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Third-party lenses have been pushing new boundaries. Companies such as Viltrox, Light Lens Lab, Laowa, Sigma, and Tamron are a few examples that have been shaping the optical world. As part of their latest launch, Tamron has finally introduced the world’s smallest and lightest tele-zoom lens, the 70-180mm f2.8 VC G2, for Nikon’s mirrorless mount. Here is a quick look at the device.
Tamron announced the 70-180mm lens back in 2023 for the Sony mount, but today, Nikon users now have the chance to use it with their Z-mount cameras. This lens completes the Tamron trinity, becoming a part of models such as the 16-30mm f2.8 Di III VXD G2 and the 28-75mm f2.8 Di III VXD G2. Like the Sony version, the specs include the following:
- Maximum Aperture: F2.8
- Angle of View (diagonal): 34°21′ – 13°42′ (full-frame mirrorless)
- Optical Construction: 20 elements / 15 groups
- Minimum Object Distance: 11.8 in / 0.3 m (WIDE) | 33.5 in / 0.85 m (TELE)
- Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:2.6 (WIDE) | 1:4.7 (TELE)
- VC (Vibration Compensation): Yes
- Filter Size: Ø67 mm
- Maximum Diameter: Ø83 mm
- Length*: 6.2 in / 158.7 mm
- Weight: 30.5 oz / 865 g
- Aperture Blades: 9 (circular diaphragm)
- Minimum Aperture: F22
- Standard Accessories: Flower-shaped hood, Front cap, Rear cap
The 70-180mm lens has some truly exciting features; however, it certainly seems that the device has arrived a bit late for Nikon users. We tested the lens with Sony, and we found that it has some pros. For instance, image quality, better autofocus, weather resistance, and lightness. In addition, we also said: “Because of its light weight, you’ll be happy carrying it with you everywhere. But the only problem in our mind is that it’s not reaching far enough and cut off with a remaining 20mm on the longer end. With Sigma making a 70-200mm f2.8 at just a bit more expensive than this, I could see people who want more clinical image quality going for the Sigma instead. But they’ll sacrifice on weight, autofocus speed, etc.”
The lens is priced at $1,149, which is closer to the initial amount of the Sony E version. While there is also the Nikon 70-180mm f2.8, which was announced in 2023 and is a re-brand of the original Tamron lens, the new Tamron lens, in that regard, might not make sense for various users. If they have purchased Nikon’s version (which was exactly like Tamron’s lens), then they can look elsewhere. For instance, consider the NIKKOR Z 70-200 mm f/2.8 VR S. Although the technology is older and the price is higher, you gain more reach. In fact, the lens got more stars in our test. So, if you were to choose between the two, it would boil down to your budget and preference.
To purchase the Tamron 70-180mm f2.8, head to their website.
