Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD vs Nikon 50mm f/1.8G
Let’s see how the Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD compares to the popular Nikon 50mm f/1.8G in terms of sharpness:
As you can see, the Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD is a significantly sharper lens than the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G at large apertures, showing much better center, mid-frame, and corner resolution from f/1.8 to f/2.8. However, once stopped down to f/4, the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G shows better center sharpness, which sadly happens at the expense of corner sharpness (thanks to its field curvature). The Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD might not have the same resolving power, but it is more consistent across its frame, so it would be a preferred choice overall.
At the same time, the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G is much better in terms of its LoCA performance. So if you compare images of subjects against bright backgrounds, or areas of focus transition, the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G is going to yield more natural results, with minimal green/purple fringing issues to worry about.
Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD vs Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
What about the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art? Let’s take a look:
At 815 grams, the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 is a monster of a lens, and it really shows here. The lens is insanely sharp at f/1.4 and stopped down to f/1.8 it is already sharper than any aperture of the Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8, which is pretty remarkable. At f/2.8, the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art can easily out-resolve a 45 MP sensor, something the Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 struggles with.
The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art also has better LoCA control, which makes it a much better lens optically. At the same time, the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art does not have optical image stabilization, which is its weakness. So if you are trying to decide between these two lenses, the biggest deciding factors for you will be the weight / size, as well as the need for image stabilization. If you don’t care about these, the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art will be a better choice.
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