-70mm f/2.8 and 90mm f/2.8 Macro lenses: all bearing the SP (super performance), VC (vibration compensation), Di (digitally integrated primarily for full-frame sensors), and USD (ultrasonic silent drive)...

The ultra-wide angle full frame compatible zoom lens field is becoming ever more crowded and it requires a special lens to grab significant attention today. The Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens has done just that. Why the quick popularity?

Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Background While I was at WPPI this past year I got to meet our illustrious managing editor Darlene Hildebrandt. We walked the expo floor for a bit and I was introduced to a number of people by Darlene. We talked with some of the people over at Tamron and had some of …

The Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD is the first fast ultrawide zoom lens for full frame cameras to offer built-in image stabilization. It's slightly wider than the closest offerings from Canon (16-35/2.8) and Nikon (17-35/2.8) but not quite as long when zoomed out.

When it comes to creating excellent wide-angle photos and giving the most bang for the buck to photographers, Tamron seems to have the formula almost perfect. With great colors, excellent sharpness, and a very versatile focal length range, a photographer would be thrilled to have the Tamron 15-30mm...

This ultra-wide angle lens from Tamron sports a fast constant aperture of f/2.8 and as it is one of Tamron's 'SP' lenses, it sports rugged build quality and a dust and weather sealed construction.

This ultra-wide angle lens from Tamron sports a fast constant aperture of f/2.8 and as it is one of Tamron's 'SP' lenses, it sports rugged build quality and a dust and weather sealed construction.

Excellent sharpness throughout the range in the centre and towards the edges when stopped down; Effective Vibration Compensation system; Good value; Robust build quality; Moisture resistant construction

Not as sharp towards the edges at maximum aperture; Slight wave to distortion pattern may make corrections more difficult to apply in software afterwards

The Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD is an affordable alternative to the OEM offerings from Nikon and Canon, with the added benefits of an effective image stabilisation system and greater focal range.