Most of the alphabet seems to feature at some point in the Tamron's full title, but these abbreviations promise plenty of features. SP signifies Super-Performance, based on three XR (Extra-Refractive) elements, an LD (Low-Dispersion) element and two Aspherical elements in its construction.
Street price : around £345
Read the full Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC LD Aspherical review
Image tests
Sharpness Test
Centre sharpness is good at all focal lengths, but edge sharpness drops dramatically at the widest focal length.
Fringing test
At 17mm towards the edge of the frame there's a mild sign of red and blue fringing. At all other focal lengths the influence isn't visible.
Distortion test
Barrel distortion is visible at 17mm and 24mm. Distortion is heavy at the widest focal length, but is good throughout the rest of the range.
Image test verdict
The Tamron lens shows good centre sharpness throughout the focal range. However, fringing and distortion is visible at 17mm.
Score: 4/5
