Open wide: Tamron's 15-30mm F2. 8 G2 Tamron has updated their SP 15-30mm F2. 8 Di VC USD full-frame lens and we got a chance to check out version 2 as this year's Photokina. It handles essentially the same as its predecessor but there are some cosmetic changes.
The design now matches that of the SP 24-70mm F2. 8 and SP 70-200 F2. 8 - specifically the grey bit by the base is new and the switches on the side have been redesigned.
Aside from cosmetic changes, a list of improvements under the hood make the 15-30mm F2. 8 version 2 all the more appealing, including: dual processors for faster AF and better stabilization, fresh coatings to reduce flare and a new aspherical element.
It is available in both Canon EF and Nikon F mounts - the Nikon mount just began shipping, Canon mount ships October 12th. The list price is $1299.
Open wide: Tamron's 15-30mm F2. 8 G2
Like version 1, the front element is large and bulbous and the front of the glass moves forward in the housing as you zoom in - it is shown here zoomed to 30mm. There's no way to put a threaded filter on it but the Canon version has a rear filter holder that can accept gels. The Nikon does not due to the F mount's flange distance.
Version 2 also features a new Anti-reflection eXpand coating that Tamron developed in house to ensure flaring is as well-controlled toward the edges as it is in the center. The lens has two additional coatings to combat flare and ghosting. It also features an updated fluorine coating on the front element that is 'abrasion resistant. ' This should make it easy to wipe away dust, water or grime and provide some level of scratch resistance. Speaking of water, the whole thing is weather resistant.
Open wide: Tamron's 15-30mm F2. 8 G2
Vibration control has been improved thanks to the inclusion of a second processor - now one processor is dedicated to AF and one to VC. Tamron says the new VC-dedicated processor should result in up to 4. 5 stops of stabilization.
In addition to a dedicated AF processor, the lens has an updated AF algorithm. All of this should result in faster AF speeds. And because focus is driven by an ultrasonic silent drive motor, AF noise shouldn't be an issue for video shooters. Then again, if you are old-fashioned, a manual override switch has you covered.
Open wide: Tamron's 15-30mm F2. 8 G2
A rubber gasket along the mount ensures no water gets inside your DSLR. And as mentioned, the lens design is moisture-resistant with internal seals located in critical areas where water or dust might get in.
Also the 15-30mm can make use Tamron's TAP-in console for AF fine-tuning, VC control adjustments and firmware updates. The console will set you back about $60.
Open wide: Tamron's 15-30mm F2. 8 G2
In terms of handling, version 2 is nearly identical in size and weight to version 1. At 1100 g, it is not light-weight. Nor is it small, but that's the price of ice when it comes to a stabilized constant-aperture wide-angle full-frame zoom.
Overall we're excited to get the Tamron 15-30mm F2. 8 version 2 on a body and start shooting. We were big fans of version 1 and it will be nice to see how all these improvements affect overall image quality and the shooting experience. Stay tuned for a sample gallery!
. dpreview.com2018-9-27 18:10
