Tamron 24mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 Lens for Sony E-Mount

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88%

Overview

The Tamron 24mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 Lens for Sony E-Mount offers a versatile and compact wide-angle solution for Sony users. This lightweight lens is ideal for those looking to travel light without sacrificing image quality. With an F/2.8 aperture, it provides consistent performance even in low-light conditions, making it a solid choice for a variety of shooting scenarios. Additionally, this lens features macro capabilities, allowing users to capture detailed close-up shots with a 1:2 magnification ratio. Whether for landscapes or close-ups, this lens offers flexibility in a portable design.

Features & Benefits

This Tamron lens stands out for its high MTF performance, ensuring sharp, crisp images in both center and edge areas. Built with a moisture-resistant design, it performs well in challenging environments, providing extra durability for outdoor photographers. Weighing just 7.6 ounces, it offers excellent portability, making it a great option for those on the move. The compact size doesn’t compromise on performance, delivering impressive image quality despite its small form factor. It’s a well-rounded lens that can handle a variety of photography styles with ease.

Best For

The 24mm F/2.8 for Sony is best suited for travel photographers who need a portable and versatile lens for their Sony E-mount cameras. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, while its wide-angle and macro capabilities open up opportunities for capturing everything from scenic vistas to detailed close-ups. This lens is also perfect for street photographers and landscape creators who want a lightweight option without compromising on image quality. Its fast aperture and close focus range make it an all-around performer for those on the go.

User Feedback

Overall, users are impressed with the image sharpness and quality of this Tamron lens, especially considering its price point. The lightweight design is frequently mentioned as a major benefit, particularly for those who prioritize portability. However, some users have noted that the autofocus can be a bit slow, particularly in low-light conditions. Despite this, it remains a popular choice among those seeking a budget-friendly lens with good all-around performance. For most casual shooters, this lens delivers great results in various scenarios, though it might not be the best choice for fast-action subjects.

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight design makes it perfect for travel and everyday carry.
  • Close-focus macro capabilities provide sharp, detailed close-up shots.
  • F/2.8 aperture performs well in various lighting conditions, delivering balanced exposure.
  • Weighs only 7.6 oz, ensuring minimal strain during extended shooting sessions.
  • The moisture-resistant build is ideal for shooting in light rain or challenging environments.
  • The lens delivers high-quality sharpness and clarity, making it great for landscape and street photography.

Cons

  • Autofocus performance can be slow in low-light situations, affecting fast-paced photography.
  • Not ideal for true macro photography, as it lacks 1:1 magnification.
  • Build quality feels slightly lightweight, which might not appeal to users looking for a more premium feel.
  • Some users have reported occasional issues with focus accuracy in tricky lighting.
  • Lacks advanced features like optical stabilization, which may be missed by some users.
  • Not the best option for professional photographers who need faster autofocus or high-end specifications.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user feedback from multiple platforms and languages, we've gathered a comprehensive overview of the Tamron 24mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 Lens for Sony E-Mount. The ratings reflect authentic experiences from everyday users, filtered to exclude low-quality, incentivized, or irrelevant reviews. Both positive aspects and potential downsides are captured in the following categories, offering a balanced look at this lens's performance and value for various photographers worldwide.

Image Quality
89%
Many users are impressed with the sharpness and clarity this lens provides, especially for the price. The image quality is consistently crisp, with minimal distortion, even at the edges. This makes it an excellent choice for both amateur and professional photographers.
Some users feel that while the sharpness is good, the lens could benefit from better contrast in certain lighting conditions. There are occasional reports of color fringing when shooting high-contrast scenes.
Build Quality
86%
The lens is praised for its solid, yet lightweight build. Despite its compact size, it feels sturdy and well-made, ideal for daily use. The moisture-resistant design is another plus, providing extra durability in unpredictable weather conditions.
A few users have noted that the lens feels a bit plasticky compared to higher-end models, and the build quality doesn't always meet expectations for more demanding environments. The focus ring can feel somewhat loose at times.
Portability
95%
The lens is extremely lightweight, making it perfect for travel and street photography. At only 7.6 oz, it fits comfortably into a camera bag without adding significant bulk, making it ideal for long days of shooting on the go.
While the light weight is a positive for portability, some users feel that the tradeoff in size results in less tactile control compared to heavier, more substantial lenses. This might not suit those who prefer a more premium, balanced feel in their gear.
Autofocus Speed
71%
29%
The autofocus is fairly quick under normal lighting conditions, making it suitable for casual shooting. It performs well in typical photography scenarios, offering a smooth transition between subjects.
In low light or high-contrast environments, the autofocus tends to struggle. Some users mention that it can be sluggish and may hunt for focus, making it less reliable in more challenging situations.
Low Light Performance
83%
This lens performs reasonably well in low light thanks to its F/2.8 aperture, providing good results for indoor or dimly lit environments. It's a solid performer for shooting in the evening or under soft lighting.
However, in very low light conditions, it may still produce noticeable noise or softness in the image. Some users have mentioned that the lens could benefit from a larger aperture or improved noise reduction in darker settings.
Macro Capability
88%
The 1:2 magnification ratio is a standout feature, allowing users to capture detailed close-ups with impressive clarity. It's a great option for those who enjoy shooting small subjects like flowers or intricate textures without needing a dedicated macro lens.
Though the macro performance is commendable for the price, it may not satisfy professionals who demand true 1:1 macro capabilities. Some users report that the lens struggles with extreme close-up shots, leading to a slight loss of detail.
Value for Money
92%
This lens offers great value for its price, delivering high-quality images and versatile performance at a fraction of the cost of other lenses in the same category. Users frequently highlight its affordability and excellent bang for the buck.
While it offers fantastic value, some buyers feel that it may not fully compete with higher-end lenses when it comes to premium features like faster autofocus or superior image stabilization. A few have suggested that it’s a great budget option, but not a top-tier performer.
Weather Resistance
85%
The moisture-resistant design is a major selling point for users who frequently shoot outdoors or in less-than-ideal weather. It's a reliable option for photographers who want a lens that can withstand the elements.
Although the weather resistance is an excellent feature, a few users feel it isn't as robust as more expensive, weather-sealed lenses. In extremely wet conditions, there are occasional concerns about long-term durability.
Ease of Use
90%
The Tamron lens is easy to use and quick to set up, making it ideal for photographers who want a no-fuss experience. The intuitive design, along with smooth manual focus adjustments, makes it accessible for beginners.
Some users point out that while it's user-friendly, the focus ring could be slightly stiffer, making manual focus adjustments a bit more challenging for some. Also, the lack of an image stabilization system can make handheld shooting a little tricky at slower shutter speeds.
Compatibility with Sony E-mount
94%
This lens is perfectly optimized for Sony E-mount cameras, ensuring excellent compatibility and seamless performance. It's particularly well-suited for both full-frame and APS-C models, providing excellent image quality across the board.
A few users mention that the lens might not perform as well with third-party adapters or older Sony bodies. While it's designed for Sony cameras, those with non-Sony systems or adapters may not experience the same level of performance.
Size & Weight
97%
The compact and lightweight design is a standout feature for those looking to keep their gear setup minimal and portable. It’s an excellent option for photographers who want a versatile lens without the added bulk.
While the size is great for portability, some users feel that it sacrifices certain premium features, like a more tactile build or higher-end optical quality. The small size can also make handling a bit more challenging for those used to larger, more substantial lenses.
Durability
82%
18%
The lens's build quality and moisture resistance ensure that it's durable enough for everyday shooting, particularly in urban and natural environments. It holds up well against minor bumps and scrapes.
However, a few buyers note that the lens doesn’t feel as robust as higher-end options. The plastic construction may not be able to withstand heavy impacts or harsh conditions as well as more premium alternatives.

Suitable for:

The Tamron 24mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 Lens for Sony E-Mount is a great choice for travel photographers and those seeking a compact, versatile lens. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry for long days of shooting, and its close-focus macro capabilities allow for detailed close-ups without switching lenses. This lens is also ideal for Sony users with both full-frame and APS-C cameras, offering excellent image quality for landscapes, street photography, and everyday photography needs. Beginners and hobbyists will appreciate the affordable price point, providing high-quality results without breaking the bank. Those who value portability and flexibility will find this lens particularly appealing for on-the-go shoots.

Not suitable for:

This lens may not be the best option for professionals or those who require extremely fast autofocus in low-light environments. Some users have mentioned that the autofocus can be slower in dim conditions, which could be problematic for fast-moving subjects or nighttime photography. Additionally, while it excels in many areas, it may not meet the demands of serious macro photographers who need true 1:1 magnification. The lens's plastic construction and lack of premium features may also deter those who prefer more robust, high-end lenses for heavy-duty use or extreme weather conditions.

Specifications

  • Focal Length: This lens has a focal length of 24mm, providing a versatile wide-angle view ideal for landscapes and street photography.
  • Aperture: The lens features a maximum aperture of F/2.8, offering good performance in both bright and low-light conditions.
  • Lens Type: It is a standard wide-angle lens, suitable for general photography and videography applications.
  • Mount Compatibility: This lens is designed for Sony E-mount cameras, including both full-frame and APS-C sensor models.
  • Macro Capability: The lens supports close-focus macro photography with a 1:2 magnification ratio, ideal for capturing detailed close-up shots.
  • Weight: The lens weighs only 7.6 oz, making it lightweight and easy to carry during extended shoots or travel.
  • Dimensions: It measures 2.5 x 2.87 x 2.87 inches, contributing to its compact design that fits easily into camera bags.
  • Moisture Resistance: The lens features moisture-resistant construction, offering added durability when shooting in challenging weather conditions.
  • MTF Performance: With high MTF performance, this lens delivers sharp, high-quality images with minimal distortion across the frame.
  • Ideal Sensor Compatibility: This lens is compatible with both Sony full-frame and APS-C sensor cameras, providing flexibility for a wide range of shooters.
  • Autofocus: It has a precise autofocus system, although some users report slower autofocus performance in low-light conditions.
  • Construction Material: The lens construction combines lightweight materials to keep the weight low while maintaining structural integrity and durability.
  • Release Date: The lens was launched on October 24, 2019, offering a modern design with features tailored to current Sony E-mount cameras.
  • Close Focus Distance: The minimum focus distance is 0.13 meters (5 inches), allowing for detailed close-up photography.
  • Build Quality: The lens is designed to be compact and portable without sacrificing image quality, though it is not as robust as high-end lenses.
  • Price Range: It is considered an affordable lens, offering solid performance at a price point lower than premium alternatives.

FAQ

This lens offers a compact, lightweight design, ideal for Sony E-mount cameras. It features a versatile F/2.8 aperture, ensuring balanced performance in both bright and low-light conditions. Additionally, it has close-focus macro capabilities with a 1:2 magnification ratio, making it great for capturing detailed close-up shots.

Yes, the lens is compatible with both Sony Full Frame and APS-C E-mount cameras, offering excellent performance across a variety of Sony mirrorless models.

The F/2.8 aperture provides a good balance between light gathering and depth of field control, making it suitable for low-light situations without sacrificing image quality. It's ideal for general use in both daytime and indoor settings, as well as for achieving background blur in portraits.

While the F/2.8 aperture is relatively fast and handles low light fairly well, some users report that autofocus performance can be slower in very dim conditions. However, image quality remains sharp and clear in typical low-light environments like evening or indoor photography.

While this lens offers a 1:2 magnification ratio for close-focus macro shots, it is not a true macro lens with a 1:1 ratio. It works well for detailed close-up photography but may not provide the extreme magnification that true macro lenses offer.

This lens is moisture-resistant, making it durable enough for light rain or challenging outdoor environments. However, it's not fully weather-sealed, so it may not hold up well under heavy or continuous exposure to extreme weather conditions.

Yes, this lens is ideal for travel photographers due to its compact size (weighing only 7.6 oz) and versatile focal length. It’s easy to carry around all day and performs well for both wide-angle shots and close-up details, making it a great travel companion.

Users consistently praise the sharpness and clarity of this lens, especially considering its affordable price. The high MTF performance ensures that images are crisp and well-defined across most shooting conditions, making it an excellent choice for landscape, street, and general photography.

Some users have noted that the autofocus can be slower in low-light conditions, which could be a concern for fast-paced shooting or certain types of photography, such as events or action shots. Additionally, while it’s lightweight, some users feel that its build quality is not as premium as higher-end lenses.

The Tamron 24mm F/2.8 stands out for its excellent image quality, compact design, and affordable price. It offers a solid balance of features, such as its close-focus capability and light weight, but may not match more expensive lenses in terms of autofocus speed and build quality. Still, it's a great value for photographers looking for a versatile, budget-friendly option.