Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Lens (A065S)(Sony E)

Overview

The Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 is a high-performance telephoto zoom lens designed for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras. It offers a versatile focal length range, a fast constant F2.8 aperture, and advanced optical and autofocus technologies.

Key Features

• Focal Length: 70-180mm
• Maximum Aperture: F2.8 (constant)
• Minimum Aperture: F22
• Lens Construction: 19 elements in 14 groups
• Angle of View: 34°21′ – 13°54′ (full-frame)
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.85m (2.79 ft)
• Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:4.4
• Filter Size: 67mm
• Vibration Compensation: Yes, up to 5 stops
• Autofocus: VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism
• Moisture-Resistant Construction: Yes
• Fluorine Coating: Yes, on front element
• Compatible Mounts: Sony E-mount

Optical Performance

• Excellent Sharpness: The lens delivers excellent sharpness throughout the zoom range, even when shooting wide open at F2.8.
• Minimal Distortion: Distortion is well-controlled, making the 70-180mm suitable for a variety of photographic applications.
• Smooth Bokeh: The 9-blade circular diaphragm creates a pleasing, smooth bokeh background blur.

Autofocus and Handling

• Fast and Accurate AF: The VXD linear motor focus mechanism provides fast, precise, and quiet autofocus performance, suitable for both stills and video.
• Full-Time Manual Focus Override: Allows for instant switching between autofocus and manual focus by simply turning the focus ring.
• Moisture-Resistant Construction: The lens barrel features a moisture-resistant design for reliable performance in challenging conditions.
• Fluorine Coating: The front element is coated with a fluorine compound to repel water, oil, and dirt for easy cleaning.

Vibration Compensation

• Effective Image Stabilization: The built-in VC (Vibration Compensation) system provides up to 5 stops of compensation, allowing for sharper handheld shots at slower shutter speeds.

Compatibility

• Sony E-Mount: Designed specifically for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras, but can also be used on APS-C models with a 1.5x crop factor.

Intended Use

• Portraiture: The 70-180mm focal length range and fast F2.8 aperture make this lens suitable for portraiture, allowing for beautiful subject isolation and low-light performance.
• Sports and Wildlife: The long end of the zoom range and fast autofocus make this lens a good choice for capturing action and wildlife.
• Landscape and Travel: The wide end of the zoom range can be used for landscape and travel photography, while the telephoto end provides flexibility for distant subjects.

Overall Impression

The Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 is an impressive telephoto zoom lens that delivers excellent optical performance, fast and accurate autofocus, and effective image stabilization in a relatively compact package. Its versatile focal length range, constant F2.8 aperture, and advanced features make it a compelling choice for Sony full-frame mirrorless shooters looking for a high-quality telephoto zoom lens.