The second version of Tamron's bright, optically stabilized, ultra-wide zoom doesn't offer a lot of big updates versus the first, with a focus on improved lens coatings and cosmetics. Still, the Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 ($1,299) is an ambitious design, combining a bright aperture and optical stabilization, not often found together in this type of lens. There are drawbacks, though—a bulbous front element precludes the use of standard filters, and the 15-30mm weighs close to two and a half pounds. A Big, Wide Zoom The SP 15-30mm G2 ($1,299.00 at Amazon) matches the look and feel of Tamron's recent lenses. It features an understated design with a matte black finish and a silver accent ring at its base. It measures 5.7 by 3.9 inches (HD), is a hefty 2.4 pounds, and incorporates a lens hood into its barrel design. A slip-on front cap, standard rear cap, and drawstring pouch are included. The bulbous front element is protected by the hood—it moves forward and back as you ad...
The Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 lens is a minor update to one of the rare, stabilized ultra-wide zooms, but it doesn't pair well with the highest-resolution cameras.
Bright f/2.8 aperture; Optical stabilization; Ultra-wide angle of view; Full-frame compatibility; Fluorine coating and all-weather build
Only sold in Canon and Nikon mount; Bulky; Image quality suffers on high-resolution sensors; Heavy barrel distortion; Nikon version doesn't support rear filters