With this announcement of the Nikon Z mount, TAMRON is expanding the availability of the highly acclaimed 70-180mm F2.8 VC G2, previously announced in 2023 for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras.
The 70-180mm F2.8 VC G2 is a fast-aperture telephoto zoom lens that combines TAMRON’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization mechanism with a class-leading compact size and weight design,* offering both outstanding mobility and greater stability across a wide range of scenes. It delivers uncompromising image quality throughout the entire zoom range. At the wide end, the lens achieves an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of just 0.3m (11.8in), allowing for close-up compositions that allow expressive imagery unique to this lens. For autofocus, the lens features TAMRON’s VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism that delivers excellent quietness and responsiveness for high-speed, high-precision auto-focusing whether shooting stills or video. Additionally, the lens supports TAMRON Lens Utility™, TAMRON’s dedicated software developed in-house. The software can be used to customize functions based on various shooting styles for still photography and video. This lens is designed with a focus on operability and scratch resistance. This well-balanced lens combines portability, high imaging quality, and excellent usability.
p.1 #2 · Official: Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Nikon Z Mount Announced
I think it's great that we get access to all the G2 lenses in Z mount! Probably won't be upgrading from the Nikon 70-180mm, i.e. the Tamron "G1", as I don't really have any complaints, but good that the option exists.
I'm also hoping we get the upcoming 25-200mm G2 in Z mount soon (iirc only announced for E-mount). If that performs well I might ditch the Nikon 24-200mm for it..
p.1 #7 · Official: Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Nikon Z Mount Announced
PixiPhotography wrote:
Nice, it uses VXD so focusing should be nice and snappy, faster than the Z 70-200, but probably not as sharp but for the price? Looks nice.
I am not sure how you can state that. The 70-200mm f2.8 S focuses very fast.
The type of motors means a lot less than their implementation and the overall lens design.
Per you logic all cars with diesel engines would be slower than cars with gasoline engines. Go tell that to Audi A8 owners...
p.1 #10 · Official: Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Nikon Z Mount Announced
It looks great and compared to the v1, Nikon version, the addition of VR is great. Not much heavier or larger either and the MTF is slightly more favorable. If I didn't own the Nikon version, this would be on my radar.
p.1 #11 · Official: Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Nikon Z Mount Announced
bernardl wrote:
I am not sure how you can state that. The 70-200mm f2.8 S focuses very fast.
The type of motors means a lot less than their implementation and the overall lens design.
Per you logic all cars with diesel engines would be slower than cars with gasoline engines. Go tell that to Audi A8 owners...
Cheers,
Bernard
Because voice-coil motors (VCM) are and always have been much faster than STM. It's why its found in telephotos like 400mm 2.8 TC, and why the new 24-70 2.8 II focuses 5 times faster, because its using VCMs rather than the STM in the version I.
p.1 #13 · Official: Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Nikon Z Mount Announced
PixiPhotography wrote:
Because voice-coil motors (VCM) are and always have been much faster than STM. It's why its found in telephotos like 400mm 2.8 TC, and why the new 24-70 2.8 II focuses 5 times faster, because its using VCMs rather than the STM in the version I.
There are many different types of linear motors, some faster than others.
That's precisely the point, the specific type motors of the mkII are 5 times faster than the specific type of STM motors used in the mkI, but the lens only focuses 40~60% faster according to Nikon's own data.
I fully agree that the 400mm f2.8 S TC focuses incredibly fast, but Nikon's super tele were always super fast (even if not quite as fast, still fast enough for any subject) even prior to using linear motors in the S TC version... because they already used very fast motors and because of the way they optimized the lens design (focusing groups, their size, the type of glass used,...).
p.1 #14 · Official: Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Nikon Z Mount Announced
Chasing focus speeds on lenses that focus as fast as these seems more chasing specs than any genuine benefit.
I have a 24-70 mk1, and its AF is nearly instant. I press AF-ON, and it snaps to the nearest face almost instantly, and tracks it at any speed a person can move at. I’ve never seen it fall behind in terms of speed.
In fact, even my older lenses, like my old Canon 300/2.8IS could easily track at any speed.
Much more important than speed is fine accuracy. I’ve lost many more shots to lenses with sloppy motors that scoot right past the proper AF point, or wobble around it.
p.1 #15 · Official: Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Nikon Z Mount Announced
bernardl wrote:
You don't like L brackets?
Cheers,
Bernard
Sometimes, but they are not good for my 70-200 application. The associated support and brackets for accurate 3D positioning would be larger, add complexity, and reduce rigidity, so I would as well buy a Nikkor f/2.8 with a proper tripod ring mount. I just don't want extra weight in the field when I'm already about f/8. Sony has a nice modern f/4 but I would not want to carry multiple brands in that field situation with a lot of walking and some hiking at my age.
p.1 #17 · Official: Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Nikon Z Mount Announced
Decided to try this out as a light-ish weight fat-biking and hiking lens for the winter. Slightly longer reach than my kit 24-120mm, and faster f/2.8 in poor light with G2 VR/VC makes it interesting. Also considered much heavier 70-200mm or 100-400mm but will carry this on my hip belt, so size and weight won to complement the 180-600mm.
p.1 #18 · Official: Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Nikon Z Mount Announced
What are the impressions of those who have used it? Effectiveness of stabilization, AF speed, and sharpness (although the latter, based on online tests of the E-mount versions, should be better than the Nikkor Z 70-180).
