Best Tamron Lenses for Nikon

There are third-party lens manufacturers, such as Sigma, Tamron, Tokina, Samyang (also sold as Rokinon), Opteka, Yongnuo, and Zeiss—that make lenses for Nikon, and other cameras. If you want the absolute best lens for your Nikon camera, you have to buy the Nikon; but if the price is more of an issue, then the third-party lenses start to look very tempting.

There is another reason to think about Tamron, in spite of Nikon having very mature lens product lines, there are still a few gaps there, if you want a certain kind of lens or a specific focal range, you need to go for a third party.

You may check also my post about best Sigma lenses for Nikon.

In this tutorial, I gathered a list of the best Tamron lenses for Nikon, but first, let us have a look at their lens designation.

Tamron lens designations

Tamron does not explicitly state the type of mount nor compatibility when naming their lenses. They only leave it as “For Nikon”, “For Canon”, or “For Sony”.  For example. You cannot figure it out from the lens designation, is it suitable for F-mount, or Z-mount? Therefore, it is very important to read the specification carefully before buying a Tamron lens.

Tamron calls their updated lenses Generation 2 (G2), Generation 3 (G3), etc.

LENS FORMAT

Di (Digitally integrated): for the digital full-frame cameras, as well as the crop sensors (APS-C).

Di II (Digitally Integrated II): lenses built for crop sensor cameras only.

Di III (Digitally Integrated III): Lenses built for the mirrorless full-frame cameras.

Di III-A (Digitally Integrated III APSC): Lenses built for the mirrorless crop-sensor cameras.

SP (Super Performance): expensive professional-grade lenses.

ASL (Aspherical): The lens has sexy curves shaped after the human eye.

LD (Low Dispersion): The lens is built with glass that reduces chromatic aberrations.

XLD (Extra-Low Dispersion): The improved version of low dispersion.

AD (Anomalous Dispersion): Special glass for better color correction and chromatic aberrations control.

USD (Ultra Silent Drive): Tamron’s silent auto-focus motor.

PZD (Piezo Drive): A smaller, lighter, and more efficient AF motor.

OSD (Optimized Silent Drive): An even better autofocus motor, that is supposedly even more silent and faster.

VC (Vibration Compensation):  the same thing behind other “anti-shake” technology, where some lens elements move to counter the shake.

Best Tamron Lenses for Nikon

1. Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2

Pros

• Impressive center sharpness
• Great build quality
• Fast maximum aperture of f2.8
• Durable construction
• Moisture-resistant construction

Cons

• Lackluster sharpness in corners and edges
• Noticeable barrel distortion at 15mmConsiderably heavy
• Lacks filter threads

It is the first ultra-wide-angle lens for a full-frame camera that has image stabilization (Vibration Control or “VC” in this case) and an aperture wider than f/4. It is designed for FX-format Nikon F-mount cameras, however, it can also be used with DX models where it provides a 22.5-45mm equivalent focal length range.

Because architecture, interior, and real estate photographers often have large subjects and need wide-angle lenses, the 15-30mm range works very well for those uses, and also for landscape photography.

The Tamron 15-30mm VC lens, with its wide f/2.8 max aperture, is a great option for wide shots at a wedding photography

The SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 has sophisticated optics, focusing, and image stabilization. Helping to realize sharp, clear imagery, the optical design incorporates aspherical and low dispersion glass elements to reduce both spherical and chromatic aberrations throughout the zoom range. A trio of coatings has also been applied to suppress lens flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color rendering when working in bright and backlit conditions.

Specification

• Focal Length 15 to 30mm
• Maximum Aperture f/2.8
• Minimum Aperture f/22
• Lens Mount Nikon F
• Lens Format Coverage Full-Frame
• The angle of View 110° 32′ to 71° 35′
• Minimum Focus Distance 02″ / 28 cm
• Focus Type Autofocus
• Image Stabilization Yes
• Filter Size None
• Dimensions (ø x L) 87 x 5.61″ / 98.4 x 142.5 mm
• Weight 42 lb / 1100 g

2. Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di VC USD

Pros

• Exceptional resolution
• Bright aperture

Cons

• Vignette at wide apertures.
• Not stabilized.

This focal range is suitable for portrait photographers, wedding photographers. Also for general travel photography, landscape photography, nightscapes, and other nature/outdoor photography.

The SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD is flexible wide-angle prime is ideal for general shooting applications, ranging from street photography to event shooting, and its impressively bright f/1.4 maximum aperture excels in difficult lighting conditions and offers increased control over depth of field.

The optical design incorporates a series of low dispersion and aspherical elements, which control a variety of aberrations in order to achieve high image clarity and sharpness. A BBAR-G2 coating has also been applied and helps to reduce flare and ghosting for improved color and contrast when working in strong lighting conditions.

Complementing the optics, a USD motor and Dynamic Rolling-cam mechanism are also employed to ensure quick, quiet autofocus performance along with seamless full-time manual focus override.

Additionally, the lens features a moisture-resistant construction along with a front fluorine coating to support working in harsh weather conditions.

Specification

• Focal Length 35mm
• Maximum Aperture f/1.4
• Minimum Aperture f/16
• Lens Mount Nikon F
• Lens Format Coverage Full-Frame
• The angle of View 63° to 26°
• Minimum Focus Distance 81″ / 30 cm
• Focus Type Autofocus
• Image Stabilization No
• Filter Size 72 mm (Front)
• Dimensions (ø x L) 19 x 4.03″ / 80.9 x 102.3 mm
• Weight 77 lb / 805 g

3. Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2

Pros

• Sharp results at f/2.8 at wider angles.
• Strong image stabilization system.
• Excellent build.
• Dust and splash protection.

Cons

• Image quality suffers beyond 50mm.
• Noticeably dim corners.
• Chromatic aberration at 24mm.
• Some visible distortion.

The Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 is a versatile professional lens designed for many different kinds of photography needs, from wide-angle landscapes and panoramas to portraits and events.

The Nikon F-mount SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 from Tamron is a revised fast standard zoom covering a versatile wide-angle to portrait-length range. A sophisticated optical design with two extra refractive elements, three low dispersion elements, three glass-molded aspherical elements, and one hybrid aspherical element helps to suppress aberrations and distortion throughout the zoom range while eBAND and BBAR coatings have been applied to individual elements to control lens flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color fidelity.

Balancing its optical attributes, this lens also utilizes a USM autofocus motor to deliver notably quick, quiet, and precise focusing performance that suits both stills and video applications. Also, 5-stop-effective Vibration Compensation helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting in difficult lighting conditions.

Additionally, the lens is moisture-resistant and has a fluorine coating on the front element to enable its use in trying environmental conditions.

Specification

• Focal Length 24 to 70mm
• Maximum Aperture f/2.8
• Minimum Aperture f/22
• Lens Mount Nikon F
• Lens Format Coverage Full-Frame
• The angle of View 84° 4′ to 34° 21′
• Minimum Focus Distance 25′ / 38.1 cm
• Focus Type Autofocus
• Image Stabilization Yes
• Filter Size 82 mm (Front)
• Dimensions (ø x L) 48 x 4.3″ / 88.4 x 109.2 mm
• Weight 98 lb / 898.7 g

4. Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC G2

Pros

• Excellent Center sharpness
• Good Build quality
• Image stabilizer

Cons

• Edge softness wide open

The Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 offers exceptional sharpness, reliable autofocus, and a solid build, capable of withstanding the rigors of professional everyday use.

This Nikon F-mount SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens from Tamron is characterized by its bright f/2.8 constant maximum aperture, as well as sophisticated optical and physical designs.

In regard to optics, an improved layout contains one XLD element and five LD elements to suppress color fringing and chromatic aberrations for notable clarity and color accuracy, and both BBAR and eBAND coatings have been applied to reduce flare and ghosting.

Complementing the optical assets, this 70-200mm f/2.8 also features an advanced Vibration Compensation (VC) system that compensates for up to five stops of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting.

A ring-type Ultrasonic Silent Drive autofocus motor is also featured for responsive and accurate performance, and also affords full-time manual focus override for fine-tuned control. Additionally, the lens is also dust- and moisture-resistant for working in trying environmental conditions, and it is paired with a rotating, removable tripod foot with an Arca-type compatible base for seamless shooting atop a tripod or monopod.

Specification

• Focal Length 70 to 200mm
• Maximum Aperture f/2.8
• Minimum Aperture f/22
• Lens Mount Nikon F
• Lens Format Coverage Full-Frame
• The angle of View 34° 21′ to 12° 21′
• Minimum Focus Distance 12′ / 95 cm
• Focus Type Autofocus
• Image Stabilization Yes
• Tripod Collar Removable and Rotating
• Filter Size 77 mm (Front)
• Dimensions (ø x L) 46 x 7.5″ / 87.88 x 190.5 mm
• Weight 28 lb / 1.49 kg

5. Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 VC USD

Pros

• Good sharpness
• Weatherproof
• Lightweight
• Good finish
• Competitively priced

Cons

• Slight distortion from 200 to 400mm.
• Tripod collar not included

The Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD proves a compelling option for photographers keen on nature and wildlife photography looking for a budget 400mm lens.

The lens’s optical design incorporates three low-dispersion elements to suppress color fringing and chromatic aberrations, while an eBAND coating has been applied to individual elements to reduce lens flare and ghosting for greater contrast and clarity.

Complementing the optical design is a high-speed Ultrasonic Silent Drive autofocus system, which is benefitted by a dual MPU for quick and responsive performance.

Vibration Compensation is also featured to minimize the appearance of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting. Suiting this 100-400’s use outdoors, its magnesium alloy construction is also weather-sealed for working in harsh environmental conditions.

Specification

• Focal Length 100 to 400mm
• Maximum Aperture f/4.5 to 6.3
• Minimum Aperture f/32 to 45
• Lens Mount Nikon F
• Lens Format Coverage Full-Frame
• The angle of View 24° 24′ to 6° 12′
• Minimum Focus Distance 92′ / 1.5 m
• Focus Type Autofocus
• Image Stabilization Yes
• Tripod Collar Removable and Rotating (Optional)
• Filter Size 67 mm (Front)
• Dimensions (ø x L) 39 x 7.74″ / 86.2 x 196.5 mm
• Weight 45 lb / 1115 g

6. Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2

Pros

• Excellent sharpness
• Very low CA
• Low distortion
• Close focusing
• Efficient VC system
• Good ergonomics

Cons

• More expensive than the first version
• Heavy

Long-reaching range, this telephoto to super-telephoto zoom is designed for FX-format Nikon F-mount cameras, and can also be used with DX models where it will provide a 225-900mm equivalent focal length range.

The Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 is a second-generation super-telephoto zoom lens for Nikon full-frame and APS-C DSLR cameras. The Tamron 150-600mm lens features an upgraded optical construction with a metal lens barrel and a moisture-sealed construction.

The lens has a shorter minimum focus distance of 2.2m, a new zoom lock mechanism that enables the locking of the zoom ring at any position, a revised Vibration Compensation system offering up to 4.5 stops of compensation with three distinct images stabilization modes.

In addition, it has a removable rotating tripod collar with an Arca-type compatible foot. Two optional teleconverters offer 1.4x and 2.0x magnification to extend the lens’ reach up to 1,200mm.

Specification

• Focal Length 150 to 600mm
• Maximum Aperture f/5 to 6.3
• Minimum Aperture f/32 to 40
• Lens Mount Nikon F
• Lens Format Coverage Full-Frame
• The angle of View 16° 25′ to 4° 8′
• Minimum Focus Distance 22′ / 2.2 m
• Focus Type Autofocus
• Image Stabilization Yes
• Tripod Collar Removable and Rotating
• Filter Size 95 mm (Front)
• Dimensions (ø x L) 27 x 10.15″ / 108.4 x 257.7 mm
• Weight 38 lb / 1990 g

7. Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 DI-II VC HLD

Pros

• Solid image quality.
• Image stabilization.
• Moisture-resistant design.
• 1:2.9 macro magnification.

Cons

• Wide-open performance suffers beyond 300mm.
• Shows some chromatic aberration at longer focal lengths.
• Visible distortion.

The Tamron reaches farther than any other APS-C all-in-one zoom we’ve seen. If you’re an SLR owner and want a one-lens solution for trips and other situations where you don’t want to change lenses, the 18-400mm is a solid performer and our Editors’ Choice for superzooms.

panning an impressive wide-angle to super-telephoto range, the Nikon F-mount 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD from Tamron is a true all-in-one lens to suit photographing the widest of vistas to the details of wildlife. Designed for DX-format DSLRs, this 27-600mm equivalent lens uses a three-step extension design to maintain a compact and lightweight form factor despite its expansive reach. In regard to the optics, a series of aspherical and low dispersion elements help to correct various aberrations and distortion for consistent sharpness and clarity throughout the zoom range.

Specification

• Focal Length 18 to 400mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 27 to 600mm)
• Maximum Aperture f/3.5 to 6.3
• Minimum Aperture f/22 to 40
• Lens Mount Nikon F
• Lens Format Coverage APS-C
• The angle of View 75° 33′ to 4°
• Minimum Focus Distance 72″ / 45 cm
• Focus Type Autofocus
• Image Stabilization Yes
• Filter Size 72 mm (Front)
• Dimensions (ø x L) 11 x 4.78″ / 79 x 121.4 mm
• Weight 55 lb / 705 g

Can’t afford a brand-new lens?

Sometimes, buying a new Lens can be very expensive for many people. However, Keh is a great option to get a used one at a reasonable price. Read the full review here.

Related posts

best Sigma lenses for Nikon.

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