Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Lens for Sony FE

Capture The World In Vivid Detail

The 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Model A065) is the “G2” 2nd-generation successor to the 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A056), a lens that won astounding acclaim from the marketplace and has been enjoyed by users around the world. The new model keeps its fast F2.8 aperture while being newly equipped with TAMRON’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) and offering greatly improved close-up capability. Even with these new features, the lens is the world’s smallest size and lightest weight for its class (156.5mm / 6.2in long at wide 70mm end) and weighs just 855g / 30.2oz as a result of its size-minimizing 180mm focal length at the tele end² versus bulkier 70-200mm lenses. In addition to offering the highest level of mobility, the optical design has been completely revamped from the 1st-generation model to further refine its exceptional optical performance. With the 70-180mm F2.8 G2, TAMRON has pushed both rendering capabilities and miniaturization to the limits. These advancements amplify the joy of capturing the world around you.

Fast F2.8 Aperture

The design of the 70-180mm F2.8 G2 has been completely reworked from the ground up to attain uncompromising optical performance throughout the entire zoom range. This new model has an optical construction of 20 elements in 15 groups. The precision combination of multiple special lens elements including an XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion), three LD (Low Dispersion), two GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) and one hybrid aspherical lens element further enhances the ability to correct for chromatic and various other aberrations. Additionally, the BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) Coating, TAMRON’s next-generation technology, suppresses ghosting and flare to enable the crisp and clear rendition of images and assures high resolving power that captures subjects in minute detail. Another feature is the beautiful, soft bokeh that the large F2.8 aperture provides, vastly expanding the breadth of expressive possibilities available to you. From snap photography to portraits and landscapes, enjoy a diverse range of shooting in any situation.

Fast and Precise Autofocus

The AF drive of the 70-180mm F2.8 G2 continues to employ the VXD (Voice-coil extreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism that was used for the first time in the 1st-generation Model A056, inheriting the quality and performance it provides. With astoundingly agile performance representing a high mark in TAMRON’s history, this AF system faithfully fulfills the intentions of the photographer to a high degree of precision in steps of 0.005mm, less than one-tenth the width of a human hair. Furthermore, the precise calculations, reworked to update the 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 (Model A067) and 150-500mm F5-6.7 (Model A057), have been applied to further enhance the tracking performance of moving objects such as vehicles and sports action, ensuring you never miss decisive scenes whether shooting still images or video. In addition, the quietness offered by the linear motor system provides nearly silent performance when using the lens in conditions where noise needs to be minimized.

VC Mechanism

Key Features

• Fast f/2.8 constant aperture for exceptional low-light performance and beautiful, soft bokeh.
• VXD (Voice-coil extreme-torque Drive) linear motor for near-silent, high-precision autofocus accurate to 0.005mm.
• Proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism to suppress camera shake, enhanced with AI technology for videography at focal lengths under 100mm.
• Advanced optical construction featuring 20 elements in 15 groups, including XLD, LD, GM, and hybrid aspherical elements.
• BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) Coating to effectively suppress ghosting and flare for crisp, clear images.
• Class-leading compact and lightweight design, weighing just 855g and measuring 156.5mm at the 70mm wide end.

Benefits

* Travel-Ready Portability: Ditch the bulk of traditional 70-200mm lenses without sacrificing the fast f/2.8 aperture or telephoto reach.

* Flawless Tracking: Keep moving subjects perfectly in focus, ensuring you never miss a decisive moment during sports or wildlife shoots.

* Cinematic Video Support: The near-silent AF motor and AI-assisted stabilization make this an exceptional choice for hybrid shooters and pro video creators.

* Edge-to-Edge Clarity: Reworked optics ensure uncompromising sharpness and minimal aberrations across the entire zoom range.

Specifications

• Focal Length: 70-180mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
• Mount: Sony E-Mount (Full-Frame FE)
• Optical Construction: 20 elements in 15 groups
• Special Elements: 1 XLD, 3 LD, 2 GM, 1 hybrid aspherical
• Autofocus Motor: VXD (Voice-coil extreme-torque Drive)
• Image Stabilization: VC (Vibration Compensation) with AI video support
• Weight: 855g (30.2oz)
• Length: 156.5mm (6.2in) at 70mm
• Model Number: A065

Application Use Cases

* Portrait Photography: Utilize the 180mm focal length and fast f/2.8 aperture to separate your subject from the background with beautiful, creamy bokeh.

* Sports and Action: Rely on the high-speed VXD autofocus to track fast-moving athletes or wildlife with pinpoint precision, even in challenging lighting.

* Travel and Landscape: Pack lighter without compromising on professional image quality. At just 855g, it won't weigh down your camera bag during long hikes or destination shoots.

* Event Videography: Capture smooth, handheld footage in dimly lit venues thanks to the built-in VC stabilization and near-silent autofocus motor.

FAQs

1. Is the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 G2 compatible with full-frame Sony cameras?

Yes, this lens is designed specifically for Sony FE (full-frame) mirrorless cameras, though it can also be used on APS-C Sony E-mount bodies with a 1.5x crop factor.

2. Does this lens have built-in image stabilization?

Absolutely. The G2 model introduces Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism to effectively suppress camera shake, particularly in low light or at the 180mm telephoto end.

3. How does the autofocus perform for fast-moving subjects?

The lens utilizes a VXD linear motor mechanism that operates with incredible precision (0.005mm steps) and speed, making it highly capable of tracking vehicles, sports action, and wildlife.

4. Is this lens suitable for shooting video?

Yes, it is an excellent choice for pro video. The VXD motor provides nearly silent autofocus, and the VC system uses AI technologies to optimize stabilization for videography at focal lengths of 100mm or less.

5. What makes the G2 version different from the original Tamron 70-180mm?

The G2 (Model A065) adds Vibration Compensation (VC), features a completely reworked optical design for better image quality, improves close-up capabilities, and updates the autofocus algorithms for superior subject tracking.