Tamron SP F045
A bright f/1.4 maximum aperture and a 14-element optical design with four low-dispersion and three aspherical elements deliver high contrast and sharpness, while weather sealing and fluorine coating protect against dust and moisture. Its USD autofocus motor ensures quick, quiet performance, and the 9-blade diaphragm produces smooth bokeh for portrait and event work. Best for street and event photographers who need reliable low-light performance with minimal chromatic aberration.
Acerca de este Lens
About Tamron SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD PRO REVIEW by Marcie Reif, Lifestyle and Street Photographer "This lens definitely lives up to its reputation for the best 35mm on the market. It’s tack-sharp and so quick. I use it for everything from portraiture to landscape photography. It is the ultimate prime lens to own." Tamron SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD Lens (Canon EF & Nikon) Tamron commemorates the 40th anniversary of its SP series with the new SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD Lens for both Canon EF and Nikon F-mount cameras. The New Tamron SP 35mm lens features the proprietary USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) motor for fast, quiet, and precise autofocusing. The USD also has a Full-Time Manual Focus override system which lets the user have manual focus control without switching to a dedicated MF mode in their camera. The lens is coated with the new Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2 (or BBAR-G2), which reduces ghosting and flare while letting you achieve better levels of contrast. It also has a fast f/1.4 maximum aperture that allows for shooting under low-light conditions, while enabling exceptional control over depth of field which is needed for yielding crisp images. The lens comes equipped with a dynamic Rolling-cam mechanism, developed exclusively for this lens. This ensures that the AF system works reliably, especially when shooting under harsh weather conditions. Create crisp photos and stunning bokeh with Tamron’s SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD Lens. For photography enthusiasts and professionals alike, the Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD Lens for Nikon F stands as a pinnacle of Tamron's optical engineering and a testament to four decades of innovation. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the SP series, the Model F045 is a prime example of Tamron's dedication to high-caliber imaging performance. This prime lens, often regarded as a fundamental tool for any serious photographer, is a showcase of Tamron's most advanced optical technologies and manufacturing expertise.Crafted to deliver unparalleled high-resolution image quality, the Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD Lens captures every scene with exceptional clarity and detail. Its ability to render beautiful, smooth background bokeh enhances its versatility, allowing photographers to create striking portraits with a shallow depth of field or to isolate subjects in street photography with precision.The robust construction of the external lens barrel reflects Tamron's commitment to operability and durability. Designed with the photographer's needs in mind, this lens promises a tactile and responsive experience, ensuring that every adjustment is intuitive and every moment is captured with ease.Equipped with a bright f/1.4 aperture, the lens excels in various lighting conditions, from the golden hour of landscape photography to the dynamic lighting of sports and photojournalism. The high-speed, high-precision autofocus (AF) system ensures reliable and swift focusing, essential for capturing fleeting moments in crisp detail.This lens is not just about technical excellence; it's about the joy of photography. Whether you're shooting wedding groups, family snapshots, or embarking on a visual journey through urban landscapes, the Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD Lens for Nikon F is a versatile companion that delivers professional-grade results across a multitude of photographic genres.In summary, the Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD Lens for Nikon F is a high-quality, professional, reliable, durable, and versatile lens that offers exceptional image quality and performance at an affordable price. It is the perfect everyday lens for photographers who demand the best in optical precision and creative flexibility.Tamron SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD FeaturesConsummate image quality across the entire frame from edge-to-edge including four LD (Low Dispersion) and three GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) lens elementsEven at its maximum aperture of F/1.4, high resolution performance is achieved from the center of the frame to the edges, providing superior aberration correction to maintain perfect fidelity of point shapes resulting in ultimate ultra-high image qualityNext-generation BBAR-G2 CoatingExceptionally reliable, fast and accurate AFBreakthrough Dynamic Rolling-cam mechanism minimizes the drive load placed on the focus lens component and ensures stable AF operating performance and improves reliability even under the harsh* shooting conditions of professional use, including high and low temperature extremesMoisture-Resistant ConstructionVastly improved highly durable Fluorine CoatingLocking lens hood for precise positioning* Compatible with TAMRON TAP-in ConsoleWarranty InformationThis product has a limited warranty of 72 months.https://tamron-americas.com/warranty-registration/800-827-8880Join VIP PROEarn 2X Points + Exclusive Perks!Request a CallbackChat one-on-one with an expertSell or Trade your GearGet started in 3 easy stepsKey FeaturesCapture stunning detail with this Tamron 35mm lens, perfect for landscapes and portraits.Experience exceptional sharpness with f/1.4 aperture, ideal for low-light photography.Achieve beautiful bokeh with the 9-blade circular diaphragm of this prime lens.Enjoy fast, accurate autofocus with the USD motor, ensuring crisp, clear images.Durable, moisture-resistant construction protects your wide angle lens in tough conditions.Enhance your Nikon F-mount camera with this high-quality Tamron SP series lens today.What's in the box:Tamron SP 35mm F/1.4 Di USD LensFront Lens CapRear Lens CapTamron 6 Year Limited Warranty
- Capture stunning detail with this Tamron 35mm lens, perfect for landscapes and portraits.
- Experience exceptional sharpness with f/1.4 aperture, ideal for low-light photography.
- Achieve beautiful bokeh with the 9-blade circular diaphragm of this prime lens.
- Enjoy fast, accurate autofocus with the USD motor, ensuring crisp, clear images.
- Durable, moisture-resistant construction protects your wide angle lens in tough conditions.
- Enhance your Nikon F-mount camera with this high-quality Tamron SP series lens today.
The 30-Second Version
Optically, this lens is in the 91st percentile—one of the sharpest 35mm lenses we've tested. The f/1.4 aperture buys you gorgeous low-light shots and dreamy subject separation, all at a price that can dip to $699. The catch? It's heavy, unstabilized, and can be finicky on FTZ adapters.
Overview
We dropped the Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD into our database, and optically it's a knockout, landing in the 91st percentile. That puts it among the sharpest lenses we've tested, delivering crisp images even wide open at f/1.4. But that glass comes at a cost: 805 grams, no stabilization, and a build quality that's just middle-of-the-pack. Owners are smitten, though, with 94% giving it five stars and many calling it the best 35mm they've owned. It's a lens that rewards careful shooters who value resolution above all else.
The trade-off becomes clear when you mount it on a mirrorless body via an adapter. While the optical magic survives the transition, the lens gets bulky and AF can get finicky with Nikon's FTZ. For DSLR users, it's a straightforward champ. If you're on Z-mount, you'll need to accept a few hiccups for that stellar image quality. And at $699 on the low end, that's a deal that's hard to ignore.
Performance
Inside the barrel, 14 elements in 10 groups, including 3 aspherical and 4 ED elements, keep CA and distortion impressively low. In our optical testing, it landed in the 91st percentile, making it one of the absolute sharpest lenses we've ever tested. Even at f/1.4, detail is excellent, and stopping down just a touch turns it into a resolution monster that high-MP sensors love. Ghosting and flare are well-controlled thanks to the BBAR-G2 coating. The AF, driven by a USD motor, is quick and quiet, but our AF benchmarks only place it in the 54th percentile—so it's solid, not class-leading. You won't miss shots, but sports shooters might want something snappier.
Bokeh from the 9-blade diaphragm is smooth and pleasant, though our analysis puts it in the 34th percentile—good, but not what you'd call butter-smooth compared to some f/1.2 primes. The lack of stabilization (34th percentile) means you'll rely on camera IBIS, and at 805g, this isn't a lens you'll carry all day without feeling it. Still, the image quality it delivers makes those trade-offs feel minor to many.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Tack-sharp optics (91st percentile) 91th
- Bright f/1.4 aperture excels in low light 90th
- Excellent resistance to flare and ghosting with BBAR-G2 coating 90th
- Weather-sealed construction for tough conditions
- Fast and near-silent USD autofocus
Cons
- No image stabilization (34th percentile) 32th
- Heavy build at 805g limits portability 34th
- Mediocre macro capability (0.2x magnification) 35th
- Chromatic aberration visible at f/1.4
- Mixed compatibility with Nikon FTZ adapter
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 35 |
| Focal Length Max | 35 |
| Elements | 14 |
| Groups | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 |
| ED Elements | 4 |
| Coating | Highly durable Fluorine Coating |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | 16 |
| Min Aperture | 1.4 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
Build
| Mount | Nikon F |
| Format | full-frame |
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 0.8 kg / 1.8 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 72 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | USD |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 300 |
| Max Magnification | 0.2x |
Value & Pricing
At $699 to $1059, you're getting benchmark-topping sharpness for a fraction of what similar native glass costs. The optical performance sits in the 91st percentile, and that low-end price is an absolute steal. Even at the higher end, it undercuts many first-party f/1.4 primes by a few hundred dollars. Shopping around can save you up to $360, so keep an eye on that spread.
vs Competition
Compared to the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM, the Tamron gives up zoom versatility and stabilization but absolutely destroys it in sharpness and light-gathering ability. The Nikon Z 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR is a travel lens that can't touch the Tamron's resolution or f/1.4 aperture, but it's lighter and stabilized for handheld video. Among dedicated 35mm primes, this Tamron stands at the top; the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 (an APS-C lens) isn't even in the same ballpark. If you want the absolute best optical performance in a 35mm, this is the one to beat.
| Spec | Tamron SP F045 | Sigma Sports 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS | Meike Neo Series MK-5514STM-Z | Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S | Panasonic LUMIX S S-R28200 | Viltrox AF 35mm f1.7 Z |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 35mm | 70-200mm | 55mm | 14-24mm | 28-200mm | 35mm |
| Max Aperture | 16 | 2.8 | f/1.4 | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/1.7 |
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E | Nikon Z | Nikon Z | L-Mount | Nikon Z |
| Stabilization | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | true | true | false | true | true | true |
| Weight (g) | 805 | 176 | 280 | 649 | 413 | 180 |
| AF Type | USD | HLA | STM | stepping motor | Autofocus | STM |
| Lens Type | prime | telephoto | prime | wide-angle | macro | prime |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Af | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | User Sentiment | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamron SP F045 | 53.3 | 39 | 45.5 | 32.4 | 90.1 | 42.7 | 91.3 | 34 | 89.9 | 34.5 |
| Sigma Sports 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Compare | 53.3 | 87.2 | 93.2 | 46.2 | 99.7 | 79.1 | 62.7 | 79.6 | 89.9 | 99.9 |
| Meike Neo Series MK-5514STM-Z Compare | 85.5 | 94.9 | 72.8 | 94.6 | 49.7 | 94.8 | 79.9 | 34 | 89.9 | 79.7 |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S Compare | 85.5 | 81.2 | 55.5 | 97.6 | 82.5 | 79.1 | 0 | 69.2 | 89.9 | 79.7 |
| Panasonic LUMIX S S-R28200 Compare | 53.3 | 71.9 | 73.7 | 87.8 | 91.2 | 65.6 | 0 | 95.9 | 89.9 | 99.5 |
| Viltrox AF 35mm f1.7 Z Compare | 85.5 | 92.7 | 92.8 | 72 | 63.1 | 91.8 | 62.7 | 34 | 89.9 | 79.7 |
Common Questions
Q: Is this lens compatible with Nikon Z cameras?
Officially, Tamron states it's not fully compatible with the FTZ adapter. In practice, many users report it works after firmware updates, but AF may be inconsistent—our AF testing showed a 54th percentile rank, so it's not the snappiest. We'd suggest testing before committing, or consider native Z lenses for guaranteed performance.
Q: How is the bokeh?
With a 9-blade diaphragm and f/1.4, the bokeh is smooth and pleasing, though our optical analysis ranks it in the 34th percentile—good, but not best-in-class. It renders out-of-focus backgrounds beautifully for portraits, just don't expect the super creamy look of an f/1.2 prime.
Q: Does it have image stabilization?
No, this lens lacks optical stabilization, sitting at the 34th percentile in our database. You'll need a camera body with IBIS or a steady hand. The f/1.4 aperture helps keep shutter speeds up in low light, but for video or very slow shots, a tripod is your friend.
Who Should Skip This
If you're on a Nikon Z body and rely on the FTZ adapter, the compatibility headaches might not be worth it. Travel photographers and videographers will find the 805g weight and lack of stabilization frustrating, especially when lighter, stabilized zooms exist. And if close-up work is your thing, the 0.2x max magnification (32nd percentile) is underwhelming—this isn't a macro lens.
Verdict
For image quality purists, this Tamron is a no-brainer. It delivers elite sharpness and beautiful rendering that match lenses costing twice as much. DSLR shooters will love it without caveats. Mirrorless users on Nikon Z need to weigh the FTZ quirks, but if you can live with occasional AF hiccups and the extra bulk, the images are worth it. It's not the ideal travel lens, but for portraits, landscapes, and low-light work, it's a keeper.
