The Tamron SP 45mm f / 1.8 Di VC USD fixed focal length drops below € 500 at Amazon, a drop of around 18% on the price usually seen. This is currently one of our best value for money on a budget.
Tamron recently decided to expand its line of SP lenses and launched two new fixed focal lengths with a complete redesign. The new Tamron SP 45mm f / 1.8 Di VC USD is one such lens. It has a generous maximum aperture of f / 1.8 and above all a VC stabilization – a first for this kind of 50mm type lens. The optic is composed of 10 lenses divided into 9 groups associated with a circular diaphragm with 9 blades. Autofocus level, it embeds the USD motorization.
Tamron SP 45mm f / 1.8 Di VC USD
- Ergonomics
- In practice
- Sharpness
In the end, with this new lens, Tamron signs one of the best standard focal lengths of the moment. Build quality, design, handling, optical quality, versatility: it has it all. Only regret, its maximum aperture of f / 1.8 which does not allow to obtain the same bokeh effects as at f / 1.4.
Strong points
- Quality of construction, finish and design.
- Large aperture of f / 1.8.
- Optical stabilization.
- Small focusing distance.
- Optical quality.
- Low distortions.
Weak points
- Slight lack of homogeneity between the center and the edges at the largest openings.
- Maximum aperture of f / 1.8, not f / 1.4.
- Quite marked vignetting at the largest openings.
As an alternative
Sony FE 35mm f / 1.8
Introductory price 700 €
- Ergonomics
- In practice
- Sharpness
It’s not the cheapest of the 35mm Sony E-mount, nor the brightest or lightest, but this Sony FE 35mm f / 1.8 does well across the board and shows no real weaknesses. Pleasant in the field, it displays good optical performance and turns out to be an interesting choice for owners of Sony hybrids.