New vs. Old: Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Ultra Wide Angle Lens

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Overview

The Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Ultra Wide Angle Lens has been a popular choice among photographers seeking high-quality wide-angle performance. This comparison will delve into the differences and similarities between the older and newer versions of this lens, focusing on their features, performance, and overall value.

Features

1. Old Version: Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A012)
2. Aperture: Constant f/2.8 throughout the zoom range.
3. Optical Stabilization: Vibration Compensation (VC) technology helps reduce camera shake for sharper images, especially in low light.
4. Lens Construction: 18 elements in 13 groups, including LD (Low Dispersion) and XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) glass elements to minimize chromatic aberration.
5. Weather Sealing: Moisture-resistant design for outdoor shooting.
6. Mount Compatibility: Available for Canon and Nikon DSLR mounts.

New Version: Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A043)

1. Aperture: Constant f/2.8 aperture.
2. Autofocus: Improved VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) motor for faster and more accurate autofocus performance.
3. Lens Construction: Advanced optical design with improved coatings to reduce flare and ghosting.
4. Weight: Lighter and more compact design compared to the old version, making it easier to handle.
5. Mount Compatibility: Specifically designed for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras.

Performance

Optical Quality:

• Old Version: Known for excellent image quality with minimal distortion and good sharpness, but some users reported softness at the corners, especially at wider apertures.
• New Version: Improved sharpness across the frame, particularly at wider apertures, and better control of aberrations due to enhanced optical design.

Autofocus:

• Old Version: Decent autofocus performance, but slower compared to newer models and may struggle in low light.
• New Version: Faster and more reliable autofocus thanks to the VXD motor, making it more suitable for dynamic shooting situations.

Image Stabilization:

• Old Version: Effective VC system that helps in low-light conditions.
• New Version: Lacks built-in stabilization since many Sony mirrorless cameras have effective in-body stabilization (IBIS), making it less crucial.

Pros and Cons

Old Version: Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD

Pros:

• Good overall image quality.
• Effective VC stabilization for DSLR users.
• Weather-sealed for outdoor shooting.

Cons:

• Heavier and bulkier than newer models.
• Autofocus speed is slower and may struggle in low-light conditions.

New Version: Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD

Pros:

• Enhanced autofocus speed and accuracy.
• Lighter and more compact design for better portability.
• Improved optical performance with sharper images across the frame.

Cons:

• No built-in stabilization may be a concern for some users, though mitigated by IBIS in compatible cameras.
• Designed specifically for Sony E-mount, limiting compatibility with other systems.

Conclusion

The choice between the old and new Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Ultra Wide Angle Lens largely depends on your camera system and specific needs:

• If you are using a DSLR and prioritize optical stabilization, the old version may still serve you well with solid image quality.
• For Sony E-mount users seeking a lighter, faster lens with improved performance, the new version offers significant advantages in autofocus speed and optical quality.

Ultimately, your choice should reflect your shooting style, camera compatibility, and the specific features that matter most to you.