Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD review – Introduction
A popular lens choice for full-frame camera users is the 24-70mm f/2.8 optic, because its range covers general use and the fast aperture is constant throughout the entire focal range. Indeed, most camera retailers recommend it as the lens to buy with a full-frame camera as part of a kit. We usually identify third-party lenses as more affordable alternatives to brand-name optics, and any such products stir up a lot of interest. In the case of the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM lens, for example, it is at least half the price of some proprietary models at around £600. Somewhat surprisingly, though, this is not the case with the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD.
Available in Canon, Nikon and Sony mounts, with the Canon version tested here, the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD costs around £1,000 (street price). Equivalent brand-name lenses are priced around £1,200 for Nikon, £1,000 for the Canon (Mark I), £2,300 for the new Canon Mark II and £1,450 for the Sony Carl Zeiss. While the Tamron optic is less expensive, it is not significantly so. On that basis, we would expect the optical quality and handling of the Tamron lens to be first rate.
