Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2
Announced August 10, 2023
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
Exceptional
The Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 is a sharp, compact telephoto zoom that improves upon its predecessor with added optical stabilization and enhanced autofocus capabilities. While it lacks some premium features like a tripod collar and exhibits significant distortion, it remains a high-performing and budget-friendly alternative to standard 70-200mm lenses.
Weighted from 12 reviewer scores
Pros
- Excellent image sharpness and contrast
- Compact and lightweight design
- Fast, silent, and accurate autofocus
- High value for the price
- Effective optical image stabilization
Cons
- Strong pincushion distortion and vignetting
- Not parfocal with an extending barrel
- Lack of a dedicated tripod mount
- Plastic build quality
- Soft peripheral image quality at high magnifications
- Launch price $1,299 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 70-180mm f/2.8
- Mount & coverage Sony E, Nikon Z Full-Frame
- Stabilization Optical IS
- Close focus 30 cm (0.38x)
- Filter thread 67mm
- Autofocus motor Linear motor
- Weight & size 855g (1 lb 14.2 oz) · 83 x 156.5 mm (3.27 x 6.16 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 12 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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It produces very good image quality with a better Bokeh and better flare and glare suppression than its predecessor. And it comes in a package that's even smaller and lighter than Sony's FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM II - at half the price.
- OpticalLimits 8/10
The Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 is an amazingly compact and especially lightweight fast medium tele zoom range.
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The Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 provides excellent image quality in a portable package, making it a great alternative to conventional 70-200mm f/2.8 zooms.
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One can justify selecting a Sony camera to enable the use of the Tamron 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Lens. This high-performing lens is an outstanding value.
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The original Tamron 70-180 was a real sweet lens, but the G2 version, by adding image stabilization, extra features, and even slightly sharper optics, becomes outstanding.
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Taking into account its favourable price/performance ratio the Tamron is a really interesting option for all customers who don't fancy spending a dozen or so thousand PLN on an instrument of this class.
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A worthy update that made an already great lens even better.
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[T]he G2 is a top performer and a real step up from the original (and rather excellent) lens.
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The Tamron 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 lens improves upon the original with optical stabilization and full autofocus for macros, cementing it as a competitive, value-minded telephoto option.
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After years of using much larger and heavier 80-200mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses, I very much enjoyed my time with the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD.
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I love it and I can highly recommend it.
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Definitely worth purchasing the G2 instead of the G1. That's what I would recommend.
