A Game-Changer for Tamron: The 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Shines in Southern Spain

I recently had the pleasure of testing the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 lens during a week in Southern Spain, and I must say it exceeded my expectations in every aspect.

Build Quality

The first thing that caught my eye was the lens's robust build quality. The newer lenses of Tamron for Sony FE are build different. It seems to be of higher quality and looks more premium. The weather-sealed construction gave me confidence to shoot in various conditions without worrying about potential damage. The zoom and focus rings are smooth, and the overall ergonomics of the lens make it a joy to handle. Altho being a little heavy.

Image Quality

The optical performance of this lens is simply outstanding. The constant f/2.8 aperture across the zoom range allowed me to capture stunning images with beautiful background bokeh. The lens exhibited minimal distortion, chromatic aberration, and vignetting, even at its widest aperture. The sharpness was impressive, delivering crisp details throughout the frame. See the sample images to get a feel!

Autofocus

The VXD autofocus system is lightning-fast and virtually silent. It locked onto subjects very often, ocassionaly missing. If that was due to my camera, i don't know.

Vibration Compensation

The VC (Vibration Compensation) technology worked seamlessly, allowing me to shoot at slower shutter speeds while maintaining sharpness. This feature was particularly beneficial when capturing low-light scenes or shooting handheld at longer focal lengths.

Versatility

This lens offers a versatile focal range, making it suitable for a wide range of photographic scenarios. From capturing landscapes to tight portraits, the 70-180mm range proved to be highly adaptable. I would have liked a bit more extra zoom to around 200 or 300 mm to be honest.

Sample Pictures

I was truly impressed with the sample pictures I captured in and around Southern Spain. The lens delivered exceptional image quality across various lighting conditions. The colors were vibrant, and the details were preserved, showcasing the lens's capability to reproduce scenes accurately.

Is this lens something for you?

If your main style and goal is wildlife, I would look for a different type of lens. But if you are looking for a lens for everyday carry, professional portrait shoots, travel situations, concerts and action, this is a must have. Highly recommended!