Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 lens coming with Nikon Z mount

Angled view of the second-generation Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 lens without end caps or lens hood. (Source: Tamron.)

Claimed as the smallest and lightest telephoto zoom in its class, the new lens is only 156.5 mm long at the 70mm position and weighs just 855 grams. The new model keeps its fast f/2.8 constant maximum aperture but now includes Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) stabilisation and offers greatly improved close-up capability. Its optical design has been completely revamped from the 1st-generation model and features 20 elements in 15 groups in a precise combination of special lens elements that includes oneXLD (eXtra Low Dispersion), three LD (Low Dispersion), two GM (Glass Moulded Aspherical) and one hybrid aspherical lens element. BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) Coating has been applied to suppress ghosting and flare and ensure high resolving power.

Autofocusing is driven by the same VXD (Voice-coil extreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism that was used for the first time in the 1st-generation Model A056 lens, with driver algorithms reworked to enhance the tracking performance of moving objects such as vehicles and sports action. The system is also quiet enough to allow the lens to be used for recording video and in conditions where noise needs to be minimised. Built-in VC stabilisation suppresses camera shake that tends to occur when shooting at the telephoto end or during close focusing. Additional AI technologies enable the lens to choose the appropriate compensation characteristics for videography at focal lengths of 100mm or less and support the inherent optical performance of the lens.

Tamron has also reduced the minimum focusing distance to 30 cm at 70mm and 85 cm at 180mm to provide reproduction ratios of 1:2.6 and 1:4.7, respectively, while the working distance at the 70mm end is as close as 12 cm, allowing users to capture more impressive close-ups. The new lens accepts the same 67 mm diameter filters as other lenses in the series.  The 70-180mm f/2.8 G2 is compatible with the dedicated Tamron Lens Utility software (for PC and Android™ 3 OS), allowing users to change lens settings, assign camera body functions, and update to the latest firmware from their phones or tablets. The RRP of the new lens is AU$2,449. Click here for more information.