Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2
Announced February 7, 2017
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 SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 offers professional-grade telephoto performance and robust weather-sealed construction at a significantly lower price point than first-party alternatives. While it delivers excellent sharpness and effective stabilization, some users may find the lens heavy or prone to accidental switch adjustments.
Weighted from 22 reviewer scores
Pros
- Effective vibration compensation and fast, quiet autofocus
- High optical quality with excellent sharpness and contrast
- Durable, weather-sealed build with integrated Arca-Swiss tripod collar
- Competitive pricing relative to name-brand equivalents
Cons
- Softness or vignetting when shooting wide open at certain focal lengths
- Switches are easily toggled by accident during handling
- Heavy and large physical footprint
- Susceptibility to lens flare
- Launch price $1,299 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 70-200mm f/2.8
- Mount & coverage Canon EF, Nikon F Full-Frame
- Stabilization Optical IS, 5 stops (CIPA)
- Close focus 95 cm (0.16x)
- Filter thread 77mm
- Autofocus motor Ring-type ultrasonic
- Weight & size 1500g (3 lb 4.9 oz) · 87.88 x 190.5 mm (3.46 x 7.50 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 22 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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The Tamron SP 70-200/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is a worthy successor to Tamron’s A009 model from 2012. Optically it outperforms its predecessor, not to mention the rival 70-200mm f2.8 zoom from Sigma at every focal length.
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[T]his lens is a great performer and for many, the relatively low price will win the choice for this lens.
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There are still reasons to choose the first party options, but no longer can you call those lenses the clear winner.
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The Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is ultimately good value for money because essentially it's a Canon L lens in all but name, but for considerably less money.
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The SP 70-200mm G2 is significantly less expensive than the CaNikon alternatives without compromising on performance, build or image quality; it is a (loud) statement from Tamron, effectively saying they are here to play ball.
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The Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 lens is on the same level playing field as lenses costing up to twice as much, punching far above its weight.
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The Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is an outstanding telephoto zoom lens, with the improved optical construction offering fantastic image quality and lovely smooth bokeh [...]
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If you’re an enthusiast photographer looking for a high-spec telezoom at a competitive price, the SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is a great choice, and a serious alternative to its more expensive Canon and Nikon counterparts.
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There are a lot of reasons to love the Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2. It's well built, lovely to handle, focuses quickly and delivers very respectable image quality.
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The Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 costs much less than name-brand options. It's built tough and delivers crisp images, but is prone to flare.
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The 70-200mm G2 is a top-class lens in every respect. It combines impeccable build quality with spectacular image quality and superb all-round performance. It out-performs the equivalent Canon lens and, compared with the Nikon, it’s an absolute steal at the price.
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The Tamron 70-200/2.8 VC G2 is a high-quality professional high-aperture telephoto lens, a very good alternative to the original Nikon 70-200/2.8G VR, Nikon 70-200/2.8GII VR and Nikon 70-200/2.8E VR lenses.
- Photo Review 8.8/10
The SP70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 will suit photographers working across a broad range of genres although it’s most likely to appeal to those involved in portraiture, landscape photography, sports and wildlife shooting and photojournalism.
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The new 70-200mm F/2.8 G2 lens from Tamron is a great lens. Tamron made some nice improvements in this second generation.
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The Tamron 70-200/2.8 G2 is an excellent performer. It's the same size and weight of the real Canon or Nikon lenses and works just as well — but only costs half as much!
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Given the lower price, better warranty and high optical quality, I'd say the Tamron lens is a very competitive alternative to the manufacturers' lenses and for most photographers would probably be better value.
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[T]he Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 lens is just quite incredible, especially when you think about the price.
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So for what this Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is, for what it does, for its focal length, and for its aperture, and for its price, I think right now you just can't beat it.
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The G2 is faster autofocus, better build quality, all of the above.
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Packed with high-end glass, a fast and quiet autofocus system, second-generation vibration stabilization with three modes, and a solid mechanical feel, the SP 70-200mm f/2.8 lens Di USD VC G2 boasts one additional feature that’s immensely attractive: a highly competitive price.
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It's a fantastic lens, I highly recommend this lens to anybody getting into portraits and stuff, regardless of using full frame or APSC.
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The Canon 200mm performs better than the Tamron 70-200mm but the flexibility offered by the Tamron 70-200mm makes it the lens that will see the most action.
