This lens was a big deal when it came out around 1980, but that was more than 40 years ago, and advances in design enabled by new types of glass and aspherical elements have surpassed it. Until then, only Nikon was making ultrawide optics like this. Later, Tokina produced a lens of similar type and performance. It has good sharpness and contrast normally. Its one significant weakness is that it is hugely prone to lens flare if you get any direct sun in the subject area. I mean ghosting and loss of contrast enough to literally destroy an image. Otherwise, its performance is quite reasonable. Note that there were two, successive version of the lens, and the first is preferred. Originally, the lens had built in filters for color and B&W, which were selected with a ring on the lens barrel. After a few years, Tamron removed this feature to save cost. I rarely have a need for this wide a lens, so my 17mm Tamron is a fine option for me.
Good review! As for the lens itself, honestly the images looked like it was shoot on point-and-shoot camera.
Man what a dope lense!! It looks so fun to use
Gotta get one for your pentax you'd love it!
This lens was a big deal when it came out around 1980, but that was more than 40 years ago, and advances in design enabled by new types of glass and aspherical elements have surpassed it. Until then, only Nikon was making ultrawide optics like this. Later, Tokina produced a lens of similar type and performance. It has good sharpness and contrast normally. Its one significant weakness is that it is hugely prone to lens flare if you get any direct sun in the subject area. I mean ghosting and loss of contrast enough to literally destroy an image. Otherwise, its performance is quite reasonable. Note that there were two, successive version of the lens, and the first is preferred. Originally, the lens had built in filters for color and B&W, which were selected with a ring on the lens barrel. After a few years, Tamron removed this feature to save cost. I rarely have a need for this wide a lens, so my 17mm Tamron is a fine option for me.
That lens is so crispy it cured my seasonal depression!