A couple of lens reviews

A couple of lens reviews that may be of interest to our readers have been completed recently.

First up we have the Tamron 35mm F1.4 DI USD

• EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
• Aperture Range: f/1.4 to f/16
• Four Low Dispersion Elements
• Three Aspherical Elements
• BBAR-G2 and Fluorine Coatings
• USD AF Motor and Dynamic Rolling Cam
• Electromagnetic Diaphragm
• Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
• Compatible with TAP-in Console

This was reviewed by ePhotoZine, and the review was extremely positive;

The performance is excellent, the handling is excellent and this puts the Tamron on a par with the best alternative 35mm f/1.4 lenses, and, it must be said, at an attractive price. Yes, it is still expensive, but that is the price we have to pay for such high quality.

The only question is whether or not the photographer finds 35mm to be the right focal length on full frame. For some it may fall between being truly wide angle and being long enough for more flattering portraits. For others it will be the perfect standard lens, perhaps especially for those involved with classic street photography or small group portraits.

If the specification is right though, then this lens hits the spot and yet again Tamron have that coveted accolade and another Editor’s Choice. Is this Tamron’s best ever lens? Frankly, there have been quite a few that could vie for that position, but one thing is certain, that the new Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD lens is right at the top of Tamron’s game.

Read the comprehensive review here

Dustin Abbott, a favorite of mine, recently reviewed the Sigma 500mm F4.0 OS Sport.

• EF-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
• Aperture Range: f/4 to 32
• One SLD and Two FLD Elements
• Super Multi-Layer Coating
• Hyper Sonic AF Motor, Manual Override
• Optical Stabilizer; Drop-In Filter Slot
• Magnesium-Alloy Barrel & Brass Mount
• Dust- and Splash-Proof Construction
• Rotatable Tripod Collar with Click Stops
• Compatible with Sigma Teleconverters

Dustin concludes with his pros and cons about the Sigma 500mm F4.0 OS Sport;

Pros:

• Priced anywhere from 50-100% cheaper than alternatives
• Exceptional build (weather-sealed magnesium alloy body)
• All accessories (from case to hood) made of premium materials
• Good autofocus with excellent speed (in speed priority mode)
• Good autofocus accuracy as tested
• Beautiful image quality
• Works well with teleconverters
• Works reasonably well with Sigma MC-11 on Sony (other than tracking action)
• Best in class MFD and magnification
• Very feature rich

Cons:

• Much more expensive than popular zoom alternatives
• No OS mode does a great job of stabilizing the viewfinder
• Some contrast hit with TC attached
• Tripod collar can’t be removed and isn’t ARCA compatible

Read his full review here.

As with all of Dustin Abbott's reviews he also provides video reviews to complement his written reviews.