TAMRON SP 70-200MM F2.8 DI VC USD G2
The second generation of Tamron’s fast 70-200mm zoom is a major improvement over the original, with high-tech thrills aplenty
The G2 (Generation 2) edition of Tamron’s 70200mm lens is better built, with metal barrel parts, weather seals and a muck-resistant fluorine coating on the front element. Inside, the optics are revamped with XLD (extra low Dispersion) and LD (low Dispersion) elements to boost sharpness and reduce chromatic aberrations, along with nanostructure coatings to minimise flare.
Tamron’s proprietary single-mode VC (Vibration Compensation) stabilisation system has always been impressive for static shots but less effective for panning. This new lens adds switchable static and panning modes, plus a third mode that only applies stabilisation during the actual exposure. As with nikon’s ‘sport’ mode, this avoids a jumpy viewfinder image when tracking erratically moving subjects. Better still, stabilisation lives up to its class-leading, five-stop claims.
The autofocus system is faster and more accurate than in the original lens, but still lacks the option of manual-priority autofocus. The Tamron has a shorter minimum focus distance than any of the other lenses, at just 0.9 metres, and maintains good close-focus sharpness. electromagnetic diaphragm control is used in both Canon and nikon fit versions, making the lens incompatible with the same cameras listed in the nikon review.
Colour fringing and distortions are slightly better controlled than in the sigma lens. sharpness and contrast are very similar, but the Tamron’s better stabilisation system makes it easier to capture consistently sharp images in handheld shooting.