Tamron announces compact and lightweight wide-angle zoom

If you're looking for a small and lightweight wide-angle zoom lens for your full-frame camera, Tamron's new 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di OSD could be the answer.

While Tamron also produces a large and fast SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD, this new lens is a much more compact alternative, measuring just 90mm (3.5 inches) and tipping the scales at 460g (16.2oz). It doesn't quite offer the same constant f/2.8 maximum aperture as its larger sibling, but it does a respectable variable maximum aperture of f/2.8-4.

Tamron's new wide-angle zoom is both small and lightweightic aberrations that can occur with ultra-wide-angle zoom lenses. There are also two GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) lenses to control distortion.

Circular aperture

The 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di OSD features an autofocus drive system that employs an OSD (Optimized Silent Drive) motor for quiet operation, while the seven-blade aperture diaphragm is designed to create a circular aperture that should produce smooth bokeh.

The Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di OSD also has a Moisture-Resistant Construction with seals located at the lens mount area and other critical locations. There's also a Fluorine coating on the front element that has excellent water- and oil-repellant qualities, while the coating is also easier to wipe clean.

The Tamron 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di OSD will be available in Nikon mount on September 4, with a suggested retail price of $599 (UK and Australian pricing is still to be confirmed). The launch of the Canon mount model will be announced at a later date.