Tamron 28mm f/2.5 BBAR MC Adaptall 2. If you’re looking to purchase this lens I always check Adorama and Ebay for good deals. It helps me if you purchase it through one of these links here in this review. When you purchase through these links it financially enables me to devote time to develop this site further. Thanks for the help! -Todd

Barrel
Metal.

Weight
8.9 oz (251g)

Focus Ring
Rubber on Metal.

Close Focus
10 inches (0.25 meters).

Filter Threads
49mm, Metal.

Aperture Ring
Metal.

Diaphragm
5 blades stopping down to f/32.

Mount
Adaptall 2 Metal Mount.

Made in
Japan

 

 

Sharpness
f/2.5: Only a little bit soft with some chromatic aberration, spherical aberration and some coma which reduces contrast.
f/2.8: Really sharpens up nicely and only a little soft with some coma and a small amount of spherical aberration but better contrast.
f/3.5: Sharp with good contrast.
f/4: Just gets sharper.
f/8: Continues to get sharper.

Vignetting
Quite a bit of vignetting at f/2.8 clearing off around f/4 and gone by f/8.

Distortion

A fair bit of Barrel Distortion which is typical for a 28mm.

Recommendations
On MF Camera
Optics:         ★ ★ ★ ★
Mechanics:  ★ ★ ★ ★
Ergonomics: ★ ★ ★ ★
Usefulness:  ★ ★ ★
Availability:   ★ ★ ★
Overall:         ★ ★ ★ ★

On AF Camera
Ergonomics: ★ ★ ★
Overall:         ★ ★ ★
Out of 5

This is a great lens and is a little faster then a typical 28mm f/2.8 lens. Being a f/2.5 allows the lens to nicely sharpened up by f/2.8. Optically this lens is a steal of a deal and performs very well stopped down just a touch.

The lens is a pretty small lens for a f/2.5 and is simple to use and feels pretty good. Mechanically and Cosmetically the lens is a little odd because it has a front plate that sits level to the filter ring, so it can be tricky putting on and taking lens caps and filters off. Also that front plate is only about 1mm thick and easily gets beat up and dented with the lightest knocks which makes the lens look trashed. The grip is also very slim and set deeper in the lens so your hand will sometimes grip the barrel at the same time which can get a little annoying. However these are really only cosmetic complaints and has nothing to do with image quality.

Want a fantastic, fast, sharp, and small lens? Then this lens is worth looking for and they are very cheap these days!

 

Did this review help?
My hopes are to take the time to continue developing this website with more test photo based reviews. If you are ever interested in purchasing this lens or other photography equipment please do so through these links here in this review. I always check Adorama and Ebay for good deals. This helps support my family and allows me to take more time for the site. The best part is this site is free for you and I link good deals I find!

Sometimes these links will actually give you better deals then typical retail prices! I personally buy from the links I have listed whether looking for new gear or fun old stuff. I can personally attest to their good & safe service from years of experience. Thanks again to you, our readers, for supporting us! -Todd