MINI TESTS
TAMRON 28- 75MM F/2.8 DI III VXD G2 £849/$799 tamron.eu When Tamron launched its fast f/2.8 standard zoom for full-frame Sony mirrorless cameras back in 2018, it was the only alternative to the bigger, heavier and pricier Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master. Back then, when we tested it, the Tamron’s build quality wasn’t quite in the same league as the Sony, but wasn’t far off optically. Although its zoom range was slightly different, it worked just as well in most shooting situations. Fast forward to now and there are far more options on the market. Sony has even brought out a smaller, lighter £2099/$2298 Mark II version of its 24-70mm G Master, with even better optical performance. Tamron has now unveiled an improved second generation of its own 28-75mm f/2.8. It is slightly longer at the wide and telephoto ends than the majority of standard zooms, and is much less than half of the Sony price. It’s also lighter, and retains a more compact 67mm filter. Outside and inside, the Tamron has changed a lot. External layout is all new and optical design has developed from 15 elements in 12 groups to a more advanced 17 elements in 15 groups. Optical quality is better than the older model, certainly at the edges at least. There is no optical shift, while zooming and focus breathing aren’t bad either.
Autofocus is faster and more precise, too. The VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism provides speedy, quiet and precise performance throughout the zoom range. We shot motorcycles up close, and had no problem keeping up when paired with the Sony A1 – feeling as remains, giving pleasingly smooth out-of-focus highlights when shot wide open. And where the old Tamron has a slight edge on the Sony, as it focuses much closer at wide-angle settings, the new one focuses a tiny bit closer at 18cm/7.1in. However, like the Sony – and pretty much all f/2.8 lenses in this focal length range – there is no built-in image stabilisation. And sadly, there is no AF/MF switch on the body either. You have to make changes via camera menus or dials. The beauty of the lens is that is has a USB-C connector port, allowing you to use the free Tamron Lens Utility on fast as any comparable Sony. The nine-bladed diaphragm
SNUG FIT The Tamron is more compact than certain fast zooms, matching the size of the Sony A7S III better
SPECIFICATIONS Focal length: 28-75mm Mount: Sony E Image coverage: Full-frame Aperture: F/2.8-22 Aperture blades: Nine Construction: 17 elements in 15 groups Image stabilisation: None Minimum focus: 18cm/7.1in
Filter size: 67mm Dimensions (dxl): 76x118mm/3x4.6in Weight: 540g/1.19lb
your computer to customise functions and update firmware. If you want to make the focus set button an AF/MF switch, this is possible – or apply the focus speed or focus set point. Also, you can set two focus points (called A-B Focus) and speed in order to rack focus. By pushing the focus set button, the lens will rack focus between the two points. If you want to change how the focus ring reacts when manual, do it here – choose either a linear or non-linear feel and set a rotation angle. This customisation elevates the Tamron, with real benefits for filmmaking. It’s solidly built and a great performer that doesn’t break the bank. If you can manage it being 28mm rather than 24mm at the wide end, this is a stunning buy. PRO MOVIEMAKER RATING: 9/10 A great alternative ‘standard’ zoom for filmmaking Pros: Adjustable settings via USB-C Cons: No image stabilisation
FAST COMPANY We tried the Tamron on a dirt-bike shoot and it was a fine lens
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