Tamron has pulled the covers off its latest lens – the 17-35mm F/2.8-4 Di OSD, which is a wide-angle full-frame DSLR lens with a variable aperture of f/2.8 to f/4. If you’re thinking it looks small, that’s because it really is, with Tamron explaining the optic is the smallest and lightest in its class. Weighing in at 460g, the lens measures just 90mm in length, making it a prime contender for photographers looking to shed a few pounds from their kit bags.
Initially available in Nikon fitment, with a Canon mount version in the works and on the way, the lens is suitable for both landscape photography at its widest focal length, and more general photography when zoomed in. When used with Nikon crop-sensor APS-C cameras, the effective focal length switches up to 25-52mm.
The lens is built around a 15 elements in 10 groups design, which uses four LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements that Tamron say ‘minimises axial chromatic aberrations that can occur with ultra-wide-angle zoom lenses’. The optic also features BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) Coating to reduce reflections and allow ghosting and flare to be controlled.
Like other lenses in the range, the 17-35mm makes use of Tamron’s OSD (Optimized Silent Drive) technology to cut down on noise and deliver a fast and efficient autofocus system – meaning the lens will also be popular with videographers who want to avoid any lens hum when capturing footage.
There’s a closest focusing distance of 0.28m and Tamron say the lens features a moisture-resistant construction to ‘afford an additional layer of protection when shooting outdoors under adverse weather conditions.’ The 17-35mm F/2.8-4 Di OSD is also compatible with Tamron’s ‘TAP-in Console’, which is an optional accessory that connects the lens to your computer via USB and enables photographers to update the lens’ firmware or fine-tune the autofocus.
The lightweight design of this lens is sure to perk the interest of landscape photographers who travel a lot and re tight on space, and the optic carries a UK price-tag of £629, with a shipping date of September 4.
