Tamron 24mm f/2.5 Reviews

This is a compact and nicely built lens with slightly above average optical quality. Optical performance is somewhat below that of far more expensive OEM lenses such as the 24mm F/2.8 Nikkor, and is satisfactory at F/5.6 and smaller apertures. It is a very reliable lens since I have never encountered a used Tamron lens with oil on the aperture blades.

My current lens is my second of this type, as I had one with a bad scratch on the front optic.

I'd have to disagree with Tamron SP's review below. The optics are really top-notch. I sold my Nikkor 24 f2.8 after some tests that proved hands-down that this lens was sharper -- WAY better in the corners (on film) than the Nikkor and just as sharp in the centre.

This lens is a much better choice than the 28mm Tamron due to its better optical performance and larger angle of view. It's a good medium wide angle on a DSLR.

An extra bonus is its contrasty colours -- expect magnificent polarizer-like skies that are the same shade of blue, but use a good lens shade -- the front optic will catch light like crazy.

This is also a sleeper on Ebay -- I know because my first lens sold for only $40 US including the mount (Grrrr!) -- a bargain for the buyer, considering that I paid over $500 for it new.

I have a full range of Tamron lenses including the 28mm, 70-210 f4, 28-135 and 135 2.5 The 24mm has been the most disappointing in terms of its outdoor performance where even on dull overcast days I get a central flare spot. This disappears indoors where the lens becomes very good for low light work. Examples of this lens must vary because some claim great things for the lens and others want to throw it away.

I've been using Tamrons for years but only recently bought the 24/2.5. I'm impressed with it so far and it's a great street shooting lens on a crop dSLR. Outdoors it's also good, with nicely saturated colours and definintion, even into the corners. I haven't yet tried it on a full frame or film cam so the real corner performance on this example might not be as good as I think.
I paid €70 for mine and it was in near-mint condition. Prices are rising again for these, after a period in the doldrums. Buy one now before they go up too far.