Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Lens | Sony E

Tailored for full-frame Sony E-mount cameras, the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Lens enhances the functionality of its mid-range telephoto zoom. It now features Vibration Compensation image stabilization, improved compatibility with high-speed and high-precision autofocus, and support for both the Tamron Lens Utility software and the Lens Utility Mobile app. The optical design achieves new standards of image quality throughout the entire zoom range. This lens is compact, lightweight, and user-friendly, facilitating greater shooting stability. Additionally, its moisture-resistant construction ensures reliable performance in wet conditions, while the fluorine-coated front element offers protection against fingerprints and smudges.

Optical Performance

The 70-180mm f/2.8 G2 has undergone a comprehensive redesign aimed at achieving exceptional optical performance across its entire zoom range. This updated model comprises an optical arrangement of 20 elements organized into 15 groups. The meticulous integration of various specialized lens elements, including one XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion), three LD (Low Dispersion), two GM (Glass Molded Aspherical), and one hybrid aspherical lens element, significantly improves the correction of chromatic and other aberrations. Furthermore, the BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) Coating, which represents TAMRON’s advanced technology, minimizes ghosting and flare, facilitating the production of sharp and clear images while ensuring high resolving power that captures intricate details of subjects. Additionally, the large F2.8 aperture contributes to a pleasing, soft bokeh, greatly enhancing the range of creative possibilities at your disposal. Whether for candid photography, portraits, or landscapes, this lens allows for versatile shooting in any context.

AF and Tracking Performance

The autofocus mechanism of the 70-180mm f/2.8 G2 utilizes the VXD (Voice-coil extreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus system, which was first introduced in the original Model A056. This system maintains the high quality and performance standards established by its predecessor. Notably, this autofocus system demonstrates remarkable agility, marking a significant achievement in TAMRON's legacy, as it accurately translates the photographer's intentions with a precision of 0.005mm, which is less than one-tenth the diameter of a human hair. Additionally, the refined calculations, which have been updated from the 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 (Model A067) and 150-500mm f/5-6.7 (Model A057), further improve the tracking capabilities for dynamic subjects such as vehicles and sports, ensuring that critical moments are captured whether in still photography or video. Moreover, the linear motor system operates with minimal noise, making it ideal for situations where sound reduction is essential.

VC Mechanism

The 70-180mm f/2.8 G2 is designed to enhance your experience of portability, featuring TAMRON’s proprietary VC mechanism. This technology effectively mitigates camera shake, which is particularly prevalent when shooting at longer focal lengths or during close-up photography, thus ensuring stable shooting outcomes. It proves especially beneficial in low-light environments, such as during evening or nighttime photography, as well as in poorly lit indoor settings. Additionally, by leveraging AI technologies, the lens automatically selects the optimal compensation characteristics for videography at focal lengths of 100mm or shorter, significantly enhancing the lens's inherent optical capabilities.

Minimum Object Distance

TAMRON has successfully addressed the challenge of reducing the Minimum Object Distance (MOD), thereby granting photographers enhanced flexibility in image composition. Through the optimization of its optical design, the 2nd-generation 70-180mm f/2.8 G2 lens now allows for close-distance shooting that was previously achievable only through manual focusing with the first-generation model. In comparison to its predecessor (Model A056), TAMRON has effectively reduced the MOD to 0.3m / 11.8in at the 70mm focal length and 0.85m / 33.5in at the 180mm focal length. Furthermore, the working distance at the 70mm end can be as minimal as 12cm (4.7in). This advancement broadens the creative possibilities available with a single lens, enabling photographers to explore new dimensions or incorporate soft, aesthetically pleasing bokeh into their images. Additionally, with an impressive maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.6 at the 70mm end and 1:4.7 at the 180mm end, users can craft distinctive and impactful compositions that capture subjects in remarkable detail, such as transitioning from a headshot to a close-up of a specific feature on the subject's face.