8 Best Tamron Lenses in 2024

Buying a lens can be an expensive business, which is why people are drawn to look at the best Tamron lenses available. Tamron is a brand that is known for its quality and versatility, at a price which often undercuts toher major brands.

These Tamron lenses offer a range of options to improve increase the range of your photography gear, and open up new shooting possibilities.

Our top choice, the Tamron 20mm F/2.8 Di III OSD F050, is known for its exceptional wide-angle capabilities, making it perfect for landscapes and architectural photography. If you’re not looking for an ultra-wide, then we have a range of other lenses from Tamron for you to look at.

Our Top 3 Tamron Lenses

Tamron 20mm F/2.8 Di III OSD F050

Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 A032 for Nikon F

Tamron SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD

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What Is the Best Tamron Lens?

In choosing the best Tamron lens we have considered factors like focal length, aperture, and other special features. We have taken account of optical quality, build quality, and performance. Where it’s relevant, we have also considered the price of the lenses.

Our Top Pick

Tamron 20mm F/2.8 Di III OSD F050

Ultra-wide 20mm focal length for expansive shots
F/2.8 aperture enhances low light performance
Compact, lightweight design ideal for travel
Weather-sealed construction for outdoor reliability
Exceptional sharpness and minimal aberrations

Best All-Around Zoom Lens

Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 A032 for Nikon F

Constant f/2.8 aperture for consistent exposure
Versatile zoom range for diverse photography needs
Vibration Compensation stabilizes handheld shots
Durable build with weather sealing for reliability
Exceptional image quality across zoom range

Best for Low-Light Photography

Tamron SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD

Wide f/1.4 aperture for exceptional low-light performance
Superior sharpness and clarity across the frame
Fast, accurate autofocus with Ultrasonic Silent Drive
Durable, weather-sealed construction for reliability
Minimal chromatic aberration enhances image quality

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Best Compact Prime Lens

Tamron 35mm F/2.8 Di III OSD F053

Compact and lightweight design for easy portability
F/2.8 aperture for good low-light performance
Close minimum focusing distance for macro shots
Weather-sealed construction enhances durability
Sharp image quality with minimal aberrations

Best Ultra-Wide Zoom Lens

Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD B060

Constant F/2.8 aperture across entire zoom range
Ultra-wide angle perfect for landscapes and architecture
RXD motor ensures fast, silent autofocus performance
Lightweight design ideal for travel and adventure
Weather-sealed for reliable outdoor shooting conditions

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Best All-Purpose APS-C Lens

Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD B070

Constant f/2.8 aperture for versatile lighting conditions
Broad 17-70mm zoom range for diverse compositions
RXD motor delivers swift, silent autofocus performance
Effective Vibration Compensation for sharp handheld shots
Weather-sealed design for outdoor shooting confidence

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Best Versatile Travel Lens

Tamron 20-40mm F/2.8 Di III VXD A062

Unique 20-40mm range for creative flexibility
Constant f/2.8 aperture for consistent exposure
VXD motor ensures rapid, precise autofocus
Compact design ideal for travel photography
Weather-resistant build for shooting in any condition

Best Super-Telephoto Zoom Lens

Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 A022

Extensive 150-600mm zoom range for distant subjects
Enhanced Vibration Compensation for sharp handheld shots
Fast, precise autofocus with Ultrasonic Silent Drive
Durable, weather-sealed construction for harsh conditions
Excellent image quality across the entire zoom range

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Our Favorite Tamron Lenses

Let’s take a closer look at our favorite Tamron lenses. Tamron makes lenses from ultra-wide angles to super-telephoto zooms, so there’s a lens here for every type of photography.

Tamron lenses come in a range of camera mounts, which varies according to model and availability. So you’ll need to check that the particular mount you want is there. If it is, then you’re in luck, as they offer excellent value for money.

1. Tamron 20mm F/2.8 Di III OSD F050

Our Top Pick

Brand	Brand Tamron
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 220 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 20 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Tamron 20mm F/2.8 Di III OSD F050 is an impressive ultra-wide-angle lens, and a great choice for landscape, architecture, and interior photography.

Its optical design includes low-dispersion elements that effectively minimize chromatic aberrations, ensuring images are sharp and clear. However, its f/2.8 aperture, while decent for low light, isn’t the widest available, which might limit its use in very dim conditions.

Weighing just under 8 ounces (221 g), this lens is notably lightweight and compact. You’ll hardly notice it’s on your camera.

Its weather-sealed construction allows for use in challenging outdoor scenarios, like dusty landscapes or misty mornings. The autofocus, powered by an OSD motor, is accurate but may not be the quickest, especially for capturing fast-moving subjects.

The lens’s maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 is impressive for a wide-angle lens, offering unique close-up capabilities. This feature allows photographers to explore creative perspectives, blending detailed foregrounds with expansive backgrounds.

There’s no image stabilization, but that’s not much of an issue for an ultra-wide f/2.8 lens. What the Tamron 20mm F/2.8 Di III OSD offers is a very attractive price for a pretty fast, ultra-wide angle lens.

The Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 for Nikon F is Tamron’s take on an immensely popular zoom range with professional photographers.

From wide landscapes at 24mm to close portraits at 70mm, it’s a good option if you need flexibility without changing lenses. Its constant f/2.8 aperture helps in low light and creates smooth background blur.

Weighing 2 lbs (904 g), this lens is built for heavy use, with both metal and tough plastic components. It’s designed to last, even in rough weather, thanks to its sealing against dust and moisture.

The lens’s sharpness is impressive, especially in the center, and it manages color fringing well with its special glass elements.

Autofocus is quick and silent, perfect for capturing fleeting moments or shooting video. While it lacks a built-in macro feature, its close-focusing distance is decent for casual close-up shots.

This lens is a solid choice for those who shoot events, portraits, or landscapes and value image quality and versatility.

3. Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD

Best for Low-Light Photography

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Brand	Brand Tamron
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 815 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 1.4
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 35 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD is a prime lens known for its exceptional sharpness and fast aperture. It’s perfect for photographers who need to work in low light or aim to create images with a shallow depth of field.

The wide f/1.4 aperture not only allows for shooting in dim conditions but also contributes to beautifully blurred backgrounds, making it ideal for portraits and street photography.

Built to last, this lens combines metal and high-grade plastics, ensuring it can handle the demands of professional use. Its weather sealing adds an extra layer of protection against the elements, making it a reliable choice for outdoor shooting. Weighing in at around 1.8 lbs (815g), it’s hefty but balances well on most camera bodies.

With a minimum focusing distance of about 11.8 inches, the lens offers some flexibility for close-up shots, although it’s not a macro lens.

Its autofocus is both quick and precise, thanks to the Ultrasonic Silent Drive motor, making it easy to capture sharp images of fleeting moments.

This lens is a solid choice for those who value optical quality and durability in their photography gear.

4. Tamron 35mm f/2.8 Di III OSD

Best Compact Prime Lens

Brand	Brand Tamron
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 210 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 35 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Tamron 35mm f/2.8 Di III OSD is a prime lens that shines in its simplicity and optical performance. With a fixed 35mm focal length, it’s ideal for street photography, environmental portraits, and landscapes.

Its f/2.8 aperture provides a good balance between size and light-gathering ability, allowing for decent low-light performance and a pleasing bokeh effect, though not as pronounced as wider aperture lenses.

Weighing just 7.4 oz (210g), this lens is remarkably lightweight and compact, making it a perfect companion for photographers on the move.

Its construction is solid, featuring weather sealing for added durability against the elements. The lens’s optical design, including low-dispersion and aspherical elements, ensures sharp images with minimal aberrations.

Autofocus is accurate and relatively quick, thanks to the OSD motor, though it may produce slight noise. The lens’s 1:2 magnification ratio is a standout feature, offering unique close-up capabilities for a wide-angle lens. This makes it versatile for various types of photography, from detailed shots to expansive landscapes.

Overall, the Tamron 35mm f/2.8 Di III OSD offers great value, combining excellent image quality, portability, and an affordable price point.

5. Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD B060

Best Ultra-Wide Zoom Lens

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Brand	Brand Tamron
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 335 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 11-20 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD stands out as a versatile wide-angle zoom lens designed for Sony APS-C cameras.

Its focal range, from ultra-wide 11mm to standard wide-angle 20mm, is perfect for capturing vast landscapes, architectural marvels, and tight indoor spaces.

The constant F/2.8 aperture across the zoom range is a significant advantage, allowing for consistent exposure settings and the ability to shoot in lower light conditions.

This lens is particularly useful for photographers who enjoy landscape and architectural photography but may not be the best fit for portrait photographers due to its wide-angle perspective.

Weighing just 11.8 oz (335g), this lens is impressively light and compact, making it an excellent travel companion. Its construction includes weather sealing, which protects it against dust and moisture, ensuring it can withstand challenging outdoor conditions.

The optical performance is noteworthy, with sharp images across the zoom range and minimal chromatic aberration, thanks to its sophisticated lens elements.

The autofocus, powered by the RXD motor, is both quick and quiet, making it suitable for both still photography and video recording.

While the lens does not feature built-in image stabilization, this is less of a concern for wide-angle lenses, especially when used on cameras equipped with in-body stabilization.

The Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD is a good option for photographers looking for a wide-angle zoom lens with a fast aperture, offering excellent image quality and versatility in a compact form factor.

6. Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD

Best All-Purpose APS-C Lens

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Brand	Brand Tamron
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 530 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 17-70 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD is a standout zoom lens for Sony APS-C cameras, blending a versatile focal range with a constant f/2.8 aperture.

This lens is a boon for photographers who demand flexibility and high image quality without the hassle of swapping lenses. Its range from wide-angle to short-telephoto is perfect for capturing everything from expansive landscapes to detailed portraits.

The constant aperture ensures excellent performance in low light and the ability to create beautiful bokeh, making it a popular choice for a wide array of photography styles.

Weighing in at just over 1 lb (525g), this lens is both sturdy and manageable, making it ideal for day-long shoots or travel photography.

Its weather-sealed construction adds an extra layer of confidence for shooting in unpredictable conditions.

Optically, the lens impresses with sharp, clear images across the zoom range, thanks to its sophisticated design that minimizes aberrations and distortion.

Autofocus is quick and silent, courtesy of the RXD motor, ensuring that photographers never miss a moment. While the lens does not offer a true macro capability, its close focusing distance is useful for capturing small details.

The Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD is a valuable asset for photographers looking for a versatile, high-quality lens for their Sony APS-C camera, offering a great combination of performance, portability, and durability.

7. Tamron 20-40mm F/2.8 Di III VXD A062

Best Versatile Travel Lens

Brand	Brand Tamron
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 365 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 20-40 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Tamron 20-40mm F/2.8 Di III VXD A062 lens is a unique addition to the Sony E-mount lineup, offering a versatile zoom range with a constant F/2.8 aperture.

This lens is particularly appealing for photographers who value the ability to quickly adapt from capturing wide landscapes to more focused street scenes without changing lenses.

Its wide aperture ensures solid performance in various lighting conditions, making it a reliable tool for both day and night photography.

Constructed with high-quality materials, the lens strikes a balance between durability and portability, weighing in at a manageable weight. It’s designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor shooting, thanks to its weather sealing.

The lens delivers sharp images with minimal distortion, and the bokeh quality is pleasing, although not as creamy as some might prefer.

Autofocus is swift and precise, courtesy of the VXD motor, ensuring that subjects are captured with clarity. While the lens lacks built-in image stabilization, many Sony cameras compensate with in-body stabilization, mitigating this issue.

The Tamron 20-40mm F/2.8 Di III VXD A062 is a versatile, high-quality option for photographers looking for a wide to short standard zoom lens, offering good value for its performance and build.

8. Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2

Best Super-Telephoto Zoom Lens

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Brand	Brand Tamron
Lens Weight	Lens Weight 2010 g
Maximum Aperture	Maximum Aperture f/ 6.3
Focal Length Range	Focal Length Range 150-600 mm
Image Stabilization	Image Stabilization

The Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 lens is a powerful tool for wildlife and sports photographers seeking extensive reach without sacrificing image quality.

Its broad focal range, combined with effective image stabilization (VC), makes it ideal for capturing distant, fast-moving subjects with clarity and precision.

The lens’s construction is robust, designed to withstand the demands of outdoor shooting, featuring weather sealing for added protection against the elements.

Optically, the lens impresses with sharpness across its zoom range, particularly when stopped down to f/8, and controls chromatic aberration well, thanks to its low dispersion elements.

While it’s on the heavier side, the trade-off is a versatile zoom range and the ability to shoot in varied lighting conditions, thanks to its VC system.

The autofocus, powered by an Ultrasonic Silent Drive motor, is quick and mostly accurate, ensuring that photographers don’t miss the action.

The Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 offers a compelling combination of reach, performance, and durability, making it a valuable asset for photographers focused on distant or fast-moving subjects.

Conclusion: The Best Tamron Lenses

Tamron lenses offer a wide range of options for photographers, each with unique features suited for different photography styles. From ultra-wide angles perfect for landscapes to super-telephoto lenses ideal for capturing distant subjects, there’s a Tamron lens for nearly every need.

The Tamron 20mm F/2.8 Di III OSD F050 is our top pick due to its impressive blend of portability, image quality, and affordability. It’s a great starting point for those exploring Tamron’s offerings.

However, with seven other lenses reviewed, photographers have a rich selection to match their specific requirements, ensuring they find the perfect lens for their camera bag.

Our Top 3 Tamron Lenses

Tamron 20mm F/2.8 Di III OSD F050

Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 A032 for Nikon F

Tamron SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD

Shop 2 Versions

What Is the Best Tamron Lens?

Our Favorite Tamron Lenses

1. Tamron 20mm F/2.8 Di III OSD F050

3. Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD

4. Tamron 35mm f/2.8 Di III OSD

5. Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD B060

6. Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD

7. Tamron 20-40mm F/2.8 Di III VXD A062

8. Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2

Conclusion: The Best Tamron Lenses

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