If you're looking for a small and lightweight wide-angle zoom lens for your full-frame camera, Tamron's new 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di OSD could be the answer.
Tamron already produces a large and fast SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD, but this new lens is a much more compact alternative, measuring just 90mm (3.5 inches) and tipping the scales at 460g (16.2oz). It doesn't quite offer the same constant f/2.8 maximum aperture as its larger sibling, but it does have a respectable variable maximum aperture of f/2.8-4.
It features an optical construction of 15 elements in 10 groups, and uses four LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements designed to minimize the axial chromatic aberrations that can occur with ultra-wide-angle zoom lenses. There are also two GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) lenses to control distortions.
Circular aperture
The 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di OSD features an autofocus drive system that employs an OSD (Optimized Silent Drive) motor for quiet operation, while the seven-blade aperture diaphragm is designed to create a circular aperture that should produce smooth bokeh.
The Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di OSD also has a moisture-resistant construction, with seals on the lens mount area and other critical locations. There's also a Fluorine coating on the front element that has excellent water- and oil-repellant qualities, while the coating is also easy to wipe clean.
The Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di OSD will be available in Nikon mount from September 4, with a suggested retail price of $599 (UK and Australian pricing is still to be confirmed). The launch of a Canon mount model will be announced at a later date, while we'd expect to see a Sony mount version at some point too.
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Phil Hall is an experienced writer and editor having worked on some of the largest photography magazines in the UK, and now edit the photography channel of TechRadar, the UK's biggest tech website and one of the largest in the world. He has also worked on numerous commercial projects, including working with manufacturers like Nikon and Fujifilm on bespoke printed and online camera guides, as well as writing technique blogs and copy for the John Lewis Technology guide.