Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 VC USD

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 VC USD Features and Handling

Due to the inclusion of the Vibration Compensation system, this 24-70mm lens is quite large and chunky. The diameter of 88.2mm may not suit those with dainty hands and the 82mm filter size may be a little awkward for some, but both are necessary to accommodate the VC system. Even though the lens is large compared with other contemporary 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses, it isn't too heavy, weighing 825g. Due to this it balances very well on the Canon EOS 5D MkII used for testing.

High quality plastics have been used for much of the lens barrel's construction and the wide rubberised zoom ring is well enough damped to prevent lens creep, without being too stiff either. A lock switch is provided to prevent the lens from extending during transport, just in case. The lens sports a moisture resistant design and a thin rubber gasket has been placed around the metal lens mount to help prevent the ingress of dust and moisture into the camera body.



As this lens incorporates Tamron's USD silent focusing motor, focusing is reasonably quick and very accurate. Focusing speeds may not be up to the speeds of Nikon and Canon equivalents, but they are not too far behind in all but the darkest conditions. Manual focusing is a pleasure as the narrow focus ring is well damped, which makes it easy to apply fine adjustments. Manual adjustments can be made at any time, whether in Auto or Manual focus mode. A minimum focus distance of 38cm is fairly typical for a lens of this type.

With care, sharp images are possible hand-held at shutter speeds as low as 1/10sec at 70mm, approximately half the time. This is roughly three stops slower than the usual rule of thumb for sharp hand haled images would permit. The VC system also provides a very steady viewfinder image, which can help with accurate composition.

Add your message