Upgraded Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 G2 Lens Launches Next Month

Sep 13, 2023

Jeremy Gray

Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 G2

Early last month, Tamron announced that it was developing a second-generation 70-180mm f/2.8 telephoto zoom lens for Sony E-mount. Today, Tamron has revealed new details about the zoom lens, including its release date and price.

The Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Model A065) will arrive in stores on October 12 for $1,300, a $100 price increase over the original version’s MSRP.

The fast-aperture telephoto zoom lens features numerous improvements, headlined by the addition of Tamron’s proprietary Vibration Compensation (VC) mechanism. Even with VC, the lens weighs 30.2 ounces (855 grams) and is 6.2 inches (156.5 millimeters) long.

The original version, which lacks optical image stabilization, is slightly lighter, weighing 28.6 ounces (811g). At 5.9 inches (149mm) long, it is also shorter than the new second-generation version.

Nonetheless, the slightly larger new lens promises significantly sharper images at slower shutter speeds thanks to the implementation of the VC mechanism. Tamron claims its 70-180mm f/2.8 G2 lens is the most compact and lightest full-frame compatible fast-aperture f/2.8 telephoto zoom with image stabilization technology.

While VC is perhaps the most noteworthy new feature in the second-gen telephoto zoom lens, Tamron has also returned to the drawing board for the optical design. The 70-180mm f/2.8 G2’s optical formula comprises 20 elements in 15 groups, rather than the 19/14 arrangement of its predecessor.

“The design has been completely reworked and features a generous and effective arrangement of special lens elements, including one XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion), one hybrid aspherical lens element, three LD (Low Dispersion) and two GM (Glass Molded aspherical) lens elements,” Tamron explains, adding that the new optical formula promises better control over chromatic aberration and will deliver higher resolution performance. The lens also includes Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2 (BBAR-G2) coating to suppress ghosting and flare.

Like the first-generation 70-180mm f/2.8 lens, the new version relies upon Tamron’s VXD linear motor focus mechanism. However, Tamron says that tracking performance has been improved.

Further, the lens has a shorter minimum focusing distance. The G2 lens can achieve a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.6 when using autofocus, improved from the 1:4.6 ratio of its predecessor.

Rounding out the key new features is Tamron Lens Utility compatibility. The Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 has a weather-resistant construction, includes a fluorine coating on the front element, has the same 67mm front filter thread as most other Tamron lenses for E-mount cameras, and works with many camera-specific functions like Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF.