p.5 #2 · Second Generation Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 VC G2 Announced
Curious, did anyone get a shipping notification today? I placed a pre-order at Adorama within a few hours of the announcement but I got an email saying it is backordered until late next week. I did a quick scan of other retailers and didn't see it in stock anywhere. Also got an email from Tamron saying the lens is now available.
p.5 #3 · Second Generation Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 VC G2 Announced
I received mine yesterday from Adorama. Did some standard resolution tests and a bit of shooting. My initial impressions:
1) IQ when shooting subjects at moderate or longer distances seems pretty consistent throughout the range. My copy is strongest at 70mm, then 180mm, then the middle of the range. It is fairly well centered and there is almost no field curvature. It's full usable across the frame at f/2.8. Stopping down mostly boosts contrast and reduces vignetting. Rendering is also quite nice, I like the look of the images so far.
2) I'm seeing some combination of softer IQ and/or misfocusing when shooting f/2.8 at longer focal lengths and subjects within a few feet of distance. Switching to MF helps, but I think the lens also just isn't designed to perform as highly with this combination of settings. For close-up work keeping it at 70mm seems to produce higher IQ. I will need time to set up a more controlled test, but I think a firmware update could improve the focus hit rate which is partly at fault.
3) VC seems ok, but not magical and probably a cut below the best lens-based systems I have used. Still valuable as the lack of VC was the main reason I sold my G1 lens.
4) Handling is great, the lens does feel a bit heavier in practice compared to the G1, but it's still noticeably lighter than the Canon RF 2.8 version of this lens and noticeably shorter than the Sony GM II. It would be easier to throw in a bag than either of those if you are on the fence about taking a telephoto zoom with you.
p.5 #4 · Second Generation Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 VC G2 Announced
ketang wrote:
I received mine yesterday from Adorama. Did some standard resolution tests and a bit of shooting. My initial impressions:
1) IQ when shooting subjects at moderate or longer distances seems pretty consistent throughout the range. My copy is strongest at 70mm, then 180mm, then the middle of the range. It is fairly well centered and there is almost no field curvature. It's full usable across the frame at f/2.8. Stopping down mostly boosts contrast and reduces vignetting. Rendering is also quite nice, I like the look of the images so far.
2) I'm seeing some combination of softer IQ and/or misfocusing when shooting f/2.8 at longer focal lengths and subjects within a few feet of distance. Switching to MF helps, but I think the lens also just isn't designed to perform as highly with this combination of settings. For close-up work keeping it at 70mm seems to produce higher IQ. I will need time to set up a more controlled test, but I think a firmware update could improve the focus hit rate which is partly at fault.
3) VC seems ok, but not magical and probably a cut below the best lens-based systems I have used. Still valuable as the lack of VC was the main reason I sold my G1 lens.
4) Handling is great, the lens does feel a bit heavier in practice compared to the G1, but it's still noticeably lighter than the Canon RF 2.8 version of this lens and noticeably shorter than the Sony GM II. It would be easier to throw in a bag than either of those if you are on the fence about taking a telephoto zoom with you....Show more →
p.5 #5 · Second Generation Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 VC G2 Announced
ramesesthe2nd wrote:
How does it compare to Tamron 35-150?
I haven't done anything head to head yet. My sense from when I tested my copy of the 35-150 in the same way is that this 70-180 is more consistent across the frame in terms of sharpness, which makes sense as the zoom range is more limited. I'm not sure about peak sharpness, both are sufficient for me. I've never had AF issues with the 35-150, however. The 70-180 is considerably smaller but also less versatile. I wouldn't carry the two together, but each is interesting carried with a 16-35: the 35-150 leaves no gaps, but the 70-180 is a lighter combo and you might be able to get away without 35-70. The 70-180 makes much more sense than the 35-150 with a 24-70.
p.5 #6 · Second Generation Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 VC G2 Announced
Now that some time has passed with the Tamron 70-180 in the field, I am thinking about adding it to my bag. I am using the Sony A7CR and shoot mainly landscape and cityscape. My benchmark lens is the Batis 135mm, which continues to wow me. Has anyone's experience with this lens been adverse during the last 6 months, and have there been any problem lenses that had to be returned (e.gg badly centred). I would really appreciate any input you may have.
