Tamron 15-30mm F2.8 VC Vs. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm F/2.8G ED

Photographer Matt Granger (aka ThatNikonGuy) had a chance to review the new Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC, putting it against Nikon’s best ultra wide angle full frame zoom lens – the AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED. How did it perform?

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This is not the first time Granger looks at the Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC. Last year during Photokina 2014 when this lens was just announced he published a first look at the Tamron, but with little in depth value. This time however he is looking at how this lens performs against Nikon’s best ultra wide angle zooms and the results are very impressive (even when not taking into consideration the $800 price difference).

Here is a quick reminder of the specs of the new Tamron:

15-30mm f/2.8 Full Frame lens for Canon/Nikon/Sony A mounts.
18 elements in 13 groups including a new XGM (eXpanded Glass Molded Aspherical) element placed at the front group and several LD (Low Dispersion) glass elements.
eBAND and the improved BBAR coatings for reduced ghosting and flare.
Anti-fouling coating – a first for Tamron – repels water or any type of dirt, while making it easier to remove such smudge when contaminated.
9 blades aperture.
Improved Ultrasonic Silent Drive – faster and more accurate AF (with full-time manual focus mechanism).
Vibration reduction mechanism – quite unusual in ultra wide angle lenses.
Price: $1200 (amazon).

If you are on the Canon side you might want to check out the newly announced Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L US with is super ultra wide angle 11mm angle. However with a price tag of $3000 dollars – this will not be an easy buy for a lot of photographers.

The new Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L US – ultra ultra wide angle (at an ultra price)

You can find many more previews and reviews on our Photography review section here on LensVid.

Iddo Genuth

Iddo Genuth is the founder and chief editor of LensVid.com. He has been a technology reporter working for international publications since the late 1990's and covering photography since 2009. Iddo is also a co-founder of a production company specializing in commercial food and product visual content.