Tamron 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Review: A Light f/2.8 Telephoto With Stabilization
Tamron’s first 70-180mm f/2.8 showed that a fast telephoto zoom didn’t have to weigh a kilogram and a half. The G2 version, launched in September 2023 at $1,299 and shipping that October, adds the one thing the original lacked: optical stabilization. It weighs 855 grams in Sony E mount and 865 grams in the Nikon Z version that followed.
That’s about 200 grams lighter than Sony’s 70-200mm GM II and roughly half the price. You give up 20mm at the long end and teleconverter support, and for many shooters that’s an easy trade.
A light f/2.8 telephoto is ideal for portraits at events and on the street, where you can stand back, stay out of the way and still separate your subject from a busy background.
Photo: Media Instances
Dustin Abbott’s review asks whether it can stand in for Sony’s G Master.
Video review: Dustin Abbott
Design
The optical formula is 20 elements in 15 groups, with one XLD, one hybrid aspherical, three LD and two GM (glass-molded aspherical) elements, plus Tamron’s BBAR-G2 coating. The aperture has nine blades. The filter thread is 67mm, shared with most of Tamron’s E-mount zooms, so one set of filters covers the range.
Close focus is a strong point: 0.3 meters at 70mm, for 1:2.6 magnification, and 0.85 meters at 180mm. The VXD linear motor handles focus. The lens extends about 25mm as you zoom, and the zoom lock only works at 70mm.
Controls include a focus set button, a three-position custom switch and a USB-C port for Tamron’s Lens Utility app, which lets you reassign functions and update firmware. There’s no tripod collar, no aperture ring and no teleconverter support. The lens is moisture resistant with a fluorine-coated front element.
How it performs
Digital Camera World, Dustin Abbott and Camera Labs all found it very sharp with attractive bokeh. Autofocus is fast, and Camera Labs measured very low focus breathing, which helps for video.
The stabilization is the weak point. Camera Labs and Abbott found it worth only about 3 stops at 180mm, and a little jumpy in the viewfinder. Abbott also noted it isn’t parfocal and feels more plasticky than a G Master.
Who should buy it
Sony and Nikon full-frame shooters who want an f/2.8 telephoto for portraits, weddings and events, and care more about weight and price than reach. On a Sony A7 IV or Nikon Z6III it makes a balanced kit with a Tamron 28-75mm G2.
If you need 200mm, teleconverters or a tripod foot, look at the Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 Sports or Sony’s GM II. On Nikon, the Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II is the premium choice, while Nikon’s own Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is cheaper but has no stabilization. We compare the third-party Sony set in our Sigma and Tamron holy trinity.