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Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Full-Frame Lens for Sony E-Mount, Black {67} A065
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$982.00
Tamron's 70-180mm f/2.8 G2: the telephoto zoom that trades bulk for reach
The G2 designation here signals a genuine redesign, not a spec-sheet refresh. Tamron rebuilt the optical formula around 20 elements in 15 groups, incorporating XLD and GM aspherical glass along with BBAR-G2 anti-reflection coating that keeps ghosting and flare in check against difficult backlight. The result is f/2.8 sharpness that holds across the full zoom range, with mid-frame and edge performance showing a clear improvement over the first-generation model. At 70mm the minimum focus distance drops to 0.3m, giving 0.38x magnification, enough to pull in tight details that a standard telephoto would miss entirely.
The VXD linear motor autofocus runs fast, precise, and near-silent, making it a genuine option for video work where motor noise bleeds into audio. It integrates fully with Sony Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF, so face and eye tracking stay locked without any manual intervention. On-lens controls include a customizable function button and a 3-position custom mode switch, both configurable through the Tamron Lens Utility app, useful for photographers who want instant access to focus limiters or dual A-B focus positions.
The VC image stabilization is new to this generation and adds a meaningful stability margin when shooting handheld at 180mm. At 855g and 156.5mm long with a 67mm filter thread, this lens is roughly half the weight of a conventional 70-200mm f/2.8 and shares its filter size with Tamron's 16-28mm and 28-75mm f/2.8 lenses. That shared thread isn't a small thing, one set of filters covers the entire f/2.8 zoom trinity.
Who It's For
Wedding photographers working handheld through a reception will find the VC system and near-silent VXD focus useful at 70-180mm f/2.8 without the bulk penalty of a traditional 70-200mm. Portrait shooters who also do close-up work get the 0.3m minimum focus distance at 70mm for detail shots without switching lenses. Travel photographers carrying a single bag benefit from the 855g weight paired with full-frame f/2.8 reach. Video shooters on Sony bodies get Eye AF compatibility and quiet linear-motor focus in a rig-friendly 83mm diameter housing.
Key Features
- 70-180mm constant f/2.8 aperture across full zoom range
- VXD linear motor autofocus with Sony Fast Hybrid and Eye AF compatibility
- VC vibration compensation newly added to G2 redesign
- Rebuilt optical formula: 20 elements in 15 groups with XLD and GM aspherical glass
- 0.3m minimum focus distance at 70mm with 0.38x magnification
- 855g weight and 156.5mm length, half the weight of 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses
- 67mm filter thread matches Tamron 16-28mm and 28-75mm f/2.8 siblings
- Moisture-resistant construction with fluorine-coated front element
FAQ
- How does the G2 differ from the original 70-180mm f/2.8?
- Tamron rebuilt the optical formula entirely - 20 elements in 15 groups with XLD and GM aspherical glass - and added VC vibration compensation. Mid-frame and edge sharpness show clear improvement across the zoom range, particularly at f/2.8, and the minimum focus distance at 70mm dropped to 0.3m for tighter magnification.
- Is the VXD autofocus actually silent for video work?
- Yes. The VXD linear motor runs near-silent with smooth, virtually silent transitions during focus shifts, making it a genuine option for recording video without motor noise bleeding into audio.
- What's the benefit of the 67mm filter thread?
- It matches Tamron's 16-28mm and 28-75mm f/2.8 lenses, so one filter set covers the entire f/2.8 zoom trinity. That's a practical advantage if you already own those siblings.
- How much lighter is this than a typical 70-200mm f/2.8?
- At 855g, it's roughly half the weight of conventional 70-200mm f/2.8 trinity zooms. The 180mm focal length instead of 200mm keeps it compact - 156.5mm long at the 70mm end with a maximum diameter of 83mm.
- Can I customize the function button and focus modes?
- Yes. The customizable function button and 3-position custom mode switch are configurable through the Tamron Lens Utility app. You can set focus limiters, dual A-B focus positions, or other functions to suit your workflow.
- Does the lens have weather sealing?
- It has moisture-resistant construction with fluorine coating on the front element and a zoom lock switch, making it suitable for wet-weather use, though it's not fully sealed like professional-grade lenses.
- What magnification does this lens achieve at minimum focus distance?
- At 70mm with a 0.3m focus distance, you get 0.38x magnification. At 180mm with a 0.85m focus distance, magnification drops to 0.21x. The 70mm close-focus capability is the real strength here.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 70-180mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Mount | Sony E |
| Filter Size | 67mm |
| Aperture Range | f/2.8 - f/22 |
| Lens Format | Full Frame |
| Elements | 20 |
| Groups | 15 |
| Angle Of View | 34°13' - 42°25' |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 11.8" / 0.3 m |
| Length | 6.2" / 156.5mm |
| Maximum Diameter | 3.3" / 83mm |
| Package Weight | 2.81 lb |
| Box Dimensions | 11.4 x 6.2 x 5.5" |
| Weight | 30.2 oz / 855 g |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Tamron |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 67mm |
| Focus Type | Autofocus (lens motor) |
| Lens Mount | Sony E Mount |
| Lens Type | Short Tele / Portrait |
| Max Focal Length | 180mm |
| Min Focal Length | 70mm |