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7 Best Tamron SP Lenses in 2024

Christopher Bryan-Smith
Last updated: March 19, 2024 - 10 min read
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Tamron SP Lenses are renowned for their versatility and quality, catering to a wide range of photography needs. From capturing vast landscapes to detailed portraits, these lenses offer photographers the tools to elevate their craft.

Our guide showcases the seven best Tamron SP Lenses, highlighting their features and how they can enhance your photography.

The Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is our top pick, standing out for its exceptional flexibility and image quality. It’s a great all-rounder, perfect for various photography styles. But if that’s not the lens for you, we have six more of the best Tamron SP lenses. 

Our Top 3 Tamron SP Lenses
Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 A032
Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 A032
Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 A032
Tamron SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD F012
Tamron SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD F012
Tamron SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD F012
Tamron SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD
Tamron SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD
Tamron SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD

What Is the Best Tamron SP Lens?

To find the best Tamron SP lens, you need to consider sharpness, focal length, and build quality. The lenses listed excel in many different areas of photography, offering solutions for low light, detailed macro work, and expansive landscapes. Each lens is chosen for its ability to improve image quality and enhance a photographer’s toolkit.

Our Top Pick
Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 A032
Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 A032
Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 A032
  • Versatile zoom range for diverse photography needs
  • Constant f/2.8 aperture for low light shooting
  • Robust build with weather sealing for durability
  • High-quality optics ensure sharp, clear images
  • Effective image stabilization for handheld shots
Best Standard Prime Lens
Tamron SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD F012
Tamron SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD F012
Tamron SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD F012
  • Wide f/1.8 aperture boosts low-light performance
  • Vibration Compensation stabilizes handheld shots
  • Lightweight design enhances portability and handling
  • Weather-sealed construction for outdoor reliability
  • Exceptional sharpness and minimal aberrations
Best Low-Light Performance
Tamron SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD
Tamron SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD
Tamron SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD
  • Unrivaled f/1.4 aperture for superior low-light shots
  • Exceptional sharpness and clarity across the frame
  • Fast, precise autofocus with Ultrasonic Silent Drive
  • Robust build with professional-grade weather sealing
  • Minimal chromatic aberration and distortion
Best Telephoto Zoom Lens
Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 A025
Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 A025
Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 A025
  • Constant f/2.8 aperture for consistent low-light performance
  • Advanced Vibration Compensation for sharp handheld shots
  • Durable, weather-sealed construction for harsh conditions
  • Fast, accurate autofocus with Ultrasonic Silent Drive
  • Exceptional image quality across the zoom range
Best Macro Lens
Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 Di Macro VC USD F004
Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 Di Macro VC USD F004
Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 Di Macro VC USD F004
  • True 1:1 macro magnification for detailed close-ups
  • Advanced Vibration Compensation for steady macro shots
  • Exceptional sharpness and clarity throughout the focus range
  • Moisture-resistant construction for outdoor shooting reliability
  • Fast and quiet autofocus with Ultrasonic Silent Drive
Best Wide-Angle Zoom Lens
Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD A012
Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD A012
Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD A012
  • Ultra-wide angle for expansive landscapes and architecture
  • Constant f/2.8 aperture for consistent low-light performance
  • Vibration Compensation enables sharp images in shaky conditions
  • Built-in weather sealing for durability in harsh environments
  • Exceptional optical quality with minimal distortion and aberrations
Best Super-Telephoto Zoom Lens
Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 A022
Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 A022
Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 A022
  • Unmatched 150-600mm range for wildlife and sports
  • Enhanced Vibration Compensation for sharp images at 600mm
  • Weather-sealed construction for rugged outdoor use
  • Fast, precise autofocus with Ultrasonic Silent Drive
  • Excellent image quality with minimal chromatic aberration
 

Our Favorite Tamron SP Lenses

Let’s take a closer look at the Tamron SP lenses. From wide-angle to telephoto, these lenses provide options for every shooting scenario, ensuring there’s a perfect match for any photographer’s bag.

And remember, as third-party lenses each lens is available for two or more top camera brands. Remember to make sure you purchase the lens with the correct lens mount. 

1. Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2

Our Top Pick
Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 A032
Brand
Brand
Tamron
Lens Weight
Lens Weight
905 g
Maximum Aperture
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range
Focal Length Range
24-70 mm
Image Stabilization
Image Stabilization
Yes

The Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is a versatile lens that delivers excellent image quality. With a wide focal length range, it captures everything from wide landscapes to close-up portraits.

The optical design includes specialist Low-Dispersion (LD) and Extra-Refractive index (XR) elements. These reduce aberrations and distortion and ensure sharp images. An eBAND coating also eliminates glare, giving you cleaner images even in tough lighting conditions. 

Its constant f/2.8 aperture is great for low light and creating a smooth background blur. This makes it useful for wedding and event photography, where lighting conditions can change at any moment. 

A Vibration Compensation system gives you a helping hand in low light. Offering up to five stops of exposure compensation, it allows you use slower shutter speeds with less risk of motion blur. This is especially useful when shooting from hand without a tripod. 

The autofocus is quick and accurate, thanks to the USD motor. This is important for capturing fast-moving subjects.

Giving you incredible flexibility, you can use the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 for anything from landscapes to portrait photography. It’s an affordable yet high-quality alternative to lenses from the major camera brands. 

 

2. Tamron SP 35mm f/1.8 Di VC USD

Best Standard Prime Lens
Tamron SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD F012
Brand
Brand
Tamron
Lens Weight
Lens Weight
480 g
Maximum Aperture
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.8
Focal Length Range
Focal Length Range
35 mm
Image Stabilization
Image Stabilization
Yes

The Tamron SP 35mm f/1.8 Di VC USD is a versatile and affordable prime lens beginners will love. Its fixed 35mm focal length gives you a wider view than your typical “nifty-fifty“, allowing you to capture broader landscapers to wider shots in tighter spaces. 

Its fast f/1.8 maximum aperture makes it a top choice for low-light photography and creating smooth, out-of-focus backgrounds. This feature is particularly useful for photographers aiming to highlight their subjects against a blurred backdrop, a technique often used in portrait and macro photography.

Weighing 480 g, this lens is light enough for day-long shooting without causing discomfort. Its weather sealing is a big plus, offering protection against dust and moisture when working outdoors. This makes it a reliable companion for travel photographers.

The lens’s optical design features Low Dispersion (LD) and aspherical elements, which ensure sharp images with minimal aberrations and distortion.

Thanks to the Ultrasonic Silent Drive motor,  the autofocus is quick and quiet, making it suitable for both photo and video work.  The Vibration Compensation (VC) adds another significant advantage, allowing for sharper handheld shots in challenging light.

The Tamron SP 35mm f/1.8 Di VC USD is a good option for those needing a high-quality, versatile prime lens without stretching their budget.

 

3. Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD

Best Low-Light Performance
Tamron SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD
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
No

The Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD stands out for its exceptional sharpness and fast f/1.4 aperture, making it a prime choice for photographers who demand the best quality in low light. Its ability to produce beautiful bokeh enhances portraits and close-up shots, setting subjects apart with ease.

However, its weight of approximately 1.8 lb (815 g) might be a consideration for those who prefer lighter gear for all-day shooting.

Thanks to its advanced element design, this lens impresses with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration. The inclusion of Low Dispersion and aspherical elements ensures images are clear and vibrant.

While it lacks image stabilization, its wide aperture and quick autofocus compensate, providing reliability in various shooting conditions.

This lens is a good option for professionals and enthusiasts alike, especially those focused on street, portrait, or landscape photography. Its build quality and weather sealing offer durability, making it suitable for challenging environments. Despite its heft, the Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD‘s optical performance and build quality make it a useful addition to any photographer’s bag.

 

4. Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2

Best Telephoto Zoom Lens
Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 A025
Brand
Brand
Tamron
Lens Weight
Lens Weight
1500 g
Maximum Aperture
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range
Focal Length Range
70-200 mm
Image Stabilization
Image Stabilization
Yes

The Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 lens is a versatile tool, perfect for photographers who need flexibility without sacrificing image quality. A versatile telephoto zoom range allows you to shoot anything from portraits to sports photography. 

With several low dispersion elements that minimize chromatic aberrations, the lens delivers sharp images at any point in the focal range. 

Its constant f/2.8 aperture is crucial for capturing sharp images in low light and creating beautiful bokeh. It’s also constant, so you don’t lose any stops when zooming in.

Weighing in at about 1.5 kg, this lens is on the heavier side, which might be a consideration for those who shoot for extended periods. However, its effective VC image stabilization compensates by allowing for slower shutter speeds without the blur caused by camera shake. This feature is especially useful in challenging lighting conditions or when capturing fast-moving subjects.

The Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 stands out as a good option for professionals and serious enthusiasts. Its build quality, excellent optical performance, and image stabilization make it a valuable asset for a wide range of photographic styles. 

 

5. Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro VC USD

Best Macro Lens
Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 Di Macro VC USD F004
Brand
Brand
Tamron
Lens Weight
Lens Weight
550 g
Maximum Aperture
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range
Focal Length Range
90 mm
Image Stabilization
Image Stabilization
Yes

The Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro VC USD stands out for its macro capabilities and sharp image quality. A telephoto focal length and a 1:1 magnification ratio, you can capture stunning macro images with this lens. 

With a maximum aperture of f/2.8, it excels in creating detailed close-ups with a shallow depth of field, making it perfect for macro and portrait photography. Your macro shots will also be clean and distortion-free thanks to the LD elements in the lens.

Its effective Vibration Compensation (VC) system is a big plus. It offers up to 3.5 stops of stabilization, which is especially useful in low-light conditions or when detailed precision is necessary.

This lens is relatively lightweight, making it manageable for handheld shooting during extended sessions. Its build quality and weather sealing make it a durable choice for outdoor photography. 

Sharp, fast, and affordable, the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro VC USD is a must-have for macro photographers on a budget. 

 

6. Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD

Best Wide-Angle Zoom Lens
Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD A012
Brand
Brand
Tamron
Lens Weight
Lens Weight
1100 g
Maximum Aperture
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
Focal Length Range
Focal Length Range
15-30 mm
Image Stabilization
Image Stabilization
Yes

The Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD is a robust wide-angle zoom lens that can capture expansive landscapes and architectural marvels.

Its constant f/2.8 aperture ensures it performs well in low light, allowing photographers to shoot in a variety of conditions without additional equipment.

The inclusion of image stabilization is a significant advantage, providing up to 4.5 stops of compensation. This feature is particularly helpful for handheld shooting in dim settings, ensuring sharp images where slower shutter speeds are necessary.

Constructed with high-quality materials, this lens is designed to withstand the demands of professional use. Its weather sealing offers additional protection against the elements, making it a reliable choice for outdoor photography.

It weighs 1.1 kg, which is a bit heavy. But its performance and build quality justify the extra weight.

The Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD is popular among landscape and architectural photographers. Its optical performance, combined with effective stabilization and durable construction, makes it a very useful tool for capturing stunning wide-angle shots. 

 

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

Best Super-Telephoto Lens
Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 A022
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
Yes

The Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 lens is a powerhouse for wildlife and sports photographers. Its impressive zoom range brings distant subjects into sharp focus.

Its optical performance is bolstered by Low Dispersion elements, minimizing chromatic aberrations and ensuring sharp, vibrant images across the zoom range.

While the variable aperture of f/5 to f/6.3 might limit its use in very low light, the effective Vibration Compensation system helps keep images sharp at slower shutter speeds, making it versatile in a variety of lighting conditions.

Weighing around 2 kg, this lens is hefty. We recommend using a sturdy camera tripod with this lens. 

Its weather-sealed construction adds to its reliability, allowing photographers to venture into challenging environments with confidence. The autofocus is quick and precise in well-lit conditions, though it may hunt in dimmer settings.

The Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 is a very useful lens for capturing sharp, detailed images of far-off subjects. Its build quality, effective stabilization, and good optical performance make it a popular choice among professionals and enthusiasts. 

We have more lenses like this one in our article on the best 150-600mm lenses.

 

Conclusion: The Best Tamron SP Lenses

The article provides a detailed overview of the seven best Tamron SP Lenses, each offering unique features for different photography needs. From wide-angle to macro and zoom lenses, it covers a range of options that cater to various photography styles, ensuring sharp images and reliable performance for any photographer.

Our top choice is the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2, which stands out for its versatility and image quality. It’s the best for flexibility and sharpness. But as we’ve seen, there’s a Tamron SP Lens for all photography styles and genres. 

Our Top 3 Tamron SP Lenses
Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 A032
Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 A032
Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 A032
Tamron SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD F012
Tamron SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD F012
Tamron SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD F012
Tamron SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD
Tamron SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD
Tamron SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD