* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 DI VC USD (A007) Autofocus Lens For Nikon {82}
-
$495.00
Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD: the stabilized standard zoom for Nikon F.
The 24-70mm f/2.8 range is the workhorse focal length for working photographers, and this Tamron brings one feature most competitors historically skipped: built-in Vibration Compensation. That three-stop stabilization advantage matters when you're shooting in available light at 1/30s and need the lens to do some of the work. The Ultrasonic Silent Drive autofocus is quick and near-silent, focusing from infinity to closest focus in under a second, with no front element rotation so polarizing filters stay put.
On full-frame bodies, stopping down to f/5.6 is where this lens finds its stride, with corner-to-corner sharpness improving significantly from the softer wide-open performance. Center sharpness at f/2.8 is solid, making subject isolation at that aperture a legitimate shooting strategy. On APS-C bodies, the crop factor sidesteps the edge softness entirely, and the 36-105mm equivalent range becomes a genuinely capable travel or event focal length. Nine curved aperture blades, weather sealing, full-time manual focus override, and an 82mm filter thread round out a lens built to take daily professional use. At its price point relative to the Nikon first-party alternative, the VC inclusion has always been the differentiator worth paying attention to.
Who It's For
Wedding photographers who need reliable low-light performance without flash will find the three-stop VC system extends handheld shooting into reception and ceremony situations where a tripod is impractical. Event and documentary shooters benefit from the USD motor's fast, quiet focus and the 24-70mm coverage that handles wide establishing shots and tighter portraits without a lens swap. Landscape photographers shooting on APS-C bodies get a 36-105mm equivalent that performs well stopped down to f/5.6 and f/8. Travel photographers who want one lens to cover most situations will appreciate the weather sealing and compact zoom lock for bag and shoulder carry.
Key Features
- 24-70mm f/2.8 constant aperture for consistent low-light capability
- Vibration Compensation provides three stops of stabilization for handheld work
- Ultrasonic Silent Drive autofocus focuses in under one second with non-rotating front element
- Nine curved aperture blades for smooth subject separation
- 82mm filter thread with weather sealing for professional durability
- Full-time manual focus override for instant focus refinement at any time
FAQ
- How much does the VC actually help when shooting handheld?
- Three stops of stabilization is substantial at 70mm - the difference between 1/30s and 1/250s. At 24mm you'll notice it less, but in available light when you're not carrying a tripod, it's the real advantage this lens has over the Nikon f/2.8 alternative.
- Should I worry about the corner softness at f/2.8 on full-frame?
- Only if you need edge-to-edge sharpness wide open. Center performance is solid for subject isolation, but corners are noticeably soft at f/2.8, especially around 50mm. Stop to f/5.6 and corner-to-corner sharpness improves dramatically.
- How does this perform on APS-C bodies?
- Better than on full-frame. The crop factor eliminates the edge softness problem entirely, and the 36-105mm equivalent range becomes genuinely useful for travel or event work.
- How fast is the autofocus?
- Under one second from infinity to close focus, and it's silent. The Ultrasonic Silent Drive never rotates the front element, so your polarizing filters stay in place.
- What's the closest focus distance?
- 15 inches, which gives reasonable macro capability though magnification maxes at 0.2x. Practical for product work at the short end of the range.
- Does the lens extend when zooming?
- Yes, about 1.25 inches at 70mm. There's a zoom lock if you want to keep it retracted while carrying, but lens creep isn't an issue.
- What about vignetting on full-frame at 24mm?
- Significant - over a stop darker in the corners at f/2.8. Other focal lengths are more forgiving, but corner shading is always present on full-frame bodies at the wide end.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 24-70mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Mount | Nikon F |
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 | 82mm |
| Focus Type | Autofocus (lens motor) |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F Mount G Type |
| Lens Type | Wide-Angle, Standard / Normal |
| Max Focal Length | 70mm |
| Min Focal Length | 24mm |