Thanks to the CP+ Camera & Photo Imaging Show 2016 that is taking place in Japan this week, we have a slew of exciting announcements from different camera manufacturers. Tamron was the first to make a big announcement last night, presenting two brand new lenses designed for full-frame cameras. The first one is a significant release, because it is world’s first image stabilized 85mm f/1.8 lens for full-frame DSLRs, the Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD. This is an important release, because Tamron is now upping its game like Sigma has done with its latest-generation lenses, allowing both lens firmware and AF fine tuning to be performed using an external USB dock.
I have been waiting for the day when an image-stabilized version of an 85mm is announced and I wondered who would do it first. Based on the past announcements, I was guessing that it would be either Tamron or Sigma. While I love 85mm lenses for their ability to create beautiful portraits, shooting at such long focal lengths in very low-light conditions has always been a challenge. Thanks to Tamron, we now have world’s first image stabilized 85mm f/1.8 lens, which will open up even more opportunities for portrait and wedding photographers. I really hope that the success of Tamron’s 85mm f/1.8 VC will trigger others to follow suit – I would love to see Sigma’s upcoming 85mm f/1.4 Art lens with image stabilization!
Let’s take a look at what the Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD looks like in detail. Aside from image stabilization, the Tamron 85mm f/1.8 packs quite a bit of lens technology and features to make it a very appealing lens. First, it has a fairly complex optical design with 13 elements in 9 groups, 2 of which are low dispersion lens elements (1 low dispersion and 1 extra low dispersion). In comparison, the Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G lens has 9 elements in 9 groups. Second, its design is optimized to yield very pleasing bokeh. Since the lens does not incorporate any aspherical elements, we can expect it to yield pleasing bokeh highlights, without any distinct signs of “onion bokeh”. In addition, the lens has a 9-blade diaphragm with rounded blades, so background highlights should look smooth even when stopped down. Third, the lens has an electromagnetic diaphragm, which means that there is no physical aperture lever on the back of the lens, as normally seen on many other lenses. With electromagnetic aperture control, we can expect the lens to yield more accurate results every time an image is captured. And lastly, the lens packs other important features such as nano coating, fluorine coating and weather sealing. In short, the lens packs all the great features one would need in a portrait lens. Despite its maximum aperture of f/1.8, the Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 VC does not seem to be a consumer or enthusiast-level offering – in many ways, this lens will be competing directly to its f/1.4 counterparts.
In terms of sharpness, we can expect the 85mm f/1.8 to yield excellent results wide open, as evidenced by the MTF chart below:
Looks like Tamron was able to make the lens both sharper and with higher levels of contrast than on the Nikon 85mm f/1.8G. Notice how close the sagittal and meridional lines are – this is an indication of exceptional bokeh performance. Check out my detailed article on reading MTF charts if you would like to understand the above chart better.
To see the detailed list of specifications, you can check out the Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD page in our lens database.
Official Press Release
Here is the official press release from Tamron:
February 22, 2016, Commack, New York – Tamron, a leading manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces the launch of the SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F016), the world’s first fast-aperture telephoto lens with VC (Vibration Compensation). Tamron’s acclaimed VC makes it possible to take handheld photographs in dim light or at night. The 85mm SP lens uses LD (Low Dispersion) and XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) glass elements in the optical design to minimize color fringing and to achieve sharp and clear image quality with high-fidelity color. It also achieves attractive bokeh that draws attention to the image foreground subject. In addition, Moisture-Resistant Construction has been added to prevent intrusion of moisture, and a highly durable Fluorine Coating has been applied to the top element surface to prevent condensation and repel smudge-causing substances. This new lens joins the 35mm F/1.8, 45mm F/1.8 and 90mm Macro in a lineup of SP series prime lenses that has been expanding since 2015. The lens will be on sale in the U.S. starting in April 2016 in Canon and Nikon mounts (the Sony mount to be launched at a later date). Pricing and delivery will be announced shortly.
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
1. The world’s first 85mm fast-aperture lens with image stabilization (*)Tamron’s VC image stabilization system enables handheld use in dim light without flash. Camera movement—often too minute to be perceptible to the photographer—is the leading cause of unpleasant photographs. In addition, newer DSLR cameras with higher resolution and higher pixel densities are even more susceptible to subtle camera shake. The VC System, Tamron’s time-proven Vibration Compensation, keeps the sharpness at hand, even in moody, dim light when shutter speeds tend to be longer.
(*) Among 85mm F/1.8 interchangeable lenses for full-frame DSLR cameras (as of February 21; Tamron).
2. Superior resolving power and attractive bokeh
Experienced optical design technique combined with LD and XLD lens elements have virtually eliminated on-axis and lateral chromatic aberrations that might otherwise appear as color fringing. In addition, by thoroughly reducing comatic aberrations (distortion of off-axis point source) and astigmatism, subjects that appear as a distinct point source will be captured as a distinct point source even at the edges and corners of the frame. Furthermore, optical simulations were thoroughly conducted, and the 85mm achieves natural bokeh— that dreamy, semi-focus blur that separates the portrait subject from the background with a snap.
3. Fluorine Coating and Moisture-Resistant Construction
Fluorine Coating technology developed for use in industrial optics applications has been adapted to photographic lenses. The water and oil repellant coating applied on the front element surface allows safe and easy removal of fingerprints, dirt and smudges. The coating also provides an enhanced level of durability, and will sustain its effectiveness for years. In addition, seals are located at the lens mount area and other critical locations to prevent infiltration of moisture and/or rain drops and provide Moisture-Resistant Construction. This feature provides an additional layer of protection when shooting outdoors under adverse weather conditions.
4. Sophisticated eBAND and BBAR coatings plus Advanced Anti-Reflection Technologies
Two highly developed lens coating technologies, eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency) which uses nanotechnology, and BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection), combine to increase light transmission and to reduce flare and ghosting to imperceptible levels. Additional techniques are employed to prevent reflections inside the lens barrel so that the 85mm lens delivers high contrast, sharp and clear images worthy of a fixed focal lens. This lens clearly captures detailed tones even in the shadows.
5. Electromagnetic diaphragm system now used also for Nikon-mount lens
An electromagnetic diaphragm system, which has been a standard feature for Canon-mount lenses, is now employed in Nikon-mount lenses. More precise diaphragm and aperture control is possible because the diaphragm blades are driven and controlled by a motor through electronic pulse signals.
6. USD actuator maximized for fast and accurate focusing
Fast, quiet AF is achieved by employing a USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) ring-type ultrasonic motor which enables remarkably precise focusing drive with high torque and responsiveness. Thanks to the absence of reduction gears in USD, there is no backlash and no unnecessary back-and-forth movement. The control software program for the USD actuator has been revised to provide substantially improved focusing speed and accuracy when using AF. In addition, Full-time Manual Focus override is available at any point during the autofocus operation for deliberately shifting focus without switching the AF-MF. Whether overriding the autofocus or focusing completely manually, the focusing ring turns smoothly and evenly.
7. Compatibility with TAMRON TAP-in ConsoleTM
Always as new as tomorrow: You can update firmware, customize autofocus positions and adjust the mechanical setup and preferences of the 85mm lens by simply attaching it to the TAMRON TAP-in Console and connecting it via USB to a personal computer. (The TAP-in Console is an optional accessory that will be released in March 24.)
8. Compatibility with Adobe and Silkypix software
Supplied with SILKYPIX Developer Studio 4.0, advanced editing software that features correction menus for various aberrations (lateral color, distortion, relative illumination) based on the optical design data of this specific lens. In addition, lens profile information has been supplied to Adobe Systems, Inc. to facilitate selecting the precise lens data required for more sophisticated adjustments in RAW processing when using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Shooting RAW image files enables creation of more stringent and high-fidelity image quality.
Design Concept
The superior technology inside the Tamron 85mm is matched by advanced external ergonomic features under a design philosophy called “Human Touch.” Improvements include altering the geometric shape and resistance of the AF/MF and VC switches to deliver comfort with secured operational feedback, and enlarging the distance scale window to maximize visibility and legibility. Even the font style has been newly developed to enhance legibility as part of the overall product design.
I guess my Panasonic 42.5mm f1.7 with power O.I.S. doesn’t exist.
Sam, if it were full-frame and 85mm, then it would be a different story :) Please keep in mind that the focal length of the lens does not change with sensor format. We have discussed this many times before, so I won’t go into details why.
I think you’ll find it is actually equivalent to an 85mm f3.4 rather than 1.8. If you multiply the lens length by 2, you also have to multiply the F number by 2.
Martin, a four-thirds 42.5 mm f/1.7 lens is indeed equivalent to a FX 85 mm f/3.4, in terms of both its angle of view and its absolute entrance pupil diameter.
World’s first? Somebody tell Zeiss…
Tom, I wondered about that when I saw it in the press release – isn’t 85mm Batis optically stabilized? I wonder if they mean world’s first for a DSLR?
Yup, the footprint says “Among 85mm F/1.8 interchangeable lenses for full-frame DSLR cameras (as of February 21; Tamron)”
Hopefully this practice of Tamrons doesn’t spiral out of control and enter Rockwellian territory (making every new product a “world’s first” by adding enough qualifiers) ;)
price is going to be way too high. 800-1000 bucks. ill wait for the sigma art that will break the market at $900
I don´t understand your comment. Please explain
I am excited about this lens! While the Nikon 85/1.8G that I own is excellent when stopped down to 3.2 or more, it has too much Longitudinal CA to be useful wide open with images having high contrast or strong highlights, especially near the plane of focus. I would rather have a stabilized 85/1.8 than an unstabilized 85/1.4. The lower weight compared to an F1.4 version would be a plus. Still, I will wait for Sigma before making a move. What I want most is a stabilized 100/2.0 1:2 macro. On the other hand, I will surely miss the super light weight of the Nikon 85/1.8G.
“The lower weight compared to an F1.4 version would be a plus.”
Not always in this case. This new Tamron 85/1.8 weighs more than the Nikon 85/1.4 and Rokinon 85/1.4 and just slightly less than the Sigma 85/1.4.
Lenses that deliver the best background bokeh are purposely designed to have under-corrected spherical aberration. Due to the physical properties of optical glass and plastics that are currently available, this inevitably results in spherochromatism: colloquially [but incorrectly] known as “LCA”, “LoCA”, and “longitudinal chromatic aberration”. Note: A lens that has zero spherical aberration still exhibits a non-zero level of axial [colloquial term: longitudinal] chromatic aberration.
If you require a lens that is maximally sharp at full aperture then don’t purchase any lens that is designed for producing pleasing portraits, such as the well renowned series of Nikkor 85 mm lenses. You’d be better off using a macro lens, which are optimised for sharpness at close working distances. Please read the articles on this website by Spencer Cox, whom produces astonishing images of a diverse range of subjects using the AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED (and other lenses).
Now the question is do I sell my Nikon 85mm 1.8g and buy the Tamron or is the Nikon 85mm 1.4 a better option. I wonder how many more years before Sigma releases an 85mm Art?
Wow, spec-wise, this lens looks awesome. I am sure it will deliver optically based on the MTF chart. Right now, I don’t know why you would purchae anything else.
Why purchase this lens instead of the Tamron 90mm macro lens with VC? You gain one stop light (but 1.8 in general is too narrow for portraiture anyway) but you lose macrofacilities as a bonus. I use the 90mm as my portrait lens and I can say it is razorsharp, focusses very fast and accurate (if limiter used) and the bokeh is fantastic. Before I used the Nikon 85mm 1.8 af-s lens but found the 90mm Tamron lens more usefull. To have extra macrofacilities turned out to be great. “Macro-lens”is just a name!
How narrow the depth of field is also depends on the subject distance. I love the look of f/2.0 from my nikon 85/1.8 when shooting 1/2 or 3/4 body portraits. For headshots when I’m closer in I agree that stopping down to f/4 or 5.6 gives the depth of field I’m looking for. But I would personally not want to limit the lens to f/2.8. And, as it is, I use a set of extension tubes on my 85/1.8 for almost all of my macro shots. With my extension tubes and a reversing ring I can shoot at greater than 1:1 magnification.
I’ll point out that the rendering is surely going to be different between the 2 lenses as well, but we can only guess what the differences will be until there are actual sample images out there to directly compare.
This Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD looks to be an excellent lens and I went to Tamron’s site and saw the sample images. I’m quite impressed by them. It’s sharp and it produces a very nice bokeh and it beat my Nikon 85 f/1.8 G for bokeh performance. That’s why I have another lens 135 DC f/2 for a creamy bokeh. But this Tamron has VC so you can shoot in a relatively low light situation. It will be an interesting show down between the Tamron 85 f/1.8 and the upcoming Sigma 85 f/1.4 Art.
Why do people keep saying “the upcoming Sigma 85 Art”? Isn’t this just a rumor still, or has Sigma actually said something or hinted at it? People have been saying that the 85 Art will be Sigma’s next Art series lens since the 35 Art came out several years ago. And now there is a 50, 24, and 20 too but still no 85.
An ultra-sharp 85mm lens for portrait?!
I really don’t care for another ‘more sharpness’-round when I am looking for a new portrait lens. I don’t want ultra-sharp faces but a nice overall rendering with a smooth transition and fine bokeh. I really have no idea why more sharpness should be usefull feature in this category and only producing more flat and clean images without any heart and soul.
But sharpness is much more easier to measure and better for publicity and so I am afraid of that on most websites the sharper lens will win.
I own all three new Tamrons since about several weeks now.
The 85mm is a fine lens for portraits and it exceeds my 85 f1.8 Nikkor.
First it does not suffer focus breathing like the Nikkor.
I was surprised to see that at 3 feet distance the frames were significantly larger than the Nikkor ones.
The VC does help to get sharper pictures on the D810 body.
Sharpness at f1.8 already is excellent up to the corners.
CAs are much lower than the Nikkor.
Bokeh, uh well, interestingly there is not so much difference @1.8 but when stopping down the Tamron pleases with a more smooth appearance of the background to my eye.
There is on teardrop though compared to the Nikkor, fully open the Tamron shows a more significant focus shift than the Nikkor towards front focus, interestingly though only on the D810 so not on the D800 as much.
But f1.8 is anyhow not what I am using at close ups due to the small DOF and at f2.2 the focus shift is gone.
Color rendition is much warmer than the Nikkor, it tends to a more yellow tint while the Nikkor emphasizes the magentas which is not really favorable for portraits as it pronounces blood vessels etc. Note I am using an calibrated EIZO for Post Processing.
The weight and size just balances perfectly on the D800 and D810 body for me.
Overall I am very pleased with the new Tamrons, though the price is not a bargain for a f1.8 lens