Joined in 2023 
82 
63 About this deal
Lens profile: The lens comes with a lens profile for vignette-, CA-, and distortion-compensation which can be controlled from the camera. Adobe’s RAW converter (as of version 16.0) does not recognize the profile completely: Vignette is compensated as it was set in camera (but you cannot switch between off and auto in post-processing) while CA-compensation is always ON, distortion compensation always OFF. To get rid of the distortions in RAW files you currently need to manually correct them. [+]
The Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD is actually a pretty good macro lens, at least in manual focus mode. Minimum object distance in manual focus is 0.30m (0.98ft.) at 70mm focal length with manual focus and 0.84m (2.8ft.) at 180mm focal length. Maximum magnification of 1:2.5 at 70mm focal length is a bit weaker than from the Tamron G1 albeit still very good and comes with a slightly longer working distance of 13cm (lens hood detached). At 180mm focal length maximum magnification of the Tamron G2 is 1:4.4 with a working distance of 0.64m, and 1:10 is achieved at an object distance of 1.87m. The Sony GM II achieves its maximum magnification of 1:3.3 at 200mm focal length and 0.82m minimum object distance. This leaves 0.60m working distance between front lens and object. [+]Superior image quality - Despite the low weight, this lens features 19 elements in 14 groups. It includes a total of six XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) and LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements, three GM (Glass Moulded Aspherical) and hybrid aspherical lens elements. Special lens elements are generously and optimally arranged to correct chromatic aberration and maintain very high-resolution edge-to-edge performance. You could look at this as a strength or weakness, depending on your view. Most buyers of this lens will be looking for something lighter so the construction will align with that. There are many 70-200mm lenses on the market, usually f/2.8 and also usually heavy and bulky. But fine lenses. For those who want to reduce the bulk then f/4 versions fit the bill, also reducing the price tag significantly. Tamron have here made a different design choice, reducing the size and weight by stopping the focal length range at 180mm instead of 200mm but enabling the retention of the f/2.8 maximum aperture. The result is a lens that weighs in at a very modest 810g and is usefully compact as well. Even zooming in to 180mm only extends the lens by 30mm. It is also very well made and what few controls there are operate smoothly and positively. Tamron also says the lens features a “moisture-resistant construction” (including gasket at the bayonet) but you should be careful what you read into it. Being an extending zoom lens I am sure dust will still find its way inside and any losses or damage due to moisture/water do not seem to be covered by Tamron. Tamron 70-180mm 2.8 at 180mm setting (fully extended) with hood attached Park Cameras Limited is a credit broker, not a lender and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 720279). We do not charge you for credit broking services. We will introduce you exclusively to finance products provided by Duologi.
The following example illustrate how close you can get to the subject at 70mm in manual focus mode. Bokeh Even with VC image stabilization, the lens is just 6.2” (156.5mm) long and weighs only 30.2 o.z (855g) Image stabilization: The Tamron III does not offer optical stabilization. The lens solely relies on the sensor-based image stabilization of the Sony Alpha mirrorless cameras. The Sony zoom lens has optical image stabilization built in which works together with the sensor-based image stabilization of a Sony Alpha body. The Tamron G2 also offers optical stabilization. [0] Price: 1499 EUR (incl. 19% VAT) / 1199 USD / 1329 GBP. This is about half of what the Sony GM II costs: 3000 EUR / 2800 USD / 2600 GBP. The Tamron G1 can still be had for 1000 EUR / 1100 USD / 1000 GBP. [+]As you pull focus, you’ll notice some focus breathing: the image becomes more magnified at closer focusing distances. When I adjusted the focus from infinity to 1.88m on the new Tamron at 180mm focal length, I measured a 4% increase in magnification. This is quite visible and might annoy some videographers but it is a much smaller effect than the Sony FE 70-200mm f2.8 GM OSS shows with its 11% increase in magnification. The same test at 70mm focal length produced only a 0.4% increase.
Due to an accident that lead to a surgery I only got to spend limited time with this lens. When it comes to the optical qualities I have no reason to complain, this is a very compelling lens in terms of sharpness as well as bokeh and I did not manage to find a deal breaking flaw here. Especially compared to Sony’s 70-200mm options this is the only lens in this segment I could recommend to the potential buyer. Update: have a look at the review of Tamron’s improved 70-180mm 2.8 G2 that features a more up-to-date alternatives section. Starting at the front, we have a provided petal lens hood that bayonets cleanly into place. There is no tendency for it to detach in use. Within the bayonet is a standard 67mm filter thread. I've been watching both the real-world performance and the spec sheets of Canon and other brands since the first DSLRs arrived. I've also been watching literally thousands of other photographers who I interact with as a gear reviewer and an educator, across multiple sectors from landscape photography to wedding & portrait photography.
Thinking of choosing finance?
As a result, I had to resort to bribing my kids with studio shots, but even the bribes were not sufficient to convince my 7 yr old to take instruction, and I made the rookie mistake of giving the bribe before the photo session.
Let's be honest: most photographers out there are budget-minded, including myself. Which is why I take seriously any gear buying advice I give. Fortunately, lenses like this one make my job much less stressful. What follows is the nitty gritty of why I chose the Tamron 70-180mm F2.8 (and also why it may be the right lens for you!). The zoom ring is substantial, taking up a bit more than half the length of the barrel. It's marked at the 70, 100, 135, and 180mm positions, and moves from its shortest to longest position with slightly less than 90 degrees of rotation. I was handed this lens by Tamron Australia who kindly loaned it to me for a week. The timing isn’t ideal with the current coronavirus situation in Australia… Note to self: Negotiating terms of a parent/child bribe after the child has consumed the bribe isn’t feasible.)
A056 Autofocus Performance
How close do you have to get for 1:10 magnification e.g. for a very tightly cropped head-shot? At its longest focal length the Tamron III achieves 1:10 at a distance of 1.88m (6.2ft.) while the Sony has a longer reach of 2.14m (7.0ft.) due to its longer focal length. [+] MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) curves describe to what extent the tested lens can faithfully reproduce contrast of the subject in images it captures. The arrangement of the focus ring (close to camera) and zoom ring (front) is similar to that of the Tamron 17-28mm 2.8 Tamron and 28-75mm 2.8, good news, if you are using more than one of these. The zoom ring (~80° from 70mm to 180mm) is less stiff than it was on the 17-28mm 2.8 and can be moved with one finger only.
Great Deal 
New Comment