Rediscovering Vintage Glass: The Tamron 135mm f/2.8 Preset T-Mount Lens
For photography enthusiasts seeking unique image qualities, vintage lenses offer a fascinating avenue for exploration. Among these, the Tamron (Converto, Twin-Tele, Soligor) 135mm f/2.8 Preset T-Mount lens stands out as a compelling option. This article dives into the characteristics, performance, and user experiences associated with this lens, offering a comprehensive overview for those considering adding it to their collection.
A Versatile Classic: Overview of the Tamron 135mm f/2.8
The Tamron 135mm f/2.8 is a prime lens known for its versatility and unique image rendering. Notably, it was also distributed under the names Converto, Twin-Tele, and Soligor. Key features include:
- Compatibility: Utilizes a simple T-mount adapter, making it adaptable to various camera systems.
- Aperture: Offers a wide aperture of f/2.8, extending to f/22 for the 135mm version. Some versions came with dedicated teleconverters, turning it into a 225mm f/5.5 lens.
- Aperture Blades: Features 12 aperture blades, contributing to smooth bokeh.
- Minimum Focus Distance: Focuses as close as 1.2 meters.
- Filter Size: Accommodates 58mm filters.
Image Quality and Performance
User reviews highlight several strengths of this vintage lens:
- Bokeh: The lens is celebrated for its exceptional bokeh, described as smooth and dreamlike, especially when shot wide open around f/4.
- Sharpness: While not supremely sharp at f/2.8, it becomes notably sharp from f/5.6 onwards.
- Color Rendition: Users appreciate the lovely, rich colors produced by the lens, with a tendency towards warmer tones.
- Low Light Performance: It captures available light well, making it suitable for nighttime shooting.
Handling and Build Quality
The Tamron 135mm f/2.8 receives high marks for handling and build quality:
- Handling: The lens offers excellent handling, particularly on APS-C cameras.
- Focus Throw: Features a 300-degree focus throw, allowing for precise manual focusing.
- Build: Known for its robust construction, a hallmark of vintage lenses.
Potential Drawbacks
Despite its strengths, there are a few considerations:
- Sharpness at Wider Apertures: As noted, sharpness isn't optimal at f/2.8 and may require stopping down for best results.
- Teleconverter Limitations: While some versions include a teleconverter, sharpness may be reduced when using it.
- Availability: Being a vintage lens, finding a copy in good condition may require some searching.
Mounting and Adaptability
The T-mount design is a significant advantage, offering compatibility with various camera systems via adapters. This adaptability makes it a versatile choice for photographers using different camera brands. You can find T-mount adapters for popular systems like Nikon, Canon, Sony, and Pentax.
Conclusion
The Tamron (Converto, Twin-Tele, Soligor) 135mm f/2.8 Preset T-Mount lens offers a compelling blend of vintage charm and image quality. Its exceptional bokeh, solid build, and adaptability make it an appealing option for photographers seeking to explore classic lenses. While it may require manual focusing and stopping down for optimal sharpness, the unique character it imparts to images is well worth the effort. For photographers interested in vintage lenses, be sure to explore other third-party lens reviews for more options.
