Scored using Camera lenses Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Camera lenses Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
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Tamron SP 45mm F1 8 Di VC USD Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price:~£270Lens mount:Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony AMaximum focal length:45 mmMaximum aperture (telephoto end):1.8Optical image stabilization:yesMaximum angle of view:?

Tamron SP 45mm F1 8 Di VC USD Review: Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Camera lenses category and whether it is worth buying.

8.2

Overall score

Score
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

80%

8.1

Technical score

20%

8.5

User score

★Better than 98% of camera-lenses
8.1

Technical score

Technical score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

35%

9.1

Optics & Aperture

24%

9.2

Build & Handling

20%

6.7

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

7.3

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

★Better than 99% of camera-lenses
8.5

User score

User score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

8.2

Number of reviews

Based on 710 buyer reviews from online shops.
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–²Better than 56% of camera-lenses
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Technical Specifications of camera lens Tamron SP 45mm F1 8 Di VC USD

Technical score
Technical score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

35%

9.1

Optics & Aperture

24%

9.2

Build & Handling

20%

6.7

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

7.3

Stabilization

3%

1.0

Mount & Format

8.1
User score
User score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

8.2

Number of reviews

Based on 710 buyer reviews from online shops.
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
8.5
Popularity
Popularity
8.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Popularity:
Tamron SP 45mm F1 8 Di VC USD has a popularity score of 8.2 points, which is higher than 63.8% of camera lenses.
8.2
Value for money
Value for money
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

60%

8.2

Overall score

40%

9.1

Price

8.5
Lens type
prime
Lens mount
Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A
Sensor format coverage
Full-frame
Filter thread size
67 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
no
Teleconverter compatibility
no
This camera lens does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Show more
Minimum focal length
45 mm
Maximum focal length
45 mm
Optical zoom
N/A
Maximum angle of view
?
Minimum angle of view
51.4 °
Show more
Focus motor
USD
Minimum focus distance
0.29 m
Minimum focus distance
0.29 m
This camera lens focuses as close as 0.29 m, which is closer than 56.3% of camera lenses and equal to 0.7% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.294xx
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.294x
This camera lens reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.294x, which is higher than 80.3% of camera lenses and equal to 1.1% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
yes
Full-time manual focus
yes
This camera lens supports full-time manual focus. 68.3% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Internal focusing
yes
Internal focusing
yes
This camera lens supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
yes
Optical image stabilization
yes
This camera lens supports optical image stabilization. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
3.5 stops
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
3.5 stops
This camera lens offers 3.5 stops of stabilization, which is weaker than 79.1% of camera lenses and equal to 8.4% of camera lenses.
Weight
540 g
Weight
540 g
This camera lens weighs 540 g, which is heavier than 53.6% of camera lenses and equal to the weight of 0.6% of camera lenses.
Lens length
91.7 mm
Lens length
91.7 mm
This camera lens is 91.7 mm long, which is shorter than 51% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.1% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
80.4 mm
Lens diameter
80.4 mm
This camera lens has a diameter of 80.4 mm, which is wider than 59.3% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.3% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
yes
Weather sealing (splashproof)
yes
This camera lens supports weather sealing. 50.2% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
yes
Metal mount
yes
This camera lens uses a metal lens mount. 93.6% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
Show more
DxOMark overall score
?
DxOMark sharpness score
?
DxOMark transmission
?
DxOMark distortion
?
DxOMark vignetting
?
Show more

Tamron SP 45mm F1 8 Di VC USD vs the average camera lens

246810TotalMount & FormatOptics & ApertureFocus & ControlsStabilizationBuild & HandlingLab Scores
  • Has optical image stabilization
    Optical image stabilization
    yes
    This camera lens has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
  • 1 lower f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    1.8
    This camera lens has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.8 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    1.8 vs 2.8
  • Has fluorine coating
    Fluorine coating
    yes
    This camera lens has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 32.6% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • 0.1 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.294 x
    This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.294 x vs 0.192 x
  • 23% better value for money
    Tamron SP 45mm F1 8 Di VC USD has a better value-for-money score than the average camera lens (8.47 vs 6.9).
    8.47 vs 6.89
  • 96.3% cheaper
    Tamron SP 45mm F1 8 Di VC USD is cheaper than the average camera lens (£270 vs £530).
    £270 vs £530
  • 23% better value for money
    Tamron SP 45mm F1 8 Di VC USD has a better value-for-money score than the average camera lens (8.47 vs 6.9).
    8.47 vs 6.89
  • 96.3% cheaper
    Tamron SP 45mm F1 8 Di VC USD is cheaper than the average camera lens (£270 vs £530).
    £270 vs £530
  • 1 lower f-number at telephoto end
    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
    1.8
    This camera lens has a brighter maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/1.8 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    1.8 vs 2.8
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • 0.1 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.294 x
    This camera lens has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.294 x vs 0.192 x
  • Has optical image stabilization
    Optical image stabilization
    yes
    This camera lens has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
  • Has fluorine coating
    Fluorine coating
    yes
    This camera lens has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 32.6% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
  • 0.5 stops weaker stabilization
    Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
    3.5 stops
    This camera lens has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (3.5 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
    3.5 stops vs 4 stops
  • 1 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    1
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    1 vs 2
  • 3.4 mm wider lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    80.4 mm
    This camera lens is wider than the average camera lens (80.4 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    80.4 mm vs 77 mm
  • 30 g heavier
    Weight
    540 g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (540 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    540 g vs 510 g
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2015
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    September 2015
    2015 vs 2016
  • 1 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    1
    This camera lens has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    1 vs 2
  • 0.5 stops weaker stabilization
    Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
    3.5 stops
    This camera lens has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (3.5 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
    3.5 stops vs 4 stops
  • 3.4 mm wider lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    80.4 mm
    This camera lens is wider than the average camera lens (80.4 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    80.4 mm vs 77 mm
  • 30 g heavier
    Weight
    540 g
    This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (540 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    540 g vs 510 g
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2015
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    September 2015
    2015 vs 2016

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

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ephotozine.com
17/09/2015
Summary of the review
D
dustinabbott.net
02/10/2015
Summary of the review
L
lenstip.com
13/10/2015
Summary of the review
T
trustedreviews.com
21/11/2015
Summary of the review
C
cameralabs.com
23/11/2015
Summary of the review
D
dxomark.com
06/01/2016
Summary of the review
M
myclickmagazine.com
14/07/2016
Summary of the review
C
contrastly.com
23/08/2016
Summary of the review
D
digitalcameraworld.com
30/07/2019
Summary of the review
P
photographylife.com
26/01/2024
Summary of the review
D
dxomark.com
21/12/2015
Summary of the review
A
amateurphotographer.com
21/11/2015
Summary of the review
I
improvephotography.com
29/09/2015
Summary of the review
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the-digital-picture.com
02/11/2015
Summary of the review
D
digitalkamera.de
29/01/2016
Summary of the review
F
fotowissen.eu
10/01/2018
Summary of the review
D
d-pixx.de
04/10/2015
Summary of the review
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krolop-gerst.com
02/09/2015
Summary of the review
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lesnumeriques.com
05/01/2016
Summary of the review
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phototrend.fr
14/06/2016
Summary of the review
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01net.com
27/04/2016
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cachem.fr
29/02/2016
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D
diisign.com
10/05/2016
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nikonpassion.com
02/09/2015
Summary of the review
D
dxomark.fr
2015/2016
Summary of the review
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photo-review.com
16/08/2016
Summary of the review
R
radojuva.com
01/02/2017
Summary of the review
D
digitalcamaralens.com
19/11/2025
Summary of the review
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tecnicafotografica.dndcom.com
Date not specified
Summary of the review
Z
zoom.nl
02/05/2017
Summary of the review
F
fotostudiovk.nl
31/01/2016
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stfoto.nl
21/03/2016
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Z
zoom.nl
07/12/2017
Summary of the review
F
fotobond.nl
01/05/2016
Summary of the review

Third-party reviews

Based on 710 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about Tamron SP 45mm F1 8 Di VC USD

  • Outstanding sharpness even when shooting wide open at f/1.8
  • Effective Vibration Compensation (VC) system for low-light and handheld shooting
  • Exceptional build quality with moisture-resistant construction and weather sealing
  • Short minimum focus distance (29cm) providing pseudo-macro capabilities
  • Natural 45mm focal length that is versatile for portraits, landscapes, and storytelling
  • Smooth and pleasing bokeh from the nine-blade circular aperture
  • Excellent flare resistance and fluorine coating on the front element

What we don't like about Tamron SP 45mm F1 8 Di VC USD

  • Noticeable longitudinal chromatic aberration (green and purple fringing) in high-contrast areas
  • Autofocus speed can be sluggish, making it less suitable for fast action or sports
  • Larger and heavier (approx. 520g) than standard 50mm f/1.8 lenses
  • Autofocus speed significantly decreases when used on mirrorless systems with adapters
  • Some users report inconsistent autofocus accuracy unless calibrated with the TAP-in Console
  • Slightly lower maximum aperture (f/1.8) compared to primary competitors at f/1.4

Verdict

The **Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD** is a professional-grade standard prime lens featuring a unique 45mm focal length and a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture. It is constructed with 10 elements in 8 groups, including two aspherical and one low-dispersion element, and features a 9-blade circular diaphragm for smooth bokeh. Key characteristics include its class-leading minimum focus distance of 29cm (0.29x magnification), effective 3.5-stop Vibration Compensation (VC), and a moisture-resistant build with fluorine coating. Main pros according to [reviewers from Photography Life](https://photographylife.com/reviews/tamron-sp-45mm-f-1-8-di-vc-usd) include exceptional center sharpness wide open, robust weather sealing, and the versatile close-focusing capability that rivals semi-macro lenses. However, notable cons include strong longitudinal chromatic aberration (purple/green fringing) at wide apertures, a slightly slower autofocus speed compared to native competitors, and a relatively bulky design for a f/1.8 prime.

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