Third-party lenses are continually improving with each passing day. Whether Japanese or Chinese, the third-party lens makers are giving their all. An example of this is Tamron, a company that has evolved over time, providing exceptional zoom focal ranges to meet every need. Joining this list of zoom lenses is the newly launched 25-200mm f2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 (Model A075). Here is what it has to offer.
Tamron has multiple lenses, and the 25-200mm f2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 is a new all-in-one lens designed for Sony mount cameras. The device is the successor to the acclaimed 28-200mm f2.8-5.6 Di III RXD (Model A071), and with the generation 2, the new model offers a compact size. In fact, you also get a wider focal range from 28mm to 25mm.
According to the company, the new lens offers improved image quality, fast and precise autofocus, and features a VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) for the latter. You also get better macro capabilities with the lens. In addition, the exterior design is also enhanced, and the focus and zoom rings are smoother. Here is a look at the specs:
- Focal Length: 25–200mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8–5.6
- Angle of View (Diagonal): 81°44′–12°21′ (for full-frame mirrorless format)
- Optical Construction: 18 elements in 14 groups
- Minimum Object Distance: 6.3” / 0.16m (wide), 31.5” / 0.8m (tele)
- Maximum Magnification Ratio: 1:1.9 (wide) / 1:3.9 (tele)
- Filter Size: Ø67mm
- Maximum Diameter: Ø76.2mm
- Length: 4.8” (121.5mm)
- Weight: 20.3oz (575g)
- Aperture Blades: 9 (circular diaphragm)
- Minimum Aperture: f16–32
- Standard Accessories: Flower-shaped hood, front cap, rear cap
- Mount: Sony E-mount
Tamron lenses have been performing really well. In fact, when paired with Nikon cameras, Tamron has been getting some exceptional results. We need to see how the lens performs when launched for the Z mount.
As for the original lens, we reviewed it and found it quite wonderful with Sony cameras. It was launched in 2020, and even then, it was small, lightweight, and had a useful set of features. As for the image quality, it is also superb. The bokeh is beautiful throughout the focal range, with sharpness and no distortion issues. As we said in our review, “I’ve always really liked Tamron’s color rendition, and there’s no exception to that preference here. The colors are lovely. Combine this with the sensor output from Sony, and you’ll have nothing to complain about overall.”
The lens is unique, and its closest focal range is comparable to Sigma’s 20-200mm f3.5-f6.3, Nikon’s own 24-200mm f4-6.3 VR, and Sony’s 24–240mm f3.5–6.3 OSS. The Nikon version has a larger aperture, and so does Sony’s version. This can be an issue for those who want to shoot brighter images at night. At the same time, Sony’s own version is quite old. As for Sigma, it offers a slightly wider focal range and a slightly higher aperture. As Sigma and Tamron compete with one another, do keep an eye out for reviews to see which of the two is better suited for your needs.
The Tamron 25-200mm f2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 will be available for $899. For more, visit the website.