Best Tamron Lenses for Nikon – Prime, Wide-Angle, Macro & Telephoto
Sometimes, it makes sense to buy a lens from another company with all the different kinds of photography. Most of the time, an external company lens fits better into the photographer's budget.
Tamron lenses are made solely to cater to Nikon DSLRs. Over the years, Tamron lenses have taken over most of the market slowly and have become as popular as conventional and mainstream lenses.
Tamron lenses are versatile and have options for every kind of photographer. They are made with the same quality you would expect from Nikon themselves. To add a cherry on top, Tamron gives you much more in terms of features at the same prices or even lower.
Now that it is clear why Tamron lenses are the right choice for Nikon's DSLRs, let's get into it. Below you will find the best Tamron lenses for Nikon; you can choose whichever one of these is right for you.
TOP TAMRON LENSES FOR NIKON
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BEST STANDARD PRIME LENS FOR NIKON
1. TAMRON SP 35MM F/1.4 DI USD - BEST TAMRON FULL FRAME LENS FOR NIKON
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES
The Tamron SP 35mm lens is a large aperture fixed focal length lens that immediately targets bokeh and fairly short depth of field enthusiasts, whether for portraiture, product photography, etc. This Tamron F mount lens is a versatile lens, which should be part of the photographer's basic kit. This lens will also not be aimed at the photographer looking for a compact and lightweight solution since the lens, especially mounted on a full-frame SLR, is still its weight.
Design
Tamron is now used to manufacture good products, and the SP 35mm f / 1.4 Di USD is no exception. The SP 35mm F / 1.4 delivers excellent images. Each shape is reproduced with perfect fidelity and absolute precision. With meticulous precision work, Tamron has eliminated optical defects with an optical structure composed of 14 lens elements in 10 groups.
The Tamron 35mm lens is featured with several special glasses, including four LD (Low Dispersion) lenses and three GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) elements. The lenses are for the first time coated with the new BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) coating, which minimizes stray light and glare better than ever. Even the finest details are reproduced brilliantly with high contrast.
The focus ring is very wide with a pleasant grip. Unlike Canon and its new RF range with the RF 35mm f / 1.8 macro IS STM in particular, Tamron only offers a single command for switching autofocus to manual. Thanks to the USD ultrasonic motor, Tamron has promised us efficiency and silence. The noise is still very reasonable and will be negligible in most situations.
Performance
Providing avid photographers with the best possible image quality is the primary motivation in crafting every Tamron lens. This Tamron SP 35mm F / 1.4 Di USD lens is the most remarkable example of this perpetual quest for perfection. Its unparalleled optical performance makes this fixed focal length the culmination of the 40th anniversary of the SP (Super Performance) series.
Engineers focused on image quality first and foremost when developing this lens. They took on the challenge of designing the best Tamron lens ever. By combining all the optical technologies that give Tamron its leading role in lens manufacturing, they finally achieved their goal: the SP 35mm F / 1.4 is the most impressive lens in Tamron history.
Even at maximum aperture, it convinces with uncompromising resolution performance combined as usual from Tamron with an attractive bokeh effect and a perfect grip. Let yourself be inspired by the SP 35mmm F / 1.4 Di USD will make you rediscover the world.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS LENS:
BEST MACRO LENS FOR NIKON
2. TAMRON AF 60MM F/2.0 SP
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES
The 60mm macro lens has been designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras with 16x24mm sensor or smaller and provides an angle of view equivalent to a 93mm focal length in full frame. This optic is ideal for macro and portrait photography.
Design
This Tamron F mount lens offers the brightest macro optics for the APS-C sensor. The construction of the optics is quite complex, with no less than 14 elements, including two low dispersion elements.
The AF 60mm f / 2.0 Di II Macro 1: 1 is characterized by high optical quality and excellent brightness. It builds on the long tradition of the legendary SP AF 90mm f / 2.8 Di Macro 1: 1 and the SP AF 180mm f / 3.5 Di Macro 1: 1.
Its 1: 1 magnification ratio lets you capture the finest detail nature has to offer in full-frame. This part of the Tamron Super Performance (SP) lens range makes it to stand out for its superior optical and mechanical quality.
Performance
Its high speed at full aperture allows you to achieve dramatic background blur effects that make the pattern stand out from the background. In addition, it allows shooting in low light conditions.
A new autofocus system allows you to manually correct the sharpness at any time without having to switch from AF mode to MF mode. The optics are fitted with a generously dimensioned focusing ring which ensures perfect grip and precise control, two elements that are particularly important in macro photography.
Aberrations are kept to a minimum with Tamron's Di II technologies. In particular, "internal surface treatments," also applied to the bonded surfaces of the lens groups, ensure brilliant and crisp images right down to the edges. This exceptional lens guarantees impressive photos.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS LENS:
BEST WIDE ANGLE LENSES FOR NIKON
3. TAMRON 10-24MM F/3.5-4.5
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES
We used the Tamron 10-24mm f / 3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD in Nikon F-mount DSLR. Its focal length range is equivalent to 16-38 mm in 24 x 36. Obviously, this focal length range is not suitable for all styles, and we will reserve this lens for shooting landscapes or street photography.
Design
Available in Nikon F or Canon EF-S mounts, the Tamron 10-24 f / 3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD zoom replaces the SP AF 10-24mm f / 3.5-4.5 Di II LD Asph. in range since 2009. Everything else has been changed if it retains the exact characteristics of the angle of view, sliding aperture f / 3.5-4.5, or minimum focusing distance (24 cm). The much more ambitious optical formula consists of 16 elements divided into 11 groups and incorporates a new aspherical lens and low dispersion elements.
The surface treatment of the lenses has also improved with a BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) coating eliminating parasitic reflections and a fluorine treatment preventing the adhesion of dust or water on the front lens. The lens also benefits from a tropicalized construction.
Performance
Even more striking change, the 10-24mm f / 3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD is equipped with an optical stabilization system that allows shooting in low light with long exposure times. While the previous model was also available in Sony and Pentax mounts, only Canon and Nikon mounts have been retained here. Therefore, the absence of mechanical stabilization in these two brands justifies the presence of stabilization of the lens.
The autofocus motorization has also been modified. This is an HLD (High / Low torque-modulated Drive) system allowing stable and precise focusing even with heavy optical units, allowing manual retouching of the point. The size of the lens remains substantially the same, a very slight extension in zooming, but an internal focusing, and the weight only takes a few grams reaching 440 g.
During our tests, we were able to assess the effectiveness of the lens treatment. We only observed reflections when shooting the sun from the front, and these were regular and perfectly contained.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS LENS:
4. TAMRON 17-35MM F/2.8-4 - BEST ULTRA WIDE ANGLE LENS FOR NIKON
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES
Rather than offering a choice between a heavy version with f / 2.8 aperture and a less bright one at constant f / 4, Tamron offers a middle ground with this 17-35mm f / 2.8-4. It weighs only 480g. Overall the Tamron 17-35mm f / 2.8-4 autofocus does well when the light is good, and the subject is not restless. On the other hand, when the light fades, you will have to be a little more patient, but overall, this zoom is still very usable as long as you don't take sports photographs.
Design
This 17-35mm f / 2.8-4 Di OSD covers 24x36 and is intended for Canon and Nikon brand SLRs. Its an alternative to the heavy and expensive Canon EF 16-35mm f / 2.8L III USM and AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f / 2.8D IF-ED, whose output is starting to date but is sure to be compared to the Canon EF 16-35mm f / 4L IS USM and AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f / 4G ED VR.
Made from 15 elements divided into 10 groups, the lens incorporates 4 low dispersion LD glass lenses intended to eradicate chromatic aberrations and two aspherical lenses molded for consistency. A BBAR anti-reflection treatment has been added to the surface to limit flare and avoid parasitic reflections.
The minimum focusing distance of this wide-angle zoom is 28cm offering a maximum magnification ratio of 0.20x. Its aperture is slippery, with a maximum of f / 2.8 at 17mm and f / 4 at 35mm. The diaphragm is composed of 7 blades and has an almost circular shape, according to Tamron.
Performance
The lens being devoid of a stabilization system, also absent from the reflex of the brands for which it is intended, we will not rely on the use of a limited exposure time by hand to compensate for a weak light atmosphere. The gain in brightness at the wide-angle compared to a lens with a constant aperture f / 4 is valuable.
Its zoom ring is narrow but offers a good grip and sufficient friction to ensure good precision. As the transition from one extreme of the focal range to the other takes place over less than a quarter of a turn, this criterion is important. Its focal length range is fairly standard, with the market consisting of many 16-35mm and 17-35mm offering roughly the same freedoms in the field. Versatility is not what characterizes these models the most, the ultra-wide-angles offering a typical rendering that does not suit all subjects.
The distortion is present but remains contained. It is naturally in the form of a cushion at 17 mm then tilts into a barrel at 35 mm, but in reasonable proportions given that no competing lens is perfectly devoid of it. The Tamron 17-35mm f / 2.8-4 Di OSD performed very well despite the high resolution of our test box sensor. The sharpness in the center is high at all focal lengths, starting at full aperture.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS LENS:
BEST STANDARD ZOOM LENS FOR NIKON
5. TAMRON 24-70MM F/2.8 - BEST TAMRON LENS FOR INDOOR SPORTS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES
Tamron is the "latest" manufacturer to update it's standard 24-70mm f / 2.8, the go-to lens for many photographers. This new 24-70mm f / 2.8 naturally competes with the latest Sigma model and the recent Nikon model, the latest Canon model (not stabilized), and the Tokina model. To some extent, it also competes with the Sony model, although it will require the use of an adapter ring to be able to use it. Beautiful duels are, therefore, to be expected!
Design
As with the 70-200mm, this new 24-70mm incorporates the aesthetic codes established on the first Tamron SP fixed focal lengths. We, therefore, find a sober, refined, and elegant design. The lens body made of metal and plastic elements benefits from a satin black finish of the most beautiful effect.
At the base of the lens, we find the champagne-colored ring, and on the side, the SP disc. The different mentions are written in white and are very clear: a good point. On the underside of the lens, you can find the traditional Design in Japan label. The zoom ring is the widest and is located outward. It is quite comfortable to use despite a slight lack of fluidity.
Performance
In addition to Tamron's VC (Vibration Compensation) system, the A032 features a dedicated VC stabilizer microprocessor, delivering the most efficient image stabilization in its class * 1, with stabilization levels up to 5 stops * 2
- Among 24-70mm f / 2.8 interchangeable lenses for digital SLR cameras (as of May 2017; Tamron)
- According to CIPA standards (Results with Canon EOS-5D MKIII and Nikon D810)
The A032's autofocus system benefits from its MPU microprocessor, enabling high-speed digital signal processing and providing excellent responsiveness and high-precision AF performance.
The A032 benefits from eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) lens treatment and BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) coating, which significantly eliminates all forms of reflection and ghosting effects. A nanostructured layer and conventional multi-layer coatings provide superior anti-reflective properties.
Lastl, this offers the best size/image quality balanced with a weight of 900 g and incorporates all the characteristics of the new "Human Touch" series with its new SP ergonomics focused on the pleasure of use.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS LENS:
6. TAMRON SP 17-50MM F/2.8 - best ASPHERICAL ZOOM LENS with AUTO FOCUS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
This 17-50mm is a standard zoom of extreme quality and great brightness of 2.8 over the entire variation. It is part of the Tamron Super Performance (SP) lens range which stands out for its superior optical and mechanical quality. The optics of this lens utilize a high-performance XLD (Extra-Low Dispersion) element, which is engineered from special glass materials and has an extremely low color dispersion index.
The new 17-50mm is also based on slightly more complex construction, integrating 19 elements divided into 14 groups. Among these lenses, three are aspherical, two are LD (Low Dispersion), and two others are XR (Extra Refractive). By the way, the lens gains in size and weight, posting a good 570g on the scale. It takes the passage in size since the filter passes over a diameter of 72 mm.
The Tamron 17-50mm f / 2.8 XR Di II's autofocus is precise and quite fast. This lens has an internal focusing system so that the lens does not change length when focusing, and the front element does not rotate, which is a must if you are using a polarizing filter. Or ND filter.
However, the focus ring rotates when using autofocus. This is not a real problem, but you will have to be careful not to place your hands on it. Autofocus is also noisy compared to the technologies found on more expensive lenses, but it's still quieter than many kit lenses.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS LENS:
BEST TELEPHOTO LENS FOR NIKON
7. TAMRON AF 35-150MM F/2.8-4
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES
By presenting this zoom for a "portrait zoom," Tamron is betting big because portrait photographers are demanding users who are used to quality fixed focal lengths. If you are looking for a versatile lens for portrait and street photography, then this lens will be perfect for you.
With a good compromise between size/weight/aperture/quality, this range of zooms will also appeal to travel photographers who wish to retain creative possibilities thanks to large apertures and efficient stabilization. Compatible with Canon and Nikon full-frame SLRs, this lens promises coverage of all focal lengths photographers to love.
Design
It's been several years since Tamron, like Sigma, has moved upmarket in terms of build quality and finish, but apparently, not everyone is aware of it yet. Heavy, wide, massive, the Tamron 35-150mm f / 2.8-4 Di VC OSD is not an entry-level zoom, imposes, and reassures.
It would have been nice to be able to block the lens at classic portrait focal lengths, which are also written all along the zoom ring: 35, 50, 85, 105, 135, and 150 mm. On the other hand, no trace of a distance scale. On the left of the barrel are the AF / MF switches for focus mode and VC ON / OFF for stabilization.
Performance
Tamron renews the use of a dual processor (Dual MPU) to control optical stabilization while maintaining autofocus performance. The stabilization allows to gain 5 stops (CIPA standards) and should be very useful for portrait photographers to compensate for the lower maximum aperture than what can be found on fixed focal lengths.
The minimum focusing distance for this lens is 45cm over the entire focal range. It is much shorter than portrait fixed focal lengths, which for some only focus from 80cm for 85mm. This will allow details to be taken in addition to portraits, useful, for example, for fashion photography. Not particularly discreet, the autofocus of the Tamron 35-150mm f / 2.8-4 Di VC OSD is not particularly fast either.
The lens has All-weather construction and a minimum MAP distance of 0.45m across the entire zoom. True to its desire to deliver lenses that are not afraid of the elements, this zoom features 7 seals to keep water and dust out, keeping it safe in tough shooting conditions.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS LENS:
8. TAMRON SP 70-200MM F/2.8 - BEST TAMRON PORTRAIT LENS FOR NIKON CAMERAS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES
The Tamron SP 70-200mm F / 2.8 Di VC USD G2 is a telephoto lens for Canon and Nikon DSLRs. It is fully-frame compatible and covers a 70 to 200mm focal length with a constant maximum aperture of f / 2.8. This type of lens is intended for sport, portrait, and landscape, making it one of the centerpieces in the photographer's panoply.
Design
This lens (A025) is an update to the first Tamron SP 70-200mm F / 2.8 Di VC USD (A009). Their names are identical, with the difference in G2, for "the second generation."
Tamron SP 70-200mm F / 2.8 Di VC USD G2 brings several improvements over the previous version: a new design, "Human Touch," an improved stabilization, faster autofocus, a setting in closer minimum point, as well as different ergonomics. Not to mention its compatibility with Tamron 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters.
In terms of optical construction, this new telephoto lens takes the 23 lenses divided into 17 groups and adds a Low Dispersion lens in the middle of the lens for better light transmission. The front lens features an eBand and BBAR anti-glare coating and reduces flare and the possibility of ghosting. Their goal is to create an optic "at the service of the photographer."
Performance
We tested the Tamron SP 70-200mm F / 2.8 Di VC USD G2 with a Nikon D800 full-frame SLR body with a 36MP sensor. It delivers excellent quality images, especially when the light conditions are right. The sharpness and the impression of sharpness provided by this type of lens are always impressive. Even at full opening, the rendering is very good, despite a slightly softer noise.
In terms of distortion, this 70-200mm, like all lenses of this type, distorts very little, so barely visible. Unless you photograph a brick wall, you won't realize it.
The Tamron SP 70-200mm F / 2.8 Di VC USD G2 does very well for chromatic aberration. We only noticed a slight purple border around a silhouette shot in full backlight at f / 2.8 with the sun at ground level. Suffice to say that we are looking for the little beast.
This 70-200mm lens is equipped with a USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) autofocus motor coupled with two built-in firmware. One takes care of autofocus while the other takes care of optical stabilization.
With respect the above features, I call this one of the best Tamron portrait lenses for Nikon FX and DX!. You can also use the lens with the Nikon z mirrorless cameras, if you have an FT-Z adapter.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS LENS:
9. TAMRON 16-300MM F/3.5-6.3 - ALL-IN-ONE ZOOM FOR NIKON
PRODUCT DETAILS:
A high-performance and ultra-powerful zoom provide a focal range stretching from 16mm on the wide-angle side to 300mm on the tele side, unheard of!
The limits of the focal length were pushed even further. With a min focal length of 16mm (35mm film equivalent: 24.8mm) on the wide-angle side and a max focal length of 300mm (35mm film equivalent: 465mm). These mega zooms provide focal lengths ranging from wide-angle to telephoto and are therefore the lenses of choice for most situations.
The PZD piezoelectric motor offers extremely fast and quiet autofocus, it is the ideal function to capture spontaneous moments for a vivid result. It also allows you to switch to manual focus in a search of extreme precision. Tamron's VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilizer helps to achieve sharp images without blurring. Thus, the lens is suitable for handheld use and corrects movement during shooting. The premium design of this lens protects it from splashes and moisture. This lens is therefore suitable for outdoor use in difficult conditions.
Due to their great flexibility, compact size, and lightweight, these versatile lenses are ideally suited for on-the-go use: during travel or during activities requiring little luggage and a wide variety of shots.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS LENS:
10. TAMRON SP 150-600MM F/5-6.3 - BEST TAMRON SUPER TELEPHOTO LENS
PRODUCT DETAILS:
With the SP 150-600mm, Tamron has opened the door to telephoto photography for many photographers on a budget who are looking for a compact solution. Of course, this 150-600mm is a compromise: with a variable aperture f / 5-6.3, it is less bright than a fixed focal length type 400 or 500mm f / 4. But it is also less heavy, less bulky and above all less expensive.
In terms of handling and build quality, it's almost flawless. We just regret that the level of finish of the collar is not up to the rest of the objective. This 150-600mm is fun to use and ready for the terrain! Be careful, however, the lens is imposing and relatively heavy: 2 kg all the same. This weight makes it barely possible to use freehand over long sessions with a body of the caliber of an EOS 5D. The use of a tripod or a monopod can be a real plus.
Optical stabilization is an essential element on this type of lens. This one is quite powerful and allows to gain between 3 and 4 IL freehand at 600 mm. It is very good, but we are 1 IL below the promises of the manufacturer. Tamron also offers a mode that limits the action of stabilization to vertical movements for making yarns: a good point. On the other hand, their new mode activating the system only during the shooting did not convince us.
As far as optical quality is concerned, this lens "does the job" without batting an eyelid. The level of sharpness is on the whole very good, in spite of the defects of homogeneity between the center and the edges of the images. We appreciate the absence of distortions and the content vignetting.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS LENS:
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST TAMRON LENS FOR NIKON
1. image quality
To begin with, the purpose of the lens is to provide you with a high-quality image. You can find a few good Tamron photo lenses under these categories, so they are not hard to choose. To get top-notch image quality, you should be aware of certain features:
- Sharpness: The notion of image quality is quite delicate to deal with. This can be compared to the "feeling of sharpness" or the "precision" observed in an image.
- It can be very different from one lens to another, from one focal length to another, and from one aperture. It can also vary between the center and the edges of the image. Tamron lens produces sharpness everywhere in the image, not just limits to the center.
- Chromatic aberrations tend to form in the most contrasting scenes of an image.
- If you are using a wide-angle lens, it should have a minimum amount of distortion. Low-quality lenses often tend to produce serious distortion, which will give an unnatural look around the edges of your photos.
2. Image stabilization
In-lens image stabilization is an optical system found in many models. Stabilization helps reduce camera shake blur when shooting with a long exposure time for the chosen focal length. The importance fo stabilization is undeniable. At the same focal length and aperture, a stabilized lens will allow you to reduce your shutter speed by about two speeds to avoid motion blur.
Stabilization will be very helpful in low light when exposure time increases or when you don't have a tripod to stabilize the camera body. A lens with stabilization is more expensive than an equivalent lens model without stabilization. However, it offers better quality results.
Stabilization has become democratized in recent years, and most of the objectives have it. A stabilized lens can often be identified by the letters VR ( Vibration Reduction ), OIS ( Optical Image Stabilization ) or IS ( Image Stabilization ), or OS ( Optical Stabilization).
3. Autofocus
The lens ensures the focus of the image via the autofocus system of the camera. This system works by moving one or more lenses in the objective. Some cameras have an integrated autofocus motor and transmit the movement to the lens through a cam or a specific axis. If the autofocus motor is integrated into the housing, then there is no particular constraint on the lens, which must, however, be compatible with the autofocus system ( it is called “Autofocus” or “AF” ).
4. Focal Length
The first important point is to define your needs clearly. How will you use this lens? Based on your usage, you need to choose the lens with the right focal length. The focal length ( in mm ) determines the ability of the lens to frame a more or less wide area:
- A lens with a short focal length ( less than 35mm * ) is a wide-angle lens that frames a wide field. IF you need to take landscape photography, then you should go to a wide-angle lens.
- A lens with a focal length close to 50mm * is a standard lens that frames roughly like your eye, which is quite good for portrait photos.
- A lens with a long focal length ( greater than 85mm * ) is a telephoto lens that frames a narrow field. If you want to take wildlife photography, then you should go to a telephoto lens.
5. Aperture
One of the major characteristics that photographers look for in a lens is its maximum aperture and is designated the opening by the symbol F /.
The smaller the number behind this F /, the larger the aperture your lens will have (for example: F / 2.8, F / 2, F / 1.4, etc.). The advantage of such apertures is that you can easily shoot in low light conditions, create nice artistic blurs thanks to a reduced depth of field and create nice bokeh. The maximum opening of your lens is, therefore an important factor to take into account.
Let me explain:
- If it is written on your lens that it is a 50mm F / 1.8, then it is a fixed lens with a maximum aperture of F / 1.8.
- On the other hand, if your lens is a 70-300mm F / 4-5.6, that means its maximum aperture is F / 4 at 70mm, and F / 5.6 at 300mm.
- Finally, if your lens is a 17-50mm F / 2.8, then we say that its aperture is "constant" because it can open to a maximum of F / 2.8, whatever the focal length used.
ALSO READ TAMRON LENS FOR CANON ARTICLE!!
CONCLUSION
The list given above contains a list of the best Tamron camera lenses for Nikon DSLR cameras. This list doesn't just mention the names of the models but covers useful information on all of the main features of each lens. Apart from this information you also get an understanding of the pros and cons that you get with each lens.
More than anything, you will see how Tamron lenses deliver high-quality optics at an affordable price. Tamron is a viable alternative to all conventional and mainstream lenses when it comes to Nikon DSLRs. So if you're looking for lenses to buy for your Nikon DSLR then Tamron is the way to go.
