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Production
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Country
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Optical
12 optical elements
Updated
Feb 15, 2026
Tamron SP 17mm f/3.5
Adaptall-2 (Nikon F compatible)
Overview
The Tamron SP 17mm f/3.5 was one of the sharpest ultra-wide options in its era. Part of the Adaptall-2 system, it fits virtually any camera. At 17mm on full frame, it delivers dramatic perspective without fisheye distortion. A serious tool for architecture, landscapes, and interiors.
Verdict: A serious ultra-wide for serious work. The Tamron SP 17mm f/3.5 delivers sharp, clean images with minimal aberrations. The flare weakness requires care, but for controlled shooting it's excellent. One of the best vintage ultra-wides.
Optical Character
Sharpness wide open
Being a wide-angle vintage lens, it's prone to flaring and thanks to the 12 optical elements inside the lens, some people will love it, some might even hate it.
Flare resistance
Being a wide-angle vintage lens, it's prone to flaring
Vignetting
Minor wide open
Community Insights
What people love
- Excellent sharpness
- Almost no lateral CA
- Adaptall-2 flexibility
- 17mm drama on full frame
- Good build quality
What people dislike
- Flare in harsh light
- Two-piece lens hood design (awkward)
- Filter threads on hood only
- 17mm might be TOO wide for some
Pro Tips
- Hood essential for flare control
- f/5.6-f/8 sweet spot
- Great for interiors and architecture
- On crop = ~25mm equivalent
Sources (2)
vintagelensesforvideo-
https://www.vintagelensesforvideo.com/tamron-17mm-review/
Lens Heritage 2nd JSONsecondary
The Tamron SP 17mm f/3.5 was one of the sharpest ultra-wide options in its era. Part of the Adaptall-2 system, it fits virtually any camera. At 17mm on full frame, it delivers dramatic perspective without fisheye distortion. A serious tool for architecture, landscapes, and interiors.