Tamron recently unveiled the second iteration of their 70-180mm lens for mirrorless systems, the f2.8 Di III VXD G2. Richard, a seasoned photographer from ZP Productions, took this lens for a month-long test drive, courtesy of Tamron Singapore.
Richard from ZP Productions recently reviewed the Tamron 70-180mm f2.8 Di III VXD G2 lens, emphasising that this is the second iteration for mirrorless systems. After testing this lens extensively with his Sony A1, here’s a summary of his insights:
Duration of Use
Richard had the lens for about a month, thanks to a loan from Tamron Singapore. He used it for three portrait photo shoots, showcasing some exceptional shots taken with it.
Comparison with its Predecessor
The new G2 lens showcases notable improvements in optical quality over the previous version. However, in his opinion, Richard feels that it does fall slightly short in image stabilisation compared to its predecessor, which might be a concern for those specialising in low light photography.
Build & Design
Weighing approximately 855 grams, the lens is a mix of polycarbonate and metal. It features a 67 mm front filter, a lock mechanism, and custom buttons. However, there is no AF/MF switch; users need to adjust this on their camera body.
Autofocus
Richard found the autofocus to be remarkably fast and accurate, especially when used with the Sony A1. He encountered no issues related to autofocus during his portrait shoots.
Image Stabilisation
While this lens’s image stabilisation wasn’t as strong as its predecessor, Richard emphasised that it’s not a significant concern unless shooting at very low shutter speeds.
Image Quality
One of the lens’s standout features is its exceptional image quality. Images were sharp across the frame, with only minor softness noted in one corner. Chromatic aberration was almost non-existent, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Bokeh
The lens produces a bokeh that lies between the Nikon 70-200’s textured bokeh and a smoother bokeh, providing photographers with a well-balanced and aesthetically pleasing result.
Minimum Focusing Distance
There’s a slight increase in the minimum focusing distance in this model (30cm), resulting in a magnification of around 0.38 to 0.4 times.
Conclusion
Richard highly recommends the Tamron 70-180mm G2 lens for those in the market for a high-quality zoom lens. Its optical prowess, affordability compared to first-party lenses, and rapid autofocus make it a valuable asset for photographers. The only area it could improve is image stabilization, but that might not be a crucial factor for many photographers.
Lastly, Tamron Singapore would like to extend its gratitude to Richard for his thorough and unbiased review. His insights are invaluable to both our team and potential customers.