Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di USD - Sony Lens
Just as a painter instinctively reaches for the right brush, a portrait artist reaches for an 85mm lens. The focal length is ideal for producing a pleasing image with true-to-life facial features in accurate proportion. While a wide-angle lens makes close objects appear larger than they are, and longer telephotos compress and flatten features, the 85mm medium telephoto is just right. Plus the working distance between you and your subject is perfect for making the personal connection that's often missing when using a zoom. The Tamron SP 85mm F/1.8 is the world's first 85mm fast-aperture lens with image stabilization. Its unique design allows Tamron to include their VC (Vibration Compensation) system - without the lens becoming too large or heavy. What's more, the SP 85mm F/1.8 delivers edge-to-edge viewfinder brightness for ease of composition and superior low-light performance. The fast aperture of the F/1.8 also offers the perfect balance of subject sharpness and bokeh, that dreamy blur which separates your portrait subject from the background.
Just as a painter instinctively reaches for the right brush, a portrait artist reaches for an 85mm lens. The focal length is ideal for producing a pleasing image with true-to-life facial features in accurate proportion. While a wide-angle lens makes close objects appear larger than they are, and longer telephotos compress and flatten features, the 85mm medium telephoto is just right. Plus the working distance between you and your subject is perfect for making the personal connection that's often missing when using a zoom. The Tamron SP 85mm F/1.8 is the world's first 85mm fast-aperture lens with image stabilization. Its unique design allows Tamron to include their VC (Vibration Compensation) system - without the lens becoming too large or heavy. What's more, the SP 85mm F/1.8 delivers edge-to-edge viewfinder brightness for ease of composition and superior low-light performance. The fast aperture of the F/1.8 also offers the perfect balance of subject sharpness and bokeh, that dreamy blur which separates your portrait subject from the background.
Just as a painter instinctively reaches for the right brush, a portrait artist reaches for an 85mm lens. The focal length is ideal for producing a pleasing image with true-to-life facial features in accurate proportion. While a wide-angle lens makes close objects appear larger than they are, and longer telephotos compress and flatten features, the 85mm medium telephoto is just right. Plus the working distance between you and your subject is perfect for making the personal connection that's often missing when using a zoom. The Tamron SP 85mm F/1.8 is the world's first 85mm fast-aperture lens with image stabilization. Its unique design allows Tamron to include their VC (Vibration Compensation) system - without the lens becoming too large or heavy. What's more, the SP 85mm F/1.8 delivers edge-to-edge viewfinder brightness for ease of composition and superior low-light performance. The fast aperture of the F/1.8 also offers the perfect balance of subject sharpness and bokeh, that dreamy blur which separates your portrait subject from the background.
Just as a painter instinctively reaches for the right brush, a portrait artist reaches for an 85mm lens. The focal length is ideal for producing a pleasing image with true-to-life facial features in accurate proportion. While a wide-angle lens makes close objects appear larger than they are, and longer telephotos compress and flatten features, the 85mm medium telephoto is just right. Plus the working distance between you and your subject is perfect for making the personal connection that's often missing when using a zoom. The Tamron SP 85mm F/1.8 is the world's first 85mm fast-aperture lens with image stabilization. Its unique design allows Tamron to include their VC (Vibration Compensation) system - without the lens becoming too large or heavy. What's more, the SP 85mm F/1.8 delivers edge-to-edge viewfinder brightness for ease of composition and superior low-light performance. The fast aperture of the F/1.8 also offers the perfect balance of subject sharpness and bokeh, that dreamy blur which separates your portrait subject from the background.
in 12 offers
The lowest price for Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di USD - Sony Lens right now is $499.13 at Unique Photo, compared across 7 retailers.
The all-time low was $498.01 on 10 June 2026. That's the lowest price we've ever tracked — a great time to buy.
Prices last updated 21 June 2026.
Last updated at 21/06/2026 22:48:13
Used Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD Lens for Nikon F - Good
Delivery $42.79
Used Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD Lens for Canon EF - Good
Delivery $42.79
Used Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD Lens for Canon EF - Excellent
Delivery $42.79
Tamron SP AF 85mm F1.8 DI VC USD - Canon | Secondhand
Free delivery
Tamron SP AF 85mm F1.8 DI VC USD Nikon
Free delivery
2ND HAND - Tamron AF 85mm f1.8 Nikon
Delivery between Wed – Sat $10
Tamron SP AF 85mm F1.8 CANON** DI VC USD Ø67mm
Delivery between Wed – Sat $10
Tamron SP AF 85mm F1.8 DI USD Lens (Sony)
Free delivery between 24 June – 1 July
Tamron SP AF 85mm F1.8 DI VC USD Lens
Free delivery between 24 June – 1 July
Tamron Sp85mm F1.8 Di Vc Lens For Canon Full-frame, Single Focus
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I have had this lens for about 9 months, taken several hundred photos, on a Canon 6D II. I shoot RAW and post-process in Lightroom, usually. The lens is well-made and slightly bulky and heavy, probably because it is mostly, if not entirely, made of metal. I shoot often in live-view mode, focusing from the LCD screen, and often of subjects at close range with the camera on a tripod. It is also a good nifty-fifty, walk-about, lens.For me, this is an fun lens to use. It has been criticized for being slow to focus, but I don't find it that slow...the focus-throw is almost 180 degrees, and if I manually set the focus at infinity and then autofocus through the viewfinder on a subject close to the lens, it takes less than a second to reach sharp focus. Focus noise is ... MoreI have had this lens for about 9 months, taken several hundred photos, on a Canon 6D II. I shoot RAW and post-process in Lightroom, usually. The lens is well-made and slightly bulky and heavy, probably because it is mostly, if not entirely, made of metal. I shoot often in live-view mode, focusing from the LCD screen, and often of subjects at close range with the camera on a tripod. It is also a good nifty-fifty, walk-about, lens.For me, this is an fun lens to use. It has been criticized for being slow to focus, but I don't find it that slow...the focus-throw is almost 180 degrees, and if I manually set the focus at infinity and then autofocus through the viewfinder on a subject close to the lens, it takes less than a second to reach sharp focus. Focus noise is minimal but perceptible.The lens is very sharp at all apertures, from edge to edge (although I rarely shoot at below f/2.8). Chromatic aberration seems well controlled, and distortion is almost non-existent.Twice, shooting in live view, I got an error code, lens connection lost...which I fixed by shutting off camera and turning back on. I have not had that problem shooting with Canon lenses.So, taken as a whole, and considering the very attractive pricing that Tamron has had for this lens for awhile, this is a sweet lens.
originally posted on lensrentals.com
This lens is criminally underrated and I'm really glad I tried it - I liked it so much I bought the rental copy. It's tiny compared to other high quality lenses like the Sigma 40mm f/1.4, goes down to 1:3.4 for macro, and is flawless for astro by f/2.8. The lens has very little distortion, making it an even better candidate for astro panoramas since it doesn't need to be corrected in post, potentially generating geometric banding. Bokeh is beautifully smooth even with difficult backgrounds, looking far better than the Sigma 40mm and 50mm f/1.4 lenses which cost much more. Its auto focus is a little less sure than some other high end lenses but it gets the job done, and it features quite good optical stabilization to make up for "only" being f/1.8. I've been able to ... MoreThis lens is criminally underrated and I'm really glad I tried it - I liked it so much I bought the rental copy. It's tiny compared to other high quality lenses like the Sigma 40mm f/1.4, goes down to 1:3.4 for macro, and is flawless for astro by f/2.8. The lens has very little distortion, making it an even better candidate for astro panoramas since it doesn't need to be corrected in post, potentially generating geometric banding. Bokeh is beautifully smooth even with difficult backgrounds, looking far better than the Sigma 40mm and 50mm f/1.4 lenses which cost much more. Its auto focus is a little less sure than some other high end lenses but it gets the job done, and it features quite good optical stabilization to make up for "only" being f/1.8. I've been able to hand hold it down to 1/15 on a 45 MP sensor. The 45mm focal length is a little wider than 50mm, which I often find to tight, but doesn't create the very noticeable portrait distortions that 35mm does, making it a good compromise. Price is also a factor. My equipment is all insured, but that doesn't help me if something happens on a long shoot and I need to overnight a replacement to a hotel front desk before I get an insurance payout.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I went looking for a prime normal lens for my Canon 5D IV and was disappointed with the Canon line if 50mm choices. I already owned the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM but wanted IS for low light situations. The Canon f1.4 doesn't have it and has a bit of a reputation for having a delicate and inconsistent focus mechanics. The 1.2 was well out of my price range. Looking between the Sigma Art f1.4 and the Tamron 45, Tamron won out on price and having IS (over $500 saved) and lack of IS on the Sigma made it an easy choice. Plus I already owned several other Tamron lenses.The lens is very sharp. I AFMA all of my lenses with Reikan FoCal when I first get them. This is the only lens I've ever tested that needed no adjustment at any of the Tap-In console ranges. It's like it was ... MoreI went looking for a prime normal lens for my Canon 5D IV and was disappointed with the Canon line if 50mm choices. I already owned the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM but wanted IS for low light situations. The Canon f1.4 doesn't have it and has a bit of a reputation for having a delicate and inconsistent focus mechanics. The 1.2 was well out of my price range. Looking between the Sigma Art f1.4 and the Tamron 45, Tamron won out on price and having IS (over $500 saved) and lack of IS on the Sigma made it an easy choice. Plus I already owned several other Tamron lenses.The lens is very sharp. I AFMA all of my lenses with Reikan FoCal when I first get them. This is the only lens I've ever tested that needed no adjustment at any of the Tap-In console ranges. It's like it was factory calibrated for my camera. Also, it scores a 99.9 or 99.8 on focus consistency testing every time. Build quality is superb.It also has a very short close focus distance (less than a foot).I use mine for events like parties and conventions, often in low-light. It's an easy lens to carry on a 5D sized body. Focus is a touch slower than some of my other lenses but accurate even in low light situations. It doesn't tend to hunt or overshoot focus.Very happy with another great Tamron lens.
| Focal Length | 85 |
| Maximum Aperture | F/1.8 |
| Minimum Object Distance | 0.8 |
| Maximum Magnification Ratio | 1:7.2 |
| Filter Size | 67 |
Used Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD Lens for Nikon F - Good
Delivery $42.79
Used Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD Lens for Canon EF - Good
Delivery $42.79
Used Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD Lens for Canon EF - Excellent
Delivery $42.79
Tamron SP AF 85mm F1.8 DI VC USD - Canon | Secondhand
Free delivery
Tamron SP AF 85mm F1.8 DI VC USD Nikon
Free delivery
I have had this lens for about 9 months, taken several hundred photos, on a Canon 6D II. I shoot RAW and post-process in Lightroom, usually. The lens is well-made and slightly bulky and heavy, probably because it is mostly, if not entirely, made of metal. I shoot often in live-view mode, focusing from the LCD screen, and often of subjects at close range with the camera on a tripod. It is also a good nifty-fifty, walk-about, lens.For me, this is an fun lens to use. It has been criticized for being slow to focus, but I don't find it that slow...the focus-throw is almost 180 degrees, and if I manually set the focus at infinity and then autofocus through the viewfinder on a subject close to the lens, it takes less than a second to reach sharp focus. Focus noise is ... MoreI have had this lens for about 9 months, taken several hundred photos, on a Canon 6D II. I shoot RAW and post-process in Lightroom, usually. The lens is well-made and slightly bulky and heavy, probably because it is mostly, if not entirely, made of metal. I shoot often in live-view mode, focusing from the LCD screen, and often of subjects at close range with the camera on a tripod. It is also a good nifty-fifty, walk-about, lens.For me, this is an fun lens to use. It has been criticized for being slow to focus, but I don't find it that slow...the focus-throw is almost 180 degrees, and if I manually set the focus at infinity and then autofocus through the viewfinder on a subject close to the lens, it takes less than a second to reach sharp focus. Focus noise is minimal but perceptible.The lens is very sharp at all apertures, from edge to edge (although I rarely shoot at below f/2.8). Chromatic aberration seems well controlled, and distortion is almost non-existent.Twice, shooting in live view, I got an error code, lens connection lost...which I fixed by shutting off camera and turning back on. I have not had that problem shooting with Canon lenses.So, taken as a whole, and considering the very attractive pricing that Tamron has had for this lens for awhile, this is a sweet lens.
This lens is criminally underrated and I'm really glad I tried it - I liked it so much I bought the rental copy. It's tiny compared to other high quality lenses like the Sigma 40mm f/1.4, goes down to 1:3.4 for macro, and is flawless for astro by f/2.8. The lens has very little distortion, making it an even better candidate for astro panoramas since it doesn't need to be corrected in post, potentially generating geometric banding. Bokeh is beautifully smooth even with difficult backgrounds, looking far better than the Sigma 40mm and 50mm f/1.4 lenses which cost much more. Its auto focus is a little less sure than some other high end lenses but it gets the job done, and it features quite good optical stabilization to make up for "only" being f/1.8. I've been able to ... MoreThis lens is criminally underrated and I'm really glad I tried it - I liked it so much I bought the rental copy. It's tiny compared to other high quality lenses like the Sigma 40mm f/1.4, goes down to 1:3.4 for macro, and is flawless for astro by f/2.8. The lens has very little distortion, making it an even better candidate for astro panoramas since it doesn't need to be corrected in post, potentially generating geometric banding. Bokeh is beautifully smooth even with difficult backgrounds, looking far better than the Sigma 40mm and 50mm f/1.4 lenses which cost much more. Its auto focus is a little less sure than some other high end lenses but it gets the job done, and it features quite good optical stabilization to make up for "only" being f/1.8. I've been able to hand hold it down to 1/15 on a 45 MP sensor. The 45mm focal length is a little wider than 50mm, which I often find to tight, but doesn't create the very noticeable portrait distortions that 35mm does, making it a good compromise. Price is also a factor. My equipment is all insured, but that doesn't help me if something happens on a long shoot and I need to overnight a replacement to a hotel front desk before I get an insurance payout.
I went looking for a prime normal lens for my Canon 5D IV and was disappointed with the Canon line if 50mm choices. I already owned the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM but wanted IS for low light situations. The Canon f1.4 doesn't have it and has a bit of a reputation for having a delicate and inconsistent focus mechanics. The 1.2 was well out of my price range. Looking between the Sigma Art f1.4 and the Tamron 45, Tamron won out on price and having IS (over $500 saved) and lack of IS on the Sigma made it an easy choice. Plus I already owned several other Tamron lenses.The lens is very sharp. I AFMA all of my lenses with Reikan FoCal when I first get them. This is the only lens I've ever tested that needed no adjustment at any of the Tap-In console ranges. It's like it was ... MoreI went looking for a prime normal lens for my Canon 5D IV and was disappointed with the Canon line if 50mm choices. I already owned the Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM but wanted IS for low light situations. The Canon f1.4 doesn't have it and has a bit of a reputation for having a delicate and inconsistent focus mechanics. The 1.2 was well out of my price range. Looking between the Sigma Art f1.4 and the Tamron 45, Tamron won out on price and having IS (over $500 saved) and lack of IS on the Sigma made it an easy choice. Plus I already owned several other Tamron lenses.The lens is very sharp. I AFMA all of my lenses with Reikan FoCal when I first get them. This is the only lens I've ever tested that needed no adjustment at any of the Tap-In console ranges. It's like it was factory calibrated for my camera. Also, it scores a 99.9 or 99.8 on focus consistency testing every time. Build quality is superb.It also has a very short close focus distance (less than a foot).I use mine for events like parties and conventions, often in low-light. It's an easy lens to carry on a 5D sized body. Focus is a touch slower than some of my other lenses but accurate even in low light situations. It doesn't tend to hunt or overshoot focus.Very happy with another great Tamron lens.
In the past my personal experiences with Tamron lenses had been much less than positive. I had just returned a product that had cost the same as the SP45's price and figured why not just take a chance and exchange it for an SP45. FIRST! before going any further, this SP45 and the SP35 I subsequently purchased Can not, in any way, be viewed as relatives of the cheap mediocre Tamron products of my previous experiences. SECOND, I currently own or have owned the Sigma Art 24mm, 35mm and 50mm lenes.( used on FX as well as DX sensor bodies ). I have a great appreciation for their surgical type of Sharpness.They have a wonderful build and a great service organization to back them up.They are high quality and beautiful instruments. They out perform these SP Tamrons in the ... MoreIn the past my personal experiences with Tamron lenses had been much less than positive. I had just returned a product that had cost the same as the SP45's price and figured why not just take a chance and exchange it for an SP45. FIRST! before going any further, this SP45 and the SP35 I subsequently purchased Can not, in any way, be viewed as relatives of the cheap mediocre Tamron products of my previous experiences. SECOND, I currently own or have owned the Sigma Art 24mm, 35mm and 50mm lenes.( used on FX as well as DX sensor bodies ). I have a great appreciation for their surgical type of Sharpness.They have a wonderful build and a great service organization to back them up.They are high quality and beautiful instruments. They out perform these SP Tamrons in the area of chromatic aberrations and provide a very clinically sharp files. In my experience they are significantly behind the SP 35mm and 45mm Tamrons in auto focus accuracy and consistency. THIRDLY, Oh! Sharpness, what of it? I mean in the description of a knife or razor it is a concrete demonstrable physical thing. In a photographic optic it is more a concept. Is it test chart MTF resolving, the nature of contrast rendered, edge effect, the rendition of color depth and value steps. or some brew of all of the above? Oh my eyes are rolling in my head in 'Circles of confusion. PUT SIMPLY, while I respect and appreciate The knife like Sharpness of the Sigma's, however as an artist I prefer the delicious more fully rounded combination of the above components rendered in files produced by the Tamron Sp lenses. They have a very hard to come by beautiful Look. I have been at this for longer than I would care to admit and IMHO these are special glass that usually comes at a much much higher price. You could not go wrong. Also, love the solid build and the focus accuracy and consistency. Just beautiful instruments, a joy to use. YES! they are Sharp.
I picked up this lens on April 13th at 1pm and started shooting a short film that evening and for one of my shots, I had two actors sit on a bench in front of a window in my friend's loft on 67th Street and Central Park West capturing the NYC skyline which blew me away. The bokeh from the various lights, the 1.8 did magic, and the focal length is perfect. Oh and how can I forget, the minimum focus is less than a foot. Make Canon and Sigma's 50mm look childish without IS as well. I have a canon 50mm. Back to the previous shot, that shot was on a tripod. Practicing with the lens handheld worked great. I believe the person giving it a bad review may have an issue with Tamron because all I shoot is video and I have the Tamron 70-200 G2, 24-70G2, 15-30, and now the 45. I ... MoreI picked up this lens on April 13th at 1pm and started shooting a short film that evening and for one of my shots, I had two actors sit on a bench in front of a window in my friend's loft on 67th Street and Central Park West capturing the NYC skyline which blew me away. The bokeh from the various lights, the 1.8 did magic, and the focal length is perfect. Oh and how can I forget, the minimum focus is less than a foot. Make Canon and Sigma's 50mm look childish without IS as well. I have a canon 50mm. Back to the previous shot, that shot was on a tripod. Practicing with the lens handheld worked great. I believe the person giving it a bad review may have an issue with Tamron because all I shoot is video and I have the Tamron 70-200 G2, 24-70G2, 15-30, and now the 45. I also have Canon lenses and a Rokinon Cine. The Tamron lens are amazing. Now, in regards to jumping or something happening with the lens as someone described, if you have the non-native lens on VC while on a tripod and you are panning then you can get that stutter. You do not need to use VC when it is on a tripod. Why would you have it on a tripod with vc on? click the vc switch to off. I have not experienced it with this lens but it have happened to one of my other lenses and said to myself, "why in the world do I have on VC while on a tripod panning?" This 45mm is amazing!!!
This lens is great. I read lots of complaints about autofocus issues, but once I received my copy I updated the firmware via Tamrons tap-in console and I have not had any problems. The tap-in console is one reason I love the newer Tamron lenses. Its so easy to update firmware to work with newer cameras and get the most out of your lens investment. I wish Canon would make one for their own products.The Good: Sharpness, image quality, bokeh, fast 1.8 aperture, autofocus, build quality, filter size, image stabilization, Tap-in console compatibility, cost/value. (B&H had a great sale and included UV filter for free.) I also like the 45mm focal length as opposed to 50mm. It isnt much different, but for some reason it just feel like the perfect focal length for general ... MoreThis lens is great. I read lots of complaints about autofocus issues, but once I received my copy I updated the firmware via Tamrons tap-in console and I have not had any problems. The tap-in console is one reason I love the newer Tamron lenses. Its so easy to update firmware to work with newer cameras and get the most out of your lens investment. I wish Canon would make one for their own products.The Good: Sharpness, image quality, bokeh, fast 1.8 aperture, autofocus, build quality, filter size, image stabilization, Tap-in console compatibility, cost/value. (B&H had a great sale and included UV filter for free.) I also like the 45mm focal length as opposed to 50mm. It isnt much different, but for some reason it just feel like the perfect focal length for general use.The Bad: Some chromatic aberration (purple fringing) in rare cases of very sharp contrast between light to dark areas. This can easily be resolved in post, but is worth mentioning.Summary: I highly recommend this lens. There are some better nifty-fifties out there, but for me this is the best overall value and balance of quality to price. The Vibration Compensation and build quality makes it much better than the $125 Canon version in my opinion. I used the canon version for a long time and would often end up with out of focus or blurred shots that I didnt notice were off until looking at them full screen on my computer. This just doesnt happen with the Tamron lens. The superior autofocus and IS make a huge difference.
I focus manually often and all of my other lenses are Nikkor, so I'll have to get used to the backwards focus direction (counter-clockwise to infinity). I think in the back of my mind I remembered this about Tamron. This could be a problem, but let's see how adaptable my old brain is.Super nice build though, and AF is spot on out of the box. All the Nikkors need some degree of correction before they're awesome. Maybe I just got lucky. AF is virtually silent, though not extremely quick; I can't even hear the VC kick on, as I can with the Nikkor VR zooms: no 'click' or faint humm. It's working great.It is nicely sharp wide open. I rarely shoot apertures smaller than f3.5 or so -- this is a plus. It also focuses super close for a 'normal' lens. Not quite borderline ... MoreI focus manually often and all of my other lenses are Nikkor, so I'll have to get used to the backwards focus direction (counter-clockwise to infinity). I think in the back of my mind I remembered this about Tamron. This could be a problem, but let's see how adaptable my old brain is.Super nice build though, and AF is spot on out of the box. All the Nikkors need some degree of correction before they're awesome. Maybe I just got lucky. AF is virtually silent, though not extremely quick; I can't even hear the VC kick on, as I can with the Nikkor VR zooms: no 'click' or faint humm. It's working great.It is nicely sharp wide open. I rarely shoot apertures smaller than f3.5 or so -- this is a plus. It also focuses super close for a 'normal' lens. Not quite borderline macro, but maybe borderline borderline.Some online reviews demonstrate the design's spherochromatism as an issue, but it honestly isn't as bad as some other lenses I like and use. Yes, some green/magenta fringes will happen. It might be slightly worse than other lenses in this general focal range (35mm~60mm, say), but just slightly. The Nikkor & Zeiss 85s are worse. The Pentax 77 is worse. It's a minor issue we work around when shooting wide. Pixel peeping is probably bad for the soul anyway.I'll be grip taping over the branding because all my stuff is blacked out, but until I do it's a beautiful lens to look at. Nice job, Tamron, even if it is a little derivative of the Sigma/Zeiss aesthetic.The backward manual focus is irksome, but everything else is great. I don't think I can come back and edit this; just know that I'm leaning toward 5 stars at this point.
Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 VC Prime Lens is a "premium" grade lens. It has many positive attributes that makes it premium. It has solid build quality and beautiful design. (Tamron's newer SP lenses have almost ceramic feel and look to them.) Weather sealed, distance window, full time manual focus. (Again features on pro grade lenses.) Excellent image quality that includes sharpness, contrast, and color. (Sharpness alone doesn't make it premium in my opinion. Canon L lenses have contrast and color quality that make the pictures pleasing to look at overall rather than just pixel peeping sharpness.) I also like 45mm range. Slightly wider than typical 50mm, but I like it better and make it slightly more versatile. It also has VC. (image stabilizer built in) I don't know any ... MoreTamron SP 45mm f/1.8 VC Prime Lens is a "premium" grade lens. It has many positive attributes that makes it premium. It has solid build quality and beautiful design. (Tamron's newer SP lenses have almost ceramic feel and look to them.) Weather sealed, distance window, full time manual focus. (Again features on pro grade lenses.) Excellent image quality that includes sharpness, contrast, and color. (Sharpness alone doesn't make it premium in my opinion. Canon L lenses have contrast and color quality that make the pictures pleasing to look at overall rather than just pixel peeping sharpness.) I also like 45mm range. Slightly wider than typical 50mm, but I like it better and make it slightly more versatile. It also has VC. (image stabilizer built in) I don't know any other 50mm fast prime with image stabilizer. It does come in handy for night photography or in very low light situations. (This kind of makes up for slower(?) Aperture at 1.8 instead of 1.4 or 1.2.) But, it really isn't necessary for most situations in my opinion at 45mm. Talking about aperture, it has max aperture of f/1.8. Is this con or pro? Con for most but let me explain why this can also be pro. 1.8 is fast but pedestrian for 50mm prime. This will be a turn off for many people. It was for me too as this lens costs many time more than Canon's nice 50mm f/1.8 STM lens even at new price. Even Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM is cheaper. On paper, it has only VC which isn't very useful at this range going for it. Still as I mentioned before, this lens has premium quality build and image quality superior to Canon's consumer grade 50mm lenses. Not only that, the bokeh of this lens is very pleasing and smooth which I dare say is more pleasing than Canon's 50mm 1.4 at 1.4 and comparable to other premium lenses like Sigma 50mm 1.4 Art or Canon 1.2. (Yes they do produce shallower depth of field but that is not all there is to quality bokeh) Also, there size and weight advantage. Being 1.8 prime, it is significantly smaller and lighter than 1.4 or 1.2 lenses which makes it more versatile. Also it makes it cheaper too. So you are getting lot for your money rather than less if you compare it to other premium lenses. Fast aperture isn't everything. There is reason why this lens for excellent reviews from most reviewers who actually used the lens. Don't wave it off. I strongly recommend this lens over Canon EF 50mm 1.4 USM if you are considering that lens. So is it perfect? I do have few faults I would like to point out. While autofocus is accurate, there is slight pause before locking when close focusing.No problem locking quickly to further away subjects. Bit annoying. Another is that it is a third party lens which does not take advantage of in camera corrections for jpegs. If you are raw shooter, no difference. Beside, lens is very good even without the correction. Well I am very happy with the lens. Bought two, one for me and one as gift, and both copies were equality good.
I bought this lens because I'm a nut for the normal range of lenses. The standard old 50mm remains my most used focal length despite the number of other focal lengths I own. I was also pushed over the edge in buying it because it was selling for $200 off here at B&H and the lens has stabilization, a useful feature. I'm using the Tamron 45mm on Nikon D610, D700, D800 and D810 bodies. I am impressed.First off, I'm a long time photographer. At one time I was a PJ but I've long since retired and now I just enjoy shooting for myself. The vast majority of my photos are B&W and I'm in love with gray tones. The Tamron knocked me out with its ability to render those gray tones. It's just beautiful. The detail it produces is stunning. Many of my photos are abstractions and ... MoreI bought this lens because I'm a nut for the normal range of lenses. The standard old 50mm remains my most used focal length despite the number of other focal lengths I own. I was also pushed over the edge in buying it because it was selling for $200 off here at B&H and the lens has stabilization, a useful feature. I'm using the Tamron 45mm on Nikon D610, D700, D800 and D810 bodies. I am impressed.First off, I'm a long time photographer. At one time I was a PJ but I've long since retired and now I just enjoy shooting for myself. The vast majority of my photos are B&W and I'm in love with gray tones. The Tamron knocked me out with its ability to render those gray tones. It's just beautiful. The detail it produces is stunning. Many of my photos are abstractions and the Tamron can bring out textures with incredible detail. Overall, it's better in most areas than by Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G and Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D lenses. It doesn't have the look of my oldest Nikon 50mm lenses from the 60s and 70s but the Tamron does have a unique look all its own that I do treasure.I've always avoided off-brand lenses in the past. But this lens has changed my mind about that. Since using the 45mm, I've also bought the Tamron SP 35mm f/1.8 lens as well. Another excellent lens I treasure for it's great rendition of grays.
I've paid a lot more for a lot less. I have a collection of premium lenses that also include Canon L glass, Sigma Art and EX; this Tamron SP is among the very cream of the crop. It's a pretty large lens, which I like in situations where I want to look like a real photographer. I really like the clean finish on the outside of this lens, which is quite a step up from the previous generation. They are also supposedly more weather sealed. I really like low light photography, and the VC (vibration control) coupled with the big aperture means you can keep your ISO lower, and have less noise in your images.
| Focal Length | 85 |
| Maximum Aperture | F/1.8 |
| Minimum Object Distance | 0.8 |
| Maximum Magnification Ratio | 1:7.2 |
| Filter Size | 67 |
