Japanese camera and lens manufacturers are getting geared up for their annual CP+ show in Japan later in February; and apparently we’re getting a new Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 lens. This is always a big time of year for announcements and by extension, leaks of upcoming products. New image leaks reported over on Nikon Rumors, seem to indicate the existence of a new 70-200mm on the way from Tamron.
The Tamron 70-200mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2 is what the branding on the box in the image says. According to the Nikon Rumors report, this lens will be announced at CP+ and is meant to be a direct replacement for Tamron’s current 70-200mm lens. The leaked images seem to clearly indicate that the new 70-200mm will follow in line with Tamron’s latest prime lenses in terms of styling and appearance.
This, in our opinion, makes sense and is a good move. Some have said the design is rather Sigma-esq, and while we agree that they are very similar in a few ways, but when holding and looking at them in person the difference between the two is very apparent. When you hold a Tamron lens though, you start to realize the physical, tactile differences between the two brands. That, and Tamron’s exteriors tend to be made of metal.
It will be interesting to see what sort of optical improvements this new model of the Tamron 70-200mm has over the older model because in reality the older model in lens years really isn’t all that old. So we are curious to see if this is more of an aesthetic move to bring the 70-200 more in line with the primes in terms of styling, or if there are also some image quality and performance improvements as well.
The leaks were not accompanied with any pricing or availability, so we will likely have to wait until CP+ to get that sort of information figured out.