Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD

 
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70-180mm $1,159
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Updates:
05/21/2020: Gallery Images added
06/04/2020: Gallery updated, 10 Minute Review Video added

 

10 Minute Reviews: Traveling light with the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III -- by Dave Pardue

 

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Product Overview

(From Tamron lens literature) Tamron Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces the development of a new high-speed telephoto zoom lens for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras, the 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A056).

Developed under the concept of “making high-speed zoom lenses user-friendly,” Model A056 features a compact and lightweight design, an ideal match for full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. The 67mm filter diameter is the same as all other Tamron lenses in this series. The optical design includes several specialized glass elements that contribute to the lens’s superb imaging performance. The lens’s very short 0.85m (33.5 in) MOD (Minimum Object Distance) expands overall versatility. The lens adopts Tamron’s newly developed VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism that produces a quiet, quick autofocus drive. Other features that support a great shooting experience include a Moisture-Resistant Construction helpful for outdoor shooting and Fluorine Coating for easy maintenance. In addition, the Model A056 is fully compatible with various camera-specific features including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF. This new model joins the 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A046) and the 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A036) and brings Tamron’s total of F/2.8 zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras to three.

Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD Review -- Product Image

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

1. Comfortably compact (149mm / 5.9 in) and light weight (815g / 28.7 oz).

2. 67mm filter diameter, same as all other Tamron lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras.

3. Superb optical performance and MOD of 0.85m (33.5 in) for a broader range of photographic versatility.

4. Extremely quiet and fast newly developed VXD linear motor focus mechanism.

5. Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating contribute to a comfortable, user friendly photographic experience.

6. Compatible with various camera-specific features including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF.

* Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. are subject to change without prior notice.

 

Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD

Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD User Reviews

9.0/10 average of 1 review(s) Build Quality 8.0/10 Image Quality 10.0/10
  • 9 out of 10 points and recommended by DarBoyce (2 reviews)
    All metal and is heavy but robust. Low distortion. High contrast.
    Hard to focus handheld Lot of light is required

    This lens is very different in use than the zoom lenses that cover or come close to this range. Color, contrast, sharpness are all excellent, the new lens cap design beats the old with a more secure hold to the lens hood. An electrician in Sherwood Park hired me to take a bunch of photos and this is the lense I chose. I have read bad reviews of the first iteration of this lens. The new version is extraordinary.

    Does anyone have any suggestions for another lens that would work better for what I needed it for? Either way, I highly recommend it.

    reviewed October 2nd, 2020