Nikon photographers are getting something that they arguably should’ve received a while ago: access to the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 II lens. The company announced today that Nikon users will soon be able to purchase the lens for their system at $999. This is great news in so many different ways; and we’re positive that it’s going to cause confusion. If you’re of the belief that Nikon had this lens previously, then you’re wrong.
Previously, Nikon rebadged the original version of the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8. In our review of the rebadged version, we noted this. What’s more, Nikon charged a premium for the lens, which is essentially just a Tamron lens. The original lens was good for the time when it was released in 2018. But in 2021, the second version came out; and it was better. Nikon had licensed the original variant and put their name on it — and that’s where the biggest differences are.
Now, Tamron is releasing their version of the newer lens for Nikon Z mount. It’s not only more affordable, but it’s bound to also perform similar to how Tamron lenses do on Sony bodies. We’ve tested all of the Tamron lens variants made for Nikon, and they perform pretty much on par with how they do on Sony cameras.
Additionally, the new Tamron lens will share pretty much the same specs as the original lens. The new version for Nikon is ever so slightly bigger and heavier. Optically speaking, we think that the performance might be similar as Nikon uses a combination of Sony and Tower Jazz sensors, according to sources we’ve spoken to in the past for both companies.
Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 G2 for Nikon Tech Specs
Model | A063 |
Focal Length | 28-75mm |
Maximum Aperture | F2.8 |
Angle of View (diagonal) | 75゜23′- 32゜11′ (for full-frame mirrorless format) |
Optical Construction | 17 elements in 15 groups |
Minimum Object Distance | 7.1“/0.18m (WIDE), 15“/0.38m (TELE) |
Maximum Magnification Ratio | 1:2.7 (WIDE)/ 1:4.1 (TELE) |
Filter Size | Ø67mm |
Maximum Diameter | Ø75.8mm |
Length* | 4.7“ (119.8mm) |
Weight | 19.4 oz. (550g) |
Aperture Blades** | 9 (circular diaphragm) |
Minimum Aperture | F22 |
Standard Accessories | Flower-shaped hood, Lens caps |
Mount | Nikon Z mount |
* Length is the distance from the front end of the lens to the lens mount face.
** The circular diaphragm stays almost perfectly circular up to two stops down from maximum aperture.
Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. are subject to change without prior notice.
This product is developed, manufactured, and sold under the license agreement with Nikon Corporation.
So the big news here is that Tamron is now giving Nikon users the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 G2 lens — an optically better, faster focusing, and more innovative lens. It was one of the first lenses offered by Tamron that has the USB-port built in for direct firmware updates. We’re not sure if Nikon will be dropping the price on their rebadged version of the first lens; and we’re not confident that they will.
Personally speaking, I’m not quite sure that I’d reach for the Nikon Z 24-70mm f2.8 instead if I were buying into the camera system now. While it’s a great lens, the extra reach of the Tamron version on the longer end is quite tempting for portraiture and people work.
Should photographers get this lens? We think so. If you’re buying the Nikon Z8 and have a choice of only a single zoom lens, this for the 24-120mm f4 Z would be our choices.