Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD
Announced April 7, 2020
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 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD offers a compact, lightweight alternative to traditional 70-200mm lenses without sacrificing optical performance or a constant f/2.8 aperture. Although it lacks certain professional features like internal stabilization and a tripod collar, it remains a high-value, sharp-focusing option for Sony mirrorless users.
Weighted from 18 reviewer scores
Pros
- High sharpness and resolution
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Affordable price point
- Compact and lightweight design
- Weather-resistant construction
Cons
- Distortion and sharpness drop-off at edges
- Lacks image stabilization
- Missing physical controls and buttons
- Busy or distracting bokeh
- Limited zoom range compared to 70-200mm
- Launch price $1,199 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 70-180mm f/2.8
- Mount & coverage Sony E Full-Frame
- Stabilization None
- Close focus 27 cm (0.5x)
- Filter thread 67mm
- Autofocus motor VXD
- Weight & size 810g (1 lb 12.6 oz) · 81 x 149 mm (3.19 x 5.87 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 18 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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If you were looking at something more compact like the Sony 70-200mm f/4, this lens is gonna blow that thing out of the water; it's basically the same size and gives you double the light, so this is an awesome choice to go for.
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You might also complain about the missing tripod collar but the lens is light enough to mount the tripod to the camera without fear of bending the lens mount.
- OpticalLimits 7.5/10
[T]his is still very impressive especially with respect to the center quality.
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Best of all it’s small, light, performs well and represents good value for money.
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The Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens delivers jaw-dropping image quality for an amazingly low price. Factor in the compact, lightweight, modern lens design and the spirit of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras is encompassed and exceeded.
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It's just a very neat piece of kit and it comes highly recommended.
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The Tamron 2.8/70-180 DiIII RXD was a unobstrusive and reliable option in my pocket for the time that I used it.
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Excellent handling and performance make the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD lens an ideal telephoto zoom for Sony mirrorless cameras.
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[U]nless you really, really need the extra 20mm reach of a "true" 70-200m zoom, the new Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD is a truly unique lens that performs exceptionally well in almost every regard, and is therefore a deserved winner of our coveted Essential award.
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The Tamron 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD lens cuts a little bit of zoom power and drops stabilization, but costs less than half of what Sony charges for its 70-200mm F2.8 GM.
- Digital Trends 9/10
The Tamron 70-180mm is an easy recommendation for nearly any photographer.
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The Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 is a lens that I’ve been waiting for my entire photographic life: an extremely compact f/2.8 telezoom with premium optics and an affordable price.
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The Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 is compact and lightweight, performs with pro-grade quality, and manages all that at an impressively low price tag. Though it does lack in-lens stabilisation, when paired with Sony IBIS, it’s not a big issue.
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The Tamron 70-180mm produces excellent results at all apertures. At 70mm, corners are not quite as sharp as the rest, but this is the only flaw we can spot in what is nearly a perfect score for sharpness.
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[T]his is an outstanding lens that that range focal range, the F 2.8 aperture makes it an amazing choice for pretty much all kinds of photography, anything from wildlife to sports to architecture and obviously portrait as well.
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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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When I consider about what we give and what we take, I'll recommend this Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD for most of you.
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I love it and I can highly recommend it.
