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A Deep Dive into Tamron Lenses
A Deep Dive into Tamron Lenses
by Keenan Hursh
If you ask any professional or experienced photographer what you should invest your money in when it comes to purchasing photography gear, they are likely to give you the same answer: Lenses! Spending your money on high-quality optics makes sense for several reasons. This is not only a great way to increase the quality and sharpness of your images, but something that a lot of people don’t necessarily think about is that if you purchase a high-resolution, high-megapixel camera you’ll need a lens that can support that resolution, and that won't degrade your images. You also want your entire image to be sharp and not blurred/degraded around the edges and corners. Lenses are crucial to capturing great photos.
When I was getting started in my photography journey, I purchased a very affordable Canon Rebel camera. This was a small and compact crop-sensor body that wasn’t anything to brag about, but it got the job done! I slowly started purchasing higher-quality glass as I knew I would eventually upgrade to a much nicer full-frame body. I mostly purchased used lenses or lenses from third-party manufacturers to save a bit of money while still preserving decent quality. I’m glad I made that investment early on and once as opposed to buying all new lenses with my new camera.
Bottom line, lenses are incredibly important. They are just as if not more important than your actual camera and you’ll want to make sure you do ample research when deciding to purchase your next lens. That being said, there are tons of options out there to choose from. Whether you’re dead set on purchasing a lens made by your camera manufacturer or have an interest in exploring third-party lens manufacturers, set yourself up for success and do the research.
Third-party lens manufacturers have been around for quite some time, and they often produce some really great products at very reasonable prices. In yesterday’s article, we took a Deep Dive into Sigma Lenses and broke down the products they offer. In today’s article, we’re going to do the exact same thing but this time with a focus on Tamron.
Let’s take a deep dive into everything Tamron and go over the different types of lenses they offer, what systems they’re compatible with, and much more. Let’s get into it!
When I was getting started in my photography journey, I purchased a very affordable Canon Rebel camera. This was a small and compact crop-sensor body that wasn’t anything to brag about, but it got the job done! I slowly started purchasing higher-quality glass as I knew I would eventually upgrade to a much nicer full-frame body. I mostly purchased used lenses or lenses from third-party manufacturers to save a bit of money while still preserving decent quality. I’m glad I made that investment early on and once as opposed to buying all new lenses with my new camera.
Bottom line, lenses are incredibly important. They are just as if not more important than your actual camera and you’ll want to make sure you do ample research when deciding to purchase your next lens. That being said, there are tons of options out there to choose from. Whether you’re dead set on purchasing a lens made by your camera manufacturer or have an interest in exploring third-party lens manufacturers, set yourself up for success and do the research.
Third-party lens manufacturers have been around for quite some time, and they often produce some really great products at very reasonable prices. In yesterday’s article, we took a Deep Dive into Sigma Lenses and broke down the products they offer. In today’s article, we’re going to do the exact same thing but this time with a focus on Tamron.
Let’s take a deep dive into everything Tamron and go over the different types of lenses they offer, what systems they’re compatible with, and much more. Let’s get into it!
History
Tamron was created in 1950 under the name Taisei Optical Equipment Manufacturing and initially made both camera and binocular lenses. It wasn’t until 1958 that the company officially created the TAMRON brand, named after Mr. Uhyoue Tamura, who was a very influential optical designer who laid the technological foundations of the company. They started out developing lenses for single-reflex 35mm cameras and introduced many significant and groundbreaking products early on. They created the ‘T’ Mount in 1957 which was one of the world’s first interchangeable lens platforms as well as the world’s first affordable telephoto zoom lens in 1959. After this, they were off to the races, expanding internationally and increasing their offerings. They have continued to develop cutting-edge optical technologies to this day.
Tamron has been well-immersed in the photography game for quite some time and it’s no surprise that they are still a successful company with widely distributed products. So, now that we know more about their humble beginnings and how they got to where they are today, let’s take a closer look at their current offerings.
Tamron was created in 1950 under the name Taisei Optical Equipment Manufacturing and initially made both camera and binocular lenses. It wasn’t until 1958 that the company officially created the TAMRON brand, named after Mr. Uhyoue Tamura, who was a very influential optical designer who laid the technological foundations of the company. They started out developing lenses for single-reflex 35mm cameras and introduced many significant and groundbreaking products early on. They created the ‘T’ Mount in 1957 which was one of the world’s first interchangeable lens platforms as well as the world’s first affordable telephoto zoom lens in 1959. After this, they were off to the races, expanding internationally and increasing their offerings. They have continued to develop cutting-edge optical technologies to this day.
Tamron has been well-immersed in the photography game for quite some time and it’s no surprise that they are still a successful company with widely distributed products. So, now that we know more about their humble beginnings and how they got to where they are today, let’s take a closer look at their current offerings.
Lens Classifications
When it comes to the entire line of products, Tamron has divided their lenses into four distinct categories. These are simply based on the types of cameras that each lens is designed to work with. Whether you’re old-school and are still rocking a DSLR or have caught up with the future and made the switch to mirrorless, Tamron likely has a lens for you. Let’s break this Lens Lineup down and get into the details.
Di III Series:
The Di III Series currently has more products than any of Tamron’s other series. This likely comes as no surprise since these lenses are all designed for both full-frame and APS-C format mirrorless cameras. It’s quite obvious that mirrorless is the future, and all manufacturers are shifting a large majority of their products in this direction. If you want some nice, high-quality glass from Tamron and you have a mirrorless body then this is the series for you.
Di III-A Series:
The Di III-A Series features 6 lenses, and these are all designed specifically for APS-C mirrorless cameras. Of course, all of the Di III Series lenses will work on any mirrorless crop-sensor camera, but this series is specifically designed for those cameras. These lenses are more affordable than their full-frame counterparts and are often smaller, lighter, and more compact.
Di II Series:
The Di II Series is their smallest category of lenses with only two options. These lenses are designed specifically for APS-C DSLR cameras. Due to the massive transition towards mirrorless and considering that most die-hard DSLR users at this point are likely using full-frame bodies, it makes sense that there are only two lenses in this category. And, of course, any full-frame oriented lens with the correct mount will also work with an APS-C sensor. The focal lengths will just be slightly different.
Di Series:
And finally, we have arrived at the fourth and final series currently being offered by Tamron. The Di Series consists of lenses that are designed for both Full-Frame and APSC format DSLR cameras. If you have a DSLR and want to get the best image quality, sharpness, and crispness from a Tamron lens then this is the category for you. Tamron currently has 6 lenses in this category covering a wide range of focal lengths and apertures.
When it comes to the entire line of products, Tamron has divided their lenses into four distinct categories. These are simply based on the types of cameras that each lens is designed to work with. Whether you’re old-school and are still rocking a DSLR or have caught up with the future and made the switch to mirrorless, Tamron likely has a lens for you. Let’s break this Lens Lineup down and get into the details.
Di III Series:
The Di III Series currently has more products than any of Tamron’s other series. This likely comes as no surprise since these lenses are all designed for both full-frame and APS-C format mirrorless cameras. It’s quite obvious that mirrorless is the future, and all manufacturers are shifting a large majority of their products in this direction. If you want some nice, high-quality glass from Tamron and you have a mirrorless body then this is the series for you.
Di III-A Series:
The Di III-A Series features 6 lenses, and these are all designed specifically for APS-C mirrorless cameras. Of course, all of the Di III Series lenses will work on any mirrorless crop-sensor camera, but this series is specifically designed for those cameras. These lenses are more affordable than their full-frame counterparts and are often smaller, lighter, and more compact.
Di II Series:
The Di II Series is their smallest category of lenses with only two options. These lenses are designed specifically for APS-C DSLR cameras. Due to the massive transition towards mirrorless and considering that most die-hard DSLR users at this point are likely using full-frame bodies, it makes sense that there are only two lenses in this category. And, of course, any full-frame oriented lens with the correct mount will also work with an APS-C sensor. The focal lengths will just be slightly different.
Di Series:
And finally, we have arrived at the fourth and final series currently being offered by Tamron. The Di Series consists of lenses that are designed for both Full-Frame and APSC format DSLR cameras. If you have a DSLR and want to get the best image quality, sharpness, and crispness from a Tamron lens then this is the category for you. Tamron currently has 6 lenses in this category covering a wide range of focal lengths and apertures.
Compatibility
Unlike other lens manufacturers, such as Sigma, who manufacture cameras as well, Tamron is a true third-party lens manufacturer meaning they only make lenses for other platforms. Let’s say you have a Canon 6D mark ii and want to save a bit of money on a new lens. Check out Tamron’s Di Series and you’ll find something great at a very reasonable price. Let’s say you have a Sony A7III and want a wide-angle prime lens and don’t want to break the bank on super expensive Zeiss lenses. Check out Tamron before making any decisions. In fact, Tamron produces lenses that are compatible with multiple camera brands including Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm. It’s worth noting however that they do not currently manufacture lenses for the new Canon R mount on all of their mirrorless cameras. If you have a Nikon, Sony, or Fujifilm mirrorless camera however you’re all set.
Unlike other lens manufacturers, such as Sigma, who manufacture cameras as well, Tamron is a true third-party lens manufacturer meaning they only make lenses for other platforms. Let’s say you have a Canon 6D mark ii and want to save a bit of money on a new lens. Check out Tamron’s Di Series and you’ll find something great at a very reasonable price. Let’s say you have a Sony A7III and want a wide-angle prime lens and don’t want to break the bank on super expensive Zeiss lenses. Check out Tamron before making any decisions. In fact, Tamron produces lenses that are compatible with multiple camera brands including Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm. It’s worth noting however that they do not currently manufacture lenses for the new Canon R mount on all of their mirrorless cameras. If you have a Nikon, Sony, or Fujifilm mirrorless camera however you’re all set.
Offerings
Beyond making a wide variety of lenses for different systems, Tamron also covers all the bases when it comes to lens specs such as focal length and aperture. They have a very versatile product lineup with lenses that are suitable for many styles of photography. If you want a great f/2.8 prime wide-angle lens for shootings landscapes and astro, they have several options. If you want a super-telephoto-zoom lens from 150-600mm at f/5-6.3 Tamron makes it. And they have many logical and reasonably priced lenses in between from standard zooms to wide-angle zooms and all-in-ones. I found it very interesting that Tamron currently sells under 30 lenses which is quite a small offering when compared to Sigma. This article isn’t meant to compare these two companies but I guess they have found what works, what sells, and have decided to pursue a smaller selection of lenses.
Beyond making a wide variety of lenses for different systems, Tamron also covers all the bases when it comes to lens specs such as focal length and aperture. They have a very versatile product lineup with lenses that are suitable for many styles of photography. If you want a great f/2.8 prime wide-angle lens for shootings landscapes and astro, they have several options. If you want a super-telephoto-zoom lens from 150-600mm at f/5-6.3 Tamron makes it. And they have many logical and reasonably priced lenses in between from standard zooms to wide-angle zooms and all-in-ones. I found it very interesting that Tamron currently sells under 30 lenses which is quite a small offering when compared to Sigma. This article isn’t meant to compare these two companies but I guess they have found what works, what sells, and have decided to pursue a smaller selection of lenses.
Conclusion
To wrap things up I’ll say this. Tamron has been around for a very long time, since the early 1950s, and has managed to stay competitive and successful all this time. This must mean they’re doing something right at the end of the day. Perhaps their lenses might not be quite on par with Canon L glass or Nikkor S lenses, but they still produce great lenses that are set at a very realistic and agreeable price point. If you have $10,000 to spend on a lens then sure, get the top-of-the-line offerings from Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm, but if you’re working on a bit of a budget or can’t justify spending that much then check out Tamron. They have a wide variety of lenses that are compatible with many popular cameras. Tamron has found a niche section of the photography market and they’ve found much success in pursuing a specific type of photographer.
As always, I hope this article has been informative, and educational, and hopefully helps you out next time you’re purchasing a new lens for your camera. Until next time!
To wrap things up I’ll say this. Tamron has been around for a very long time, since the early 1950s, and has managed to stay competitive and successful all this time. This must mean they’re doing something right at the end of the day. Perhaps their lenses might not be quite on par with Canon L glass or Nikkor S lenses, but they still produce great lenses that are set at a very realistic and agreeable price point. If you have $10,000 to spend on a lens then sure, get the top-of-the-line offerings from Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm, but if you’re working on a bit of a budget or can’t justify spending that much then check out Tamron. They have a wide variety of lenses that are compatible with many popular cameras. Tamron has found a niche section of the photography market and they’ve found much success in pursuing a specific type of photographer.
As always, I hope this article has been informative, and educational, and hopefully helps you out next time you’re purchasing a new lens for your camera. Until next time!
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AUTHOR
AUTHOR
Keenan Hursh is a photographer, writer, and creative storyteller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions and experiences in nature and always brings a camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and outdoor adventure photography.
He shoots with Canon EOS R5 cameras and a wide variety of Canon lenses including the EF 600mm f/4 IS USM L ii, RF 15-35mm f/2.8 L, RF 24-105mm f/4 L, and the RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9. He also has an assortment of 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.
At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along to document his adventures and travels. He immediately fell in love with the art of photography. Starting out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot, he has continuously improved his craft and upgraded his gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.
These days, you can find Keenan out and about in the most wild places on earth capturing images of elusive wildlife subjects and stunning natural landscapes. If he’s out with his camera in hand observing a compelling story that’s worth sharing he’s in his happy place!
Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot, he enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding.
Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in writing, storytelling, content creation, brand development, and graphic design.
You can view Keenan’s photography portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshphoto.com
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