Tamron 14-150mm f/3.5-5.8 Di III Review – Resolution, Shading & Curvilinear Distortion

Resolution

Examining the MTF readings from our Applied Imaging tests, we see that the lens gives sharp results in the centre of the frame at 14mm, although the corners are weak. Zoom in to 50mm and sharpness is still very acceptable, becoming more even across the frame. However, at 150mm, images are noticeably softer. Best results are generally obtained at f/5.6-8.

Shading

Not surprisingly for a complex lens in a compact package, the 14-150mm gives noticeable vignetting at the extremes of its zoom range. But it’s not overly intrusive and in effect disappears when the aperture is closed down a stop. Overall, there’s little to worry about.

14mm f/3.5

150mm, f/5.8

Curvilinear Distortion

Thanks to Micro Four Thirds’ integration of software distortion correction, users should see perfectly corrected images at 14mm, with no visible barrel distortion. Elsewhere in the range, however, pincushion distortion is evident even in JPEG files, being strongest around the 50mm position.

14mm, JPEG: SMIA TV = -0.2%

50mm, JPEG: SMIA TV = 2.0 %