Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD

There is one 45mm ƒ1.8 lens from Tamron (Canon EF mount) which appears to be one of the very best lenses for the adapted to the Fujifilm GFX medium format cameras. Many photographers have reported excellent results - (adapted with the Fringer EF-GFX PRO adapter) - stating that the lens renders brilliant, very sharp, even at wide open aperture already very good sharpness, and when stopped down basically vignetting free.

I think that lens costs around 7700 SEK in Sweden, but is already out of production. I found a good rated second hand lens in a Swedish photo store (I used to buy Olympus lenses) - with an attractive price of only 2500 SEK / 210 €

In theory if everything works like many photographers have reported - then this lens is a very attractive alternative to the native Fujifilm GF 45mm f 2.8 WR version (which costs... uhm... a whopping 18.000 SEK / 1600 € in Sweden).

So yeah... I bought the Tamron instead, exclusively to be used with my Fujifilm GFX 50s II camera. (I don't really have the need for the Tamron 45/1.8 on my Canon cameras, since I already have the RF 50/1.2L and the EF 50/1.2L).

A bright, "medium format" 35mm wide angle lens

If things go well - then of course this becomes a very bright ƒ 1.8 wide angle lens for any Fujifilm GFX camera. That comes in handy even for candid photography. Which I usually don't do with a Fujifilm GFX camera (because it is clumsy and only contrast based AF). I prefer the Canon R6 or Olympus cameras instead.

But in cases, I only use the Fujifilm GFX camera - then I can do it. ƒ1.8 on a Fujifilm GFX is clearly a fantastic access to more available light, compared to the native lenses with normally have ƒ2.8 or ƒ4 apertures. Which are in my opinion too slow for photography in lowish light. (it is possible, but only when your subjects are still).

Since I am using the aforementioned Finger EF-GFX PRO adapter, the Tamron lens will be fully supported, including EXIF info, AF (autofocus) and VC (Image stabilization). Pretty cool, isn't it ? Due to the larger sensor, this Tamron 45mm fullframe lens becomes a 35mm wide angle on the GFX.

Neat !

A steal ?

For the price of 210 € - its indeed a steal given that it acts like a medium format lens ! In theory, I mean. If this really works as well, as many others have reported... (Yes, I have checked the images - and they looked really good).

I add this careful remark "In theory" on purpose, because i tend to make things sound nicer, better and more awesome due to my great enthusiasm. Things really need to be tested at least 6 month before I open my mouth. That would be much more fair... But I am like a little boy sometimes, getting carried away (from everything i have read from many different sources). But that's still not the same like experiencing it myself during 6 month practical tests.

Therefore: I need to restrain myself in that department before I say things prematurely.

Now you know it.