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Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD vs Tamron SP AF 17-35mm F2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical IF

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Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD

Wideangle Zoom | Nikon F (FX)

Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD
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Tamron 17-35mm f2.8-4 LD

Wideangle Zoom | Nikon F (FX)

Tamron SP AF 17-35mm F2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical IF
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Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD vs Tamron 17-35mm f2.8-4 LD Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD and Tamron 17-35mm f2.8-4 LD, two Wideangle Zoom lenses by Tamron.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD Key Specs

  • 15-30mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 1100g.
  • Diameter: 98mm
  • Length: 145mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.28m
  • Max Magnification:0.2x

Tamron 17-35mm f2.8-4 LD Key Specs

  • 17-35mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 - F4.0 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 77mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 440g.
  • Diameter: 83mm
  • Length: 87mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.3m

What type of photography are the Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD and Tamron 17-35mm f2.8-4 LD lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD and the Tamron 17-35mm f2.8-4 LD for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD Tamron 17-35mm f2.8-4 LD
Bird/WildlifePoorPoor
SportsPoorPoor
PortraitFairFair
TravelAverageGood
StreetAverageGood
WeddingFairFair
Walk AroundAverageGood
VloggingGoodVery Good
LandscapeVery GoodVery Good

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD is the longer of the two lenses at 145mm. The Tamron 17-35mm f2.8-4 LD with a length of 87mm is 58mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD also has a larger diameter of 98mm compared to Tamron 17-35mm f2.8-4 LD's 83mm diameter.

Weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Tamron 17-35mm f2.8-4 LD weighs 440g, 60% (660g) lighter than the Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD's weight of 1100g.


Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the 'Wideangle Zoom Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for size comparison purposes.

Wideangle Zoom Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for Size Comparison
Model Length Diameter Weight Street Price
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f2.8G ED Lens Nikon 14-24mm f2.8G ED
132mm
98mm 970g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f4G ED VR Lens Nikon 16-35mm f4G ED VR
125mm
83mm 685g Amazon B&H Photo
Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f2.8 Pro FX Lens Tokina 16-28mm f2.8 Pro FX
133mm
90mm 950g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f2.8D ED-IF Lens Nikon 17-35mm f2.8D ED-IF
106mm
83mm 745g Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2
145mm
98mm 1110g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF Nikkor 18-35mm f3.5-4.5D IF ED Lens Nikon 18-35mm f3.5-4.5D IF ED
83mm
83mm 370g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM Art Lens Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM
135mm
96mm 1150g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM Lens Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM
120mm
87mm 670g Amazon B&H Photo

Lens Mounts

Both Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD and Tamron 17-35mm f2.8-4 LD has the same Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500.

Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD is also available in Canon EF and Sony Alpha mounts.

Tamron 17-35mm f2.8-4 LD is also available in Canon EF mount.

Focal Range

Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD has a focal range of 15-30mm and 2.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 22.5 - 45mm.
Tamron 17-35mm f2.8-4 LD has a focal range of 17-35mm and 2.1X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 25.5 - 52.5mm.

Reasons to choose Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD over Tamron SP AF 17-35mm F2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical IF

Focal Length - Wide 15mm vs 17mm 2mm Wider coverage
Image Stabilization Yes vs No Sharper Images at longer shutter speeds
Max Aperture - Tele 2.8 vs 4 Wider aperture at tele end
Diaphgragm Blades 9 vs 7 Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Minimum Focus Distance 0.28m vs 0.3m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 0.2x vs x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Tamron SP AF 17-35mm F2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical IF over Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD

Focal Length - Tele 35mm vs 30mm 5mm more Tele coverage
Optical Zoom 2.10x vs 2.00x More flexible focal coverage
Weight 440g vs 1100g 660g lighter
Diameter 83mm vs 98mm 15mm smaller in diameter
Length 87mm vs 145mm 58mm shorter

Common Strengths of Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD and Tamron SP AF 17-35mm F2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical IF
Distance Scale Yes vs Yes Distance Scale to assist focusing
Common Weaknesses of Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD and Tamron SP AF 17-35mm F2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical IF
Weather Sealing No vs No not safe under rain and dust



**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD vs Tamron 17-35mm f2.8-4 LD Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Tamron Tamron
Lens Type Zoom Zoom
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Wideangle Zoom Wideangle Zoom
Lens Mount Nikon F (FX) Nikon F (FX)
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 15-30mm 17-35mm
Image Stabilization Yes No
Colour Black Black
Zoom Method No Zoom Rotary (extending)
Power Zoom No -
Zoom Lock - No
Zoom Ratio 2.0X 2.1X
Aperture
Max Aperture F2.8 F2.8 - F4.0
Min Aperture F22.0 F22.0
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades 9 7
Optics
Optical Elements 18 14
Optical Groups 13 11
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.28m 0.3m
Max Magnification 0.2X unknown
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Ultrasonic Micromotor
Full Time Manual Yes
Focus Method Unknown Internal
Distance Scale Yes Yes
DoF Scale Unknown Yes
Distance Scale Yes Yes
Focus Distance Limiter Unknown Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 1100g 440g
Diameter 98mm 83mm
Length 145mm 87mm
Materials Unknown Unknown
Weather Sealing Unknown Unknown
Filter Thread Unknown 77mm
Filter Notes - -
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code Unknown Unknown
Tripod Collar No No
Optional Accessories - -
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