p.46 #2 · Official: Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058)
Ok, so of course I couldn't just enjoy taking pictures, (sorry, it's stronger than me - did I mention already I'm more of a techie than a photographer ) I had to put the Tamron through its paces, since I really enjoy the focal and aperture range so much I wanted to know how my sample stacks up regarding IQ.
I compared it to another sample and found 2 "interesting" things...
1) I'm pretty sure now that I've run into the weird "haze" issue, that was reported previously, on the other sample. The interesting part is that it only affects the right side of the frame (and not even extreme edge, it's already visible around the horizontal level marker) and only up to certain distance, as I could not see it in my long range test shots (but was still visible around 135cm at 35mm f/2). This shot shows it pretty well (I know it's not flat, but believe me I have a lot of others, flat one too): lack of sharpness, contrast, detail + some "muddiness" (we actually call it soap around here ) / haze (easier to notice in original size via flickr link):
Top are 2 crops from AF-C focused shots from a series with the object on the left side of the frame,
bottom are 2 crops from AF-C focused shots from another series with the camera upside down (so the object on the right side of the frame).
2) The other copy is *much* sharper on the wide end than mine, it's actually unfair. I didn't compare extreme corners, just the left and right (horizontal) edge of the frame but the difference is massive. I'd say that at f/2.8 or even f/2 the other copy is sharper than mine at f/5.6 .
This makes me actually envious, as I did not expect this high level of sharpness from a 4x zoom (my copy only catches up around 70mm)... I think it's sharper on the edges than my 24-70DN (which I hope to sell soon ) at 35mm...
If my intended usage was landscapes, I'd try to exchange the copies, but since I will be mostly using the Tamron for people & stuff, "clean" image out of most of the frame when focusing on-point is absolutely required.
EDIT: Huh, I discovered a flaw in my infinity tests (funny thing is I introduced it because I wanted even more repeatability ) - so after retesting properly the sharpness difference in the corners (using Fred's method) between the copies is a lot smaller and completely acceptable to me .
p.46 #3 · Official: Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058)
j4nu wrote:
Ok, so of course I couldn't just enjoy taking pictures, (sorry, it's stronger than me - did I mention already I'm more of a techie than a photographer )
Too funny. Yeah, I feel like I *should* be doing what you're doing but all I do to test a lens is just take it around and take as many pictures as possible the way I normally shoot and see how I feel about it. So far, I'm getting a very good feeling (although I haven't edited most of them yet so I guess that could change).
p.46 #4 · Official: Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058)
-LYS- wrote:
Too funny. Yeah, I feel like I *should* be doing what you're doing but all I do to test a lens is just take it around and take as many pictures as possible the way I normally shoot and see how I feel about it. So far, I'm getting a very good feeling (although I haven't edited most of them yet so I guess that could change).
Haha, I think you're the one doing the right thing ...
p.46 #5 · Official: Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058)
photosbyjaron wrote:
I believe the new Tamron 28-75 G2 also has this feature. The recent Samyang 24 f/1.8 incorporated something similar called their astro-focus mode, but it only works for infinity.
the samyang works at any distance, tried it on a test chart, and it worked out as advertised
p.46 #6 · Official: Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058)
Charlie N wrote:
the samyang works at any distance, tried it on a test chart, and it worked out as advertised
Yeah Frogfish confirmed at the end of the last page that it works similarly to the Tamron's "Focus Preset". Samyang just called it "Astro-Focus Mode" for whatever reason. I've updated my post to remove the incorrect statement about infinity.
p.46 #7 · Official: Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058)
j4nu wrote:
Ok, so of course I couldn't just enjoy taking pictures, (sorry, it's stronger than me - did I mention already I'm more of a techie than a photographer ) I had to put the Tamron through its paces, since I really enjoy the focal and aperture range so much I wanted to know how my sample stacks up regarding IQ.
I compared it to another sample and found 2 "interesting" things...
1) I'm pretty sure now that I've run into the weird "haze" issue, that was reported previously, on the other sample. The interesting part is that it only affects the right side of the frame (and not even extreme edge, it's already visible around the horizontal level marker) and only up to certain distance, as I could not see it in my long range test shots (but was still visible around 135cm at 35mm f/2). This shot shows it pretty well (I know it's not flat, but believe me I have a lot of others, flat one too): lack of sharpness, contrast, detail + some "muddiness" (we actually call it soap around here ) / haze (easier to notice in original size via flickr link):
Top are 2 crops from AF-C focused shots from a series with the object on the left side of the frame,
bottom are 2 crops from AF-C focused shots from another series with the camera upside down (so the object on the right side of the frame).
2) The other copy is *much* sharper on the wide end than mine, it's actually unfair. I didn't compare extreme corners, just the left and right (horizontal) edge of the frame but the difference is massive. I'd say that at f/2.8 or even f/2 the other copy is sharper than mine at f/5.6 .
This makes me actually envious, as I did not expect this high level of sharpness from a 4x zoom (my copy only catches up around 70mm)... I think it's sharper on the edges than my 24-70DN (which I hope to sell soon ) at 35mm...
If my intended usage was landscapes, I'd try to exchange the copies, but since I will be mostly using the Tamron for people & stuff, "clean" image out of most of the frame when focusing on-point is absolutely required.
You mentioned using AF-C. Where did the camera focus when it was turned upside-down?
When I get mine (still hasn't shipped), I will test the lens using Jim Kasson's method: https://blog.kasson.com/lens-screening-testing, using the Zeiss Siemens star test chart. This involves a fair amount of work, but the results can be quite informative. Something else, if I am not mistaken, I vaguely remember one of the video-reviews briefly mentioned the field curvature as a problem of Tamron 35-150, however I believe they referred to the corners becoming sharper when the focus was moved from the center to the corners. The possible quality differences between different copies of this lens can be an issue.
p.46 #8 · Official: Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058)
ruthenium wrote:
You mentioned using AF-C. Where did the camera focus when it was turned upside-down?
When I get mine (still hasn't shipped), I will test the lens using Jim Kasson's method: https://blog.kasson.com/lens-screening-testing, using the Zeiss Siemens star test chart. This involves a fair amount of work, but the results can be quite informative. Something else, if I am not mistaken, I vaguely remember one of the video-reviews briefly mentioned the field curvature as a problem of Tamron 35-150, however I believe they referred to the corners becoming sharper when the focus was moved from the center to the corners. The possible quality differences between different copies of this lens can be an issue. ...Show more →
My usual test involves a long distance target, but because of the weather I couldn't really do it properly until now. I use Fred's method to test against decentering. That's how I verified my copy is only so-so on the wide end...
I don't normally test close focus, but I noticed this in one of the shots so decided to further verify. Focus was acquired on the ball for each shot (this one is not upside-down because A7Info does not display upsidedown images correctly, but the focus point was nearly identical for each shot):
I repeated this test multiple times with different (but rather close) targets, with either left side or right side being upside down and the results are consistent. It also spans across over whole focal range (least visible on the long end). I mention this as I couldn't really believe what I was seeing initially, as I don't remember any other lens I tested which displayed such behavior (the most similar was one Batis which had trouble focusing on one side compared to the opposing one...).
p.46 #9 · Official: Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058)
Thank you for sharing your observations. My order of Tamron 35-150 has shipped and is expected this Thursday. Needless to say, I am planning extensive testing of the new lens in the next 24 h after unpacking. I will share my experience with the Tamron later this week. In the meantime, I am keeping my fingers crossed. When buying a new lens, it is the reverse of "spray and pray": first pray.
p.46 #10 · Official: Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058)
What an interesting thread with amazing samples! I ordered the lens a few weeks ago and I can't wait anymore. The lens will replace my FE24-105/4 and the GM70-200/2.8, which I already sold. Please keep on to share your impressions and your photos!
j4nu wrote:
Focus was acquired on the ball for each shot (this one is not upside-down because A7Info does not display upsidedown images correctly, but the focus point was nearly identical for each shot)...
Please let me know more about the problem with A7Info, I will have a look for it.
p.46 #11 · Official: Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058)
Wolfram wrote:
Please let me know more about the problem with A7Info, I will have a look for it.
I take you are the author . Sorry, it might be a Windows (10) issue or more probably my GPU driver (AMD/ATI Radeon) issue. It's just that A7Info does not display images taken upside down in the main window (cropped below):
A7Info is a great software nonetheless of course, thank you .
Edit: just noticed that in the case of "FullSizeRaw..." window, it's the matter of lossy vs lossless compression format.
p.46 #12 · Official: Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058)
j4nu wrote:
I repeated this test multiple times with different (but rather close) targets, with either left side or right side being upside down and the results are consistent. It also spans across over whole focal range (least visible on the long end).
I would be wary of using behavior at near MFD to test centering and sharpness, as it won't show its potential wide open when close to MFD. I may be saying things you already know, and if so, forgive me, but most zoom lenses tend to have field curvature and the nearer to the lens, the more noticeable the curvature. For example, someone standing 6' away from a brick wall and trying to take sharpness tests is likely testing field curvature more than sharpness. By infinity that shouldn't be an issue, so I would encourage you to make sure your test objects are sufficiently far enough away.
The first thing I would do is test centering outdoors with Fred's method where you have enough light that ISO and shutter speed won't be an issue. Focus once in the center of the frame on something at infinity in a location where other structures at infinity will also be in the plane of focus with sharp edges and detail, and then switch the lens to MF and be sure not to bump the focus ring. Then reposition the horizon at a diagonal and identify two anchor points for each opposing corner, be it a structure or statue or something similar. The anchors will help keep the angled orientation the same throughout. Then move clockwise (doesn't really matter), until each corner of the sensor has shot each version of the scene with the two anchors in each corner. Once you throw them into lightroom, you can check to see if they match. The top left should appear generally the same as the bottom right and top right should appear generally identical to the bottom left. If one is skewed dramatically, it is decentered.
There will almost always be some slight variation, as it is nearly impossible to mass produce a perfectly centered zoom, but if one corner looks like the ugly duckling and decentered enough to affect IQ in your applicable use - seek to exchange. If there is just a slight variation, carry on.
It's hard to judge your images because they appear to be focused on a near round object, and the edge of that ball in some appear to be more in focus than the face, almost as if it back focused. Very important to use a tripod and not refocus when doing a centering/sharpness test. Anyways, hope this helps and hopefully there isn't an issue.
p.46 #13 · Official: Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058)
personally i do not to do lens bench tests, because in reality for me, if it doesnt work when im using it, well it doesnt work. if i noticed some weirdness in the images im making, then there will be an issue with the lens, but if i dont notice anything, then its a non issue, and pixel peeping will keep me up at night.
THIS WEEK HAS BEEN MURDER.
boxing, football, and basketball...
35-150 has been a workhorse so far. it hasnt really missed.
p.46 #14 · Official: Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058)
turbodude wrote:
THIS WEEK HAS BEEN MURDER.
boxing, football, and basketball...
Incredible images as always! I actually really like how it handled the sun in that first image.
So probably more so than anyone in this thread you've had the lens in more high pressure situations where AF accuracy is critical and where time lost switching lenses or bodies are shots missed. You've already mentioned loving the lens, but I wonder if you'd elaborate for us more sedentary shooters your personal experience handling it, how its AF works in these boxing/football situations, using the zoom ring, etc.
Probably would be very informative for others that participate in those high pressure paid conditions, and as a hobbyist, I'm curious to hear how professional photographers think about why X lens works great in a certain situation versus sucks at it.
p.46 #15 · Official: Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058)
College hoops... the 35-150 excels at this proximity. Generally speaking, when shooting basketball i have 3 bodies.
24-70, 70-200, and 400 (for cross court)
the 35-150 kind of eliminates the need for 3. im now using 35-150 and 70-200 w 1.4x converter. Its a much more managable setup and i dont lose any range that i would typically use, if at all.
for close shots my 70-200 was always the go to, because 24-70 was too short and was relegated to shooting wider frames due to how tight the 70-200 was. and 400 was a bit too long but i had to make the sacrifice because 70-200 was too short for the other end of the court and i couldnt slap on the converter between streaks down the court.
Now its a dream. 35 is wide enough to get environment and full court shots, and 150 is tight enough for under basket action. and now with the a1 and its 50mp, i have a nice throw with the 70-200 and converter for the other end of the court.
p.46 #16 · Official: Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058)
photosbyjaron wrote:
Incredible images as always! I actually really like how it handled the sun in that first image.
So probably more so than anyone in this thread you've had the lens in more high pressure situations where AF accuracy is critical and where time lost switching lenses or bodies are shots missed. You've already mentioned loving the lens, but I wonder if you'd elaborate for us more sedentary shooters your personal experience handling it, how its AF works in these boxing/football situations, using the zoom ring, etc.
Probably would be very informative for others that participate in those high pressure paid conditions, and as a hobbyist, I'm curious to hear how professional photographers think about why X lens works great in a certain situation versus sucks at it. ...Show more →
I elaborated a bit in the basketball post. AF speed and accuracy is on par if not better than the 24-70GM. The 24-70GM focusing was very slow when i had to rack from 70-> 24, the first frame was always out of focus, i dont know if its the design or what but i have lost many knock down frames because of that. Also the 24-70GM zoom is very stiff, i had to make sure i grabbed it and realy racked the zoom.
the 35-150 doesnt seem to have that issue when zooming, when i rack out, it maintains focus or atleast enough so the AF can catch up, not sure if it parafocal, but its gotta be more so than the 2470GM. And the AF motor seems to be a bit faster than my 24-70GM, almost as fast as my 100-400 if im being honest, and very accurate, similar to the 100-400.
Images have been very sharp, sharper than my 70-200GM, and the contrast looks good, its flare is unique but not terrible, not a deal breaker by any stretch. Yes its a bit bulkier than my 2470GM, and is a little tall, i had to get a slimmer lens cap and rear cap (both tamron caps are pretty thick) so it would fit standing in my pelican 1535, but those are concessions im willing to make for the usefulness of this lens.
any upcoming (mid range) sports shooters or event shooters that ask me what should be their first big ticket lens to coverall , i will suggest this lens if they shoot sony. Its that good.
p.46 #17 · Official: Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058)
turbodude wrote:
personally i do not to do lens bench tests, because in reality for me, if it doesnt work when im using it, well it doesnt work. if i noticed some weirdness in the images im making, then there will be an issue with the lens, but if i dont notice anything, then its a non issue, and pixel peeping will keep me up at night.
THIS WEEK HAS BEEN MURDER.
boxing, football, and basketball...
35-150 has been a workhorse so far. it hasnt really missed.
I really love the pictures of the fans and the black and white kind of moody images. I'm not a big sports person but those really speak to me regardless :-D
p.46 #18 · Official: Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058)
turbodude wrote:
I elaborated a bit in the basketball post. AF speed and accuracy is on par if not better than the 24-70GM. The 24-70GM focusing was very slow when i had to rack from 70-> 24, the first frame was always out of focus, i dont know if its the design or what but i have lost many knock down frames because of that. Also the 24-70GM zoom is very stiff, i had to make sure i grabbed it and realy racked the zoom.
the 35-150 doesnt seem to have that issue when zooming, when i rack out, it maintains focus or atleast enough so the AF can catch up, not sure if it parafocal, but its gotta be more so than the 2470GM. And the AF motor seems to be a bit faster than my 24-70GM, almost as fast as my 100-400 if im being honest, and very accurate, similar to the 100-400.
Images have been very sharp, sharper than my 70-200GM, and the contrast looks good, its flare is unique but not terrible, not a deal breaker by any stretch. Yes its a bit bulkier than my 2470GM, and is a little tall, i had to get a slimmer lens cap and rear cap (both tamron caps are pretty thick) so it would fit standing in my pelican 1535, but those are concessions im willing to make for the usefulness of this lens.
any upcoming (mid range) sports shooters or event shooters that ask me what should be their first big ticket lens to coverall , i will suggest this lens if they shoot sony. Its that good.
Great feedback and some really great shots. I'm seriously considering juggling my lineup and replacing the 12-24/4, 24-70/2.8, 70-180 and 35/1.8 with this and a 16-35 GM and going all screw/magnegtic filters since I shoot a lot of video and use vari-ND's heavily.
p.46 #19 · Official: Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058)
joychris wrote:
Great feedback and some really great shots. I'm seriously considering juggling my lineup and replacing the 12-24/4, 24-70/2.8, 70-180 and 35/1.8 with this and a 16-35 GM and going all screw/magnegtic filters since I shoot a lot of video and use vari-ND's heavily.
p.46 #20 · Official: Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058)
turbodude wrote:
personally i do not to do lens bench tests, because in reality for me, if it doesnt work when im using it, well it doesnt work. if i noticed some weirdness in the images im making, then there will be an issue with the lens, but if i dont notice anything, then its a non issue, and pixel peeping will keep me up at night.
THIS WEEK HAS BEEN MURDER.
boxing, football, and basketball...
35-150 has been a workhorse so far. it hasn't really missed.
Some excellent shots and from a skilled photographer. You sold me, I just picked up a copy of the lens.
) I had to put the Tamron through its paces, since I really enjoy the focal and aperture range so much I wanted to know how my sample stacks up regarding IQ.
.
