This past February I was lens shopping for a wide angle lens that performed well for ski and bike photos. Shooting these themes requires a fast lens that is reliably sharp and can stand up to the elements. I'm not normally one to let price determine my purchase decision but affordability is never a bad thing. After some research on the web I pulled the trigger on Tamron's SP 15-30mm f/2.8 VC USD. What follows are some of my shots over the past 6 weeks which help prove this lens can go toe to toe with the Canon and Nikon at half the price.
The 2.8 aperture is a key feature for anyone shooting in low light situations. What makes this Tamron lens so special is the additional image stabilization feature, something no other ultra-wide 2.8 lens has.
Focal length: 15mm Exposure: F/7.1 1/30sec
The image above was taken at Horseshoe Bend, on the Colorado River, near Page Arizona. It is one of the most photographed places in the country and a wide angle lens is required to capture the grand scale of the scene. On this given morning, the skies were overcast, making the light dark and moody. A dozen photographers line the cliff at the time, and all of them were restricted to using tripods for their shots. I on the other hand, was able to shoot sans tripod at 1/30sec, allowing me to get closer to the edge and compose with more freedom.
Most of the time I shoot at 1/1000sec or faster as the quick shutter speed is essential for freezing action of a skier. In order to create content for adventure companies the logo needs to be sharp. Take this shot of skier Sven Brunso-
Focal length: 16mm Exposure: F/101/1000sec
It would be easy to capture the bases of the Fischer skis by shooting this tighter but such a composition would eliminate the cool rock, snowy trees and dark blue skies encompassed by shooting it wide. The same can be said about this next shot, yet I include it for a separate feature found on the Tamron which I am a big fan of- Weather resistance!
Focal length: 17mm Exposure: F/101/1000sec
To get this shot I had to sit in a hole directly underneath the pillow Sven was airing off of. The result was a cascade of snow falling on me and my camera. When I emerged from the snow-cave, my lens had snow and water all over it, but thanks to the Fluorine coated front element cleaning it off was painless. Five minutes later I had completely forgotten about the soaked lens as Sven and I snagged this gem.
Focal length: 15mm Exposure: F/131/1000sec
This lens is badass! Im really excited to shoot bike stuff with it soon. But right now there is still great skiing out there so I expect I'll be taking it on some more winter adventures for the time being.