It follows in the footsteps of the Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III RXD G2 standard zoom and the Tamron 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD wide-angle zoom, the latter still in its original version. All three of the original lenses impressed us and we weren't the only ones.
Nikon was so taken with them that they eventually morphed into Nikkor lenses for its Z-system cameras. So let's see what the 70-180mm G2 has to add to the equation.
Key features
There was nothing much wrong with the feature set of the original Tamron 70-180mm. Our only criticism was that, as with the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 version of the lens, it lacked optical image stabilisation. Sure, all but the first generation of full-frame Sony mirrorless cameras have IBIS (in-body image stabilisation) but that tends to be less effective with telephoto lenses. A key feature upgrade of the G2 is that optical stabilisation is present and correct, in the form of Tamron's proprietary 'Vibration Compensation'. Not just for stills, Tamron says that the VC system in this lens uses AI (Artificial Intelligence) tech to deliver optimised stabilisation when shooting video, at least at focal lengths of up to 100mm.
While the addition of VC can make a big difference to sharpness in handheld shooting, outright image quality in terms of contrast, clarity and colour rendition, plus the sharpness and the lack of unwanted aberrations, is all about the glass. The optical layout of the G2 has been redesigned and includes one XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) element, one hybrid aspherical lens element, three LD (Low Dispersion) elements and two GM (Glass Moulded aspherical) lens elements. Tamron's BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) coating is also applied to minimise ghosting and flare.
This story is from the March 2024 edition of Digital Camera UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2024 edition of Digital Camera UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Jess McGovern
The multi-award winning photographer will speak twice at The Photography Show this month. Niall Hampton finds out what's in store...
Viltrox AF 27mm F1.2 Pro
A ‘pro’ lens with a consumer price tag
Lumix S100mm f/2.8 Macro
Ticks many boxes but is not a total success
Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM
Every so often, a new superzoom telephoto lens grabs our attention.
Hasselblad 907X & CFV 100C
Not just a beautiful camera system but versatile, too
Sam Davis
The caving photographer will be shining a light on his passion at The Photography Show. Niall Hampton gets a deep dive into the subject
Explore the Multiply blending mode
Multiply is a versatile mode that can be used for a wide range of effects, either on its own or combined with other modes
Create a fine-art border in Lightroom
Enhance your landscape photos by adding a fine-art border with an even feathered edge
Content Credentials explained
Fight the fakes and prove your own photos are genuine with provenance tools in Photoshop and Lightroom
Scanning ahead...
With ever-higher sensor resolutions, Jon Devo asks whether zoom lenses have had their day