Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2
Announced July 1, 2025
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is a compact, weather-sealed ultra-wide zoom that delivers sharp images and fast, reliable autofocus at a competitive price point. While it offers excellent performance for travel and video, users may encounter issues with vignetting, distortion, and softness at the 30mm focal length.
Weighted from 16 reviewer scores
Pros
- Excellent image quality and sharpness
- Fast, quiet, and precise autofocus performance
- Compact, lightweight, and travel-friendly design
- Durable weather-sealed construction
- High value for the price
Cons
- Significant distortion and vignetting
- Softness and reduced sharpness at 30mm
- Susceptibility to lens flare
- Lack of a physical AF/MF toggle switch
- Launch price $929 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 16-30mm f/2.8
- Mount & coverage Sony E, Nikon Z Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 19 cm (0.19x)
- Filter thread 67mm
- Autofocus motor VXD
- Weight & size 440g · 74.8 x 101.8 mm (2.94 x 4.01 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 16 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 8/10
Optically, there is a lot to like with Tamron lenses, and despite the occasional issue, I would easily advocate for the entire line for professional-grade work.
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The combination of constant f/2.8 aperture, fast focusing, excellent image quality, and outstanding value makes this an easy recommendation.
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Tamron equipped their new 16-30mm f2.8 Di III G2 with an improved zoom-range, made the focus drive very fast, and added a focus set button plus USB-C port.
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Delivers excellent image quality and fast autofocus. The lightweight design makes it a versatile, great-value ultra-wide zoom for travel, landscapes and everyday use.
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The 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 brings the widest member of Tamron's trio of essential f/2.8 zoom lenses into the G2 class. This lens delivers great image quality from a superbly designed and high-performing package.
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I certainly expected a G2 version of the 17-28mm that would look and handle much like this lens, but I didn’t expect the expanded zoom range.
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[T]he Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is a decent enough performer for your money here.
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The Tamron 16-30 mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is a perfect example of such an approach. You get all the things mentioned by us – a lens sharp across the focal and aperture ranges with demanding parameters with two main flaws, vignetting and distortion.
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Weather protection and Tamron's utilitarian design ethos continue on, and although I'll gripe about the decision to omit the AF/MF toggle switch, a handy feature for a lens that's certain to get some landscape use, it's more of an annoyance than a problem.
- Photo Review 92/100
The Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 lens extends the zoom range of its previous equivalent without adding substantially to the length and weight.
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In all, if you were looking for a fast ultra-wide zoom for your next travels, this could be the way to go. The lightweight, compact design makes this lens easy to travel with and just as easy to use.
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Lightweight, high performing, and ready for your wide zoom needs, this lens brings the entire G2 lineup full circle.
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This wide-angle zoom brings together speed, portability, and performance, making it an excellent choice for travel, landscape, architecture, photography, and video production as well.
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Anyway, I'm really happy with the images this little 16-30mm produces.
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That wide lens, it's just an excellent addition to the trinity in a G2 lens.
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Well, after using this lens for the last two weeks, I can certainly say it's absolutely brilliant, especially for the price that you pay.
