Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 for Sony E-Mount Cameras Announced

Lens News

by Jeff LochAugust 10^th, 2023

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Tamron has just announced the development of the second generation of their compact telephoto zoom lens for Sony mirrorless cameras: the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2. Similar to its predecessor, this second-generation lens covers full-frame image sensors. It has a constant F/2.8 maximum aperture through the entire zoom range and a fast VXD autofocus system. However, the new version features a new optical design, a shorter minimum focusing distance, and the most significant upgrade is the addition of built-in image stabilization! So let’s take a closer look at all the specifications of this new zoom lens for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras!

Tamron introduced the first version of the 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD zoom lens for Sony E-Mount cameras back in April 2020. This fast and compact mid-range zoom lens has been relatively popular amongst photographers and filmmakers, especially considering that it is nearly three times less expensive than the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II. However, one major drawback of the first version is that it lacked built-in image stabilization, a feature that can often come in handy. Three years later, Tamron is back with the second version of this lens: the 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2.

Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 – features

The Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 is the second generation of what many consider an underrated zoom lens that gets the job while staying on a budget. So what are the benefits of this new version over its predecessor?

First, the G2 lens now has built-in image stabilization – Tamron’s proprietary VC – while staying compact and lightweight with a length of 15.6cm/2.2in and a weight of 855g/1.88 lbs.

Tamron also mentions that they completely revamped the optical design so the lens “delivers truly superb performance at all focal lengths.” However, we don’t have any information about this new lens design.

The Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 G2 will also be compatible with the Tamron Lens Utility and Lens Utility Mobile released in December 2022. This Lens Utility Mobile App allows you to customize and control your lenses via your Android or iOS smartphone, which is handy as you don’t have to physically connect your lenses to a computer to modify some settings or update the firmware.

Similar to its predecessor, this G2 lens features a high-speed VXD autofocus system compatible with Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF modes. It still covers full-frame image sensors, while also featuring a 67mm front filter thread. Additionally, it boasts moisture-resistant construction, and the front element has a Fluorine coating for protection and safe cleaning.

Price and availability

The Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (codename A065) will be available in fall 2023. We don’t have any pricing information yet.

For more information, please visit Tamron’s website here.

What do you think about this new G2 version? Does built-in image stabilization make you consider upgrading from the previous model? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!