I can't find news of this anywhere else which makes me think they accidentally posted early before the embargo lifted. If what's in the article is true, they have added VC while maintaining the weight, which addresses my #1 challenge with the G1 lens. I would definitely buy this and if the weight is indeed similar that makes it around the size of the new Sony f/4 and I will cancel my pre-order. Although it appears to be just a development announcement, I am hoping there are some more details that will be made available in the next few days.
The other improvement claimed is a reduction in MFD, but at 70mm. The G1 lens achieved 0.5x macro here, but only with MF, so perhaps they achieved something similar with AF on this model. I would have preferred a reduction at 200mm where I recall the MM was around 0.23x, but let's see.
The new weight is 855g vs. 810g before (5% increase), length is 156.5mm vs. 149mm (also 5% increase). The MFD at 180mm is unchanged at 85cm. Availability in the "fall," wish they could be more specific about the month as there are some trips I would like to use this on.
p.1 #2 · Second Generation Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 VC G2 Announced
This is a BIG deal. I’m in the market for a 70-200 and the dust issues and quality issues of the first gen Tamron was pushing me to the GM. But I shoot on the A7C currently with the 35GM and Sigma 85 DG DN. Felt like the Gm was too big and was looking at the f4. But this might be a no brainer and will probably push me to get the trinity of Tamron zooms at this point.
p.1 #3 · Second Generation Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 VC G2 Announced
The article also mentions optical improvements with a new lens makeup and better IQ on the G2, and the use of the VXD linear motors for AF. I can personally speak for the last item as I bought a Tamron 20-40 f2.8, which uses these motors, for my current 2 months trip to Thailand and the AF on my A7RIV is excellent. Very quick and accurate, better than the 17-28 f2.8 Tamron I had a few years back. These 2 and my 50 GM f1.4 would be an ideal travel setup for me.
So now it comes down to f2.8 with OIS and $500-600 savings vs the new Sony 70-200mm f4 with OIS, the use of TC’s for extended range and full range of 0.5x Macro. Current weight difference is only 15g or so. Still a tough choice for me.
p.1 #7 · Second Generation Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 VC G2 Announced
I liked the first version pretty well. With OIS I'd assume the G2 will be even better.
Optics were already solid. If they find a workaround to the 30fps and TC it would be an unbelievable value.
p.1 #14 · Second Generation Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 VC G2 Announced
IMHO, the nicest thing about this (yet-to-be) release is that it highlights the best feature of Sony E-mount: vast native mirrorless lens offering. Now, we get to choose to:
* go for a "pro" tele-zoom (white, internal zoom, best AF at tracking at the cost of size, weight and, hmm, cost) 70-200/2.8 GM2
* opt for a more enthusiast-oriented (similar to RF70-200/2.8) design (black, smaller, lighter and more affordable while maintaining high IQ and, in most cases, still great AF).
p.1 #15 · Second Generation Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 VC G2 Announced
Sounds like a nice upgrade; better perceived (at the very least) build quality and stabilization. The current version is almost 14k SEK here, the Sony 70-200/4 g2 24k SEK, I could see this new version landing at around 19k SEK (1600 euro w. 25% vat).
I wonder whether the a little slower 70-300 and 28-200 rxd will be similarly replaced. May be that the 17-28 comes before.
p.1 #16 · Second Generation Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 VC G2 Announced
I was just reminded of how great the 70-180 is from pics at an event I just did. I'm sure when the G2 pops up at a good price I'll grab it, but I'm really in no hurry.
The 28-75 G2 was a perfect upgrade, but the 70-180 version 1 is better than the 28-75 version 1.
p.1 #17 · Second Generation Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 VC G2 Announced
Still no official press release. That seems odd. If digitalcameraworld "accidentally" released legit info ahead of an embargo, I expected the official news release to come within 24 hours if someone just mixed up their time zones.
p.1 #18 · Second Generation Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 VC G2 Announced
I have the first gen version of this lens and love it. Also have the 28-75 g2 and love that. This seems like a solid and tempting upgrade. Excited to see the price when it is announced. I think the 28-75 g2 was something like $100 more than the first gen of that lens. With the addition of VC I wonder if the price will increase more on this lens.
