New Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens Coming Soon

[Alex_M]

Tamron 70-200 VC is an awesome glass with peak sharpness at around 135mm. It has served me well in a variety of situations and never let me down. It is a tiny bit slower focusing than Canon counterpart but never missed a single bit for me. Sharpness around 200mm is not the best and can be improved. I am sure that Tamron took care of this in the upcoming lens. Looking at the switches we are going to get: 3-mode VC, 2-mode AF range, integrated Arca Swiss compatible tripod mount and USB dock compatibility, of course.

It will be one tough choice for me between this new Tamron lens and soon to be announced Sigma 70-200 Sports lens.
Exciting times ahead!

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I believe that Tamron is the largest seller of lenses in the world, and generally, autofocus works very well, much better than Sigma. If I were looking for a low priced lens like this, I'd consider it, but since Canon's version is available for ~$1529 new, the Tamron would need to be priced much lower, and have near equal performance. I've owned several Tamron Lenses with no issues, they were not all that good optically though.

 

[Bennymiata]

I recently purchased a Tamrron 85mm f1.8.
Initially I was very disappointed with it until I spent half an hour getting the amfa set correctly on my 5d3 (+16).

Yesterday I used it seriously for the first time, being a little nervous using it for a paying customer, and I was delighted by its performance.
Quick and accurate focussing and nice colours and contrast.
Maybe I'll have a good look at this new 70-200 as it is a lens I'm missing from my collection.

 

[Batus1]

Tamron is pretty good I have the previous 70 to 200 vc and its awesome I wanted the canon at the time but I went for the tamron after looking at DP review and someother sites and videos I was sold very good choice. I would say that if the new one is a step beyond in the image quality I would sale the previous vc for that one. What I use is 7D mark II,70D,5D mark III Don't over look Tamron Glass its good starting with the previous Gen that is.

 

[hubie]

Oh dear. I get that the 'wrong' direction of the zoom ring may disturb some of you, but dont blame the lens for it.... just dont buy it then :.

I assume there are quite a lot of people that are not having such issues, including me.
Although I have the f/4 and therefore I wont buy a f/2.8 anytime soon... also because of the weight and physical footprint.

I prefer the zoom direction of Canon lenses, too, btw....

 

[-1]

Very interesting.

This is the second "white ring" zoom after the 150-600, right?

The pictures look like it's a prototype (paint, finish, inscription)
Somehow - I'm guessing by the lens caps - it looks Longer but thinner than the EF equivalent.
But I could also be wrong here.

Don't think that's supposed white, but rather a luxurious pale whiterose gold ring. Symbolizing a commitment to the excellence possible in the price range aimed towards the havenots... Might take a looksie!

 

[Hflm]

The existing 70-200 VC was already optically superior to the Canon (sharper everywhere save 200mm and with nicer bokeh). Canon L II has better AF, a bit better build, and a better MFD. If Tamron manages to close the latter gaps without significantly increasing their price, they may have a winner on their hands.

P.S. For those dismissive of the existing Tamron 70-200 VC; all I can say is that it has earned me a lot of money and shots from it have been in advertising, magazines, and a whole lot of portraits, events, and weddings.

P.S.S. The days of snobbery regarding third party glass are over, if you haven't noticed. A whole lot of pros are using glass that doesn't come from Canon or Nikon.

I had the Tamron but sold it for the Nikon when I was still with Nikon. I found the Nikon easily as sharp, mostly sharper and, what is more important to me, AF reliability and speed was much better. I had a lot of missed shots in dim churches at weddings with the Tamron, never with the Nikon. Optical bench tests of lensrentals (https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2015/03/just-the-lenses-the-great-200mm-shoot-out/) get to a similar conclusion regarding sharpness than what I had. Now that Tamron offers an USB-dock to adjust focus, I can imagine their newer version to close the gap. Their 85/1.8vc already showed a great performance. But again, I will make my decision based on AF performance and hope it to be as reliable as the 35/1.4ii AF.

 

[Ladislav]

I have Tamron 24-70 VC. It is very good for still images but so-so for anything moving. When I was considering 70-200, AF was the priority and since I got a very good price (less than £1200) for new Canon Mk. II (not grey market), there was no reason for me to buy anything else.

Tamron was the only lens I have which had to: visit service centre multiple times, be replaced, use a lot of AFMA setting. It is also the only lens I have which occasionally causes errors when communicating with camera and I don't trust its "weather sealing" at all.

But even with all those disadvantages it is the most used lens in my kit simply because focal length + max aperture + stabilization make it unbeatable for me by anything Canon offers. If Canon ever makes IS version of their 24-70/2.8, it will probably change.

 

[tron]

The existing 70-200 VC was already optically superior to the Canon (sharper everywhere save 200mm and with nicer bokeh). Canon L II has better AF, a bit better build, and a better MFD. If Tamron manages to close the latter gaps without significantly increasing their price, they may have a winner on their hands.

P.S. For those dismissive of the existing Tamron 70-200 VC; all I can say is that it has earned me a lot of money and shots from it have been in advertising, magazines, and a whole lot of portraits, events, and weddings.

P.S.S. The days of snobbery regarding third party glass are over, if you haven't noticed. A whole lot of pros are using glass that doesn't come from Canon or Nikon.

Since noone can guarantee future camera compatibility I consider buying only Canon lenses not a snobbery but common logic for someone who is not willing to pay time and again for similar lenses. Keep in mind I am not talking about on camera jpeg corrections (which I ignore since I do not shoot jpegs) but important things like autofocusing, even working at all. Some old Sigma AF lenses for example work only fully open. I do not accept excuses of that was then because nobody compensated me for "then" and there is no guarantee it will not happen again in the future (docks or not, firmware or not). As I have already mentioned numerous previous times I have a nice door stop/ press papier, etc Tokina ATX 28-70 2.8 (which by the way is quite sharp). And that only because I got rid of 2 sigma lenses on time!

By the way I am sorry that this is the case because tamron 15-30 2.8 seems so tempting for astophotography.

 

[andrei1989]

The existing 70-200 VC was already optically superior to the Canon (sharper everywhere save 200mm and with nicer bokeh). Canon L II has better AF, a bit better build, and a better MFD. If Tamron manages to close the latter gaps without significantly increasing their price, they may have a winner on their hands.

P.S. For those dismissive of the existing Tamron 70-200 VC; all I can say is that it has earned me a lot of money and shots from it have been in advertising, magazines, and a whole lot of portraits, events, and weddings.

P.S.S. The days of snobbery regarding third party glass are over, if you haven't noticed. A whole lot of pros are using glass that doesn't come from Canon or Nikon.

Since noone can guarantee future camera compatibility I consider buying only Canon lenses not a snobbery but common logic for someone who is not willing to pay time and again for similar lenses. Keep in mind I am not talking about on camera jpeg corrections (which I ignore since I do not shoot jpegs) but important things like autofocusing, even working at all. Some old Sigma AF lenses for example work only fully open. I do not accept excuses of that was then because nobody compensated me for "then" and there is no guarantee it will not happen again in the future (docks or not, firmware or not). As I have already mentioned numerous previous times I have a nice door stop/ press papier, etc Tokina ATX 28-70 2.8 (which by the way is quite sharp). And that only because I got rid of 2 sigma lenses on time!

By the way I am sorry that this is the case because tamron 15-30 2.8 seems so tempting for astophotography.

this is NOT an issue anymore since the introduction of the USB docks

 

[tron]

The existing 70-200 VC was already optically superior to the Canon (sharper everywhere save 200mm and with nicer bokeh). Canon L II has better AF, a bit better build, and a better MFD. If Tamron manages to close the latter gaps without significantly increasing their price, they may have a winner on their hands.

P.S. For those dismissive of the existing Tamron 70-200 VC; all I can say is that it has earned me a lot of money and shots from it have been in advertising, magazines, and a whole lot of portraits, events, and weddings.

P.S.S. The days of snobbery regarding third party glass are over, if you haven't noticed. A whole lot of pros are using glass that doesn't come from Canon or Nikon.

Since noone can guarantee future camera compatibility I consider buying only Canon lenses not a snobbery but common logic for someone who is not willing to pay time and again for similar lenses. Keep in mind I am not talking about on camera jpeg corrections (which I ignore since I do not shoot jpegs) but important things like autofocusing, even working at all. Some old Sigma AF lenses for example work only fully open. I do not accept excuses of that was then because nobody compensated me for "then" and there is no guarantee it will not happen again in the future (docks or not, firmware or not). As I have already mentioned numerous previous times I have a nice door stop/ press papier, etc Tokina ATX 28-70 2.8 (which by the way is quite sharp). And that only because I got rid of 2 sigma lenses on time!

By the way I am sorry that this is the case because tamron 15-30 2.8 seems so tempting for astophotography.

this is NOT an issue anymore since the introduction of the USB docks

Is there a USB box for tamron lenses?

 

[Alex_M]

Yes, there is:

http://www.tamron-usa.com/news/35mm/tap-in_console2016.php

Is there a USB box for tamron lenses?

 

[Maximilian]

Is there a USB box for tamron lenses?

It is called "TAMRON TAP-in Console". See here:
http://www.tamron-usa.com/A022special/en/product/lenses/a022.html

 

[AlmostDecent]

The existing 70-200 VC was already optically superior to the Canon (sharper everywhere save 200mm and with nicer bokeh). Canon L II has better AF, a bit better build, and a better MFD. If Tamron manages to close the latter gaps without significantly increasing their price, they may have a winner on their hands.

P.S. For those dismissive of the existing Tamron 70-200 VC; all I can say is that it has earned me a lot of money and shots from it have been in advertising, magazines, and a whole lot of portraits, events, and weddings.

P.S.S. The days of snobbery regarding third party glass are over, if you haven't noticed. A whole lot of pros are using glass that doesn't come from Canon or Nikon.

I had the Tamron but sold it for the Nikon when I was still with Nikon. I found the Nikon easily as sharp, mostly sharper and, what is more important to me, AF reliability and speed was much better. I had a lot of missed shots in dim churches at weddings with the Tamron, never with the Nikon. Optical bench tests of lensrentals (https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2015/03/just-the-lenses-the-great-200mm-shoot-out/) get to a similar conclusion regarding sharpness than what I had. Now that Tamron offers an USB-dock to adjust focus, I can imagine their newer version to close the gap. Their 85/1.8vc already showed a great performance. But again, I will make my decision based on AF performance and hope it to be as reliable as the 35/1.4ii AF.

Yes, I was in a similar situation a few months ago and had to decide between the Nikkor and the Tamron as I got ready to travel to NY (I live in Brazil) to cover the World Chess Championship. Eventually two factors had me buy the Nikkor: 1) I got a fantastic deal on a mint condition one for $1380 and 2) a pro friend who owned it set me straight on the 'not true 200mm' aspect which worried me. This was big on my mind. I heeded his advice, bought it, got all the shots I wanted and more. The incredible speed and accuracy of the focus were big plusses, and despite meticulous testing could barely justify even +1 AFM on my body (Nikon D750) on either side of the range.

That said, I will point out that my Tamron 35 SP is almost permanently only my body and is my favorite lens period. I had the chance to use the Tamron 85 whilst in NY, and loved it,

https://www.flickr.com/photos/124992764@N04/31005142372/in/album-72157672882769053/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/124992764@N04/31005142242/in/album-72157672882769053/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/124992764@N04/30781008620/in/album-72157672882769053/

but had to return it as my budget was already stretched for the Nikkor. It is next on my list though!

Flickr albums with WCh: https://www.flickr.com/photos/124992764@N04/albums/with/72157673854155153

 

[tron]

Yes, there is:

http://www.tamron-usa.com/news/35mm/tap-in_console2016.php

Is there a USB box for tamron lenses?

Is there a USB box for tamron lenses?

It is called "TAMRON TAP-in Console". See here:
http://www.tamron-usa.com/A022special/en/product/lenses/a022.html

5. Compatible Tamron Lenses (As of February 2016: in the order of product launch, starting with the newest)
SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F016): Launch date TBA
For Nikon and Canon. Sony-compatible model to be released later.


SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F017): To be launched February 25, 2016
For Nikon and Canon. Sony-compatible model will be released later.
* By first updating firmware to the most up-to-date version with use of TAP-in Console™, it becomes possible to use all the functions of TAP-in Console™ compatible with this lens.

SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F013): Launched in September 2015
For Nikon and Canon. Sony-compatible model will be released later.
*Initial firmware update by Tamron service facility is required to enable compatibility with the TAP-in Console™.

SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F012): Launched in September 2015
For Nikon and Canon. Sony-compatible model will be released later.
*Initial firmware update by Tamron service facility is required to enable compatibility with the TAP-in Console™.


So there is no reference to 15-30 2.8

 

[andrei1989]

Yes, there is:

http://www.tamron-usa.com/news/35mm/tap-in_console2016.php

Is there a USB box for tamron lenses?

Is there a USB box for tamron lenses?

It is called "TAMRON TAP-in Console". See here:
http://www.tamron-usa.com/A022special/en/product/lenses/a022.html

5. Compatible Tamron Lenses (As of February 2016: in the order of product launch, starting with the newest)
SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F016): Launch date TBA
For Nikon and Canon. Sony-compatible model to be released later.


SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F017): To be launched February 25, 2016
For Nikon and Canon. Sony-compatible model will be released later.
* By first updating firmware to the most up-to-date version with use of TAP-in Console™, it becomes possible to use all the functions of TAP-in Console™ compatible with this lens.

SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F013): Launched in September 2015
For Nikon and Canon. Sony-compatible model will be released later.
*Initial firmware update by Tamron service facility is required to enable compatibility with the TAP-in Console™.

SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F012): Launched in September 2015
For Nikon and Canon. Sony-compatible model will be released later.
*Initial firmware update by Tamron service facility is required to enable compatibility with the TAP-in Console™.


So there is no reference to 15-30 2.8

the 150-600 G2 is also on that list.

the 15-30 i think was launched right before their usb box and i believe will get the same treatment as the 90mm macro - new outside and electronics, same optics and compatibility with the console

 

[bsbeamer]

So there is no reference to 15-30 2.8

I can confirm that the Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD is NOT compatible with their USB dock.

This is a phenomenal lens, though a little on the heavy side. Enjoy using this lens when the opportunity is right and really wish I could use it more often. Purchased this because of the VC (image stabilization) and F2.8 - no one else offers this. For those that care about asthetics, it dropped the gold rings/labels on other Di VC USD lenses and replaced with a charcoal/silver ring.

 

[Maximilian]

Yes, there is:

http://www.tamron-usa.com/news/35mm/tap-in_console2016.php

Is there a USB box for tamron lenses?

Is there a USB box for tamron lenses?

It is called "TAMRON TAP-in Console". See here:
http://www.tamron-usa.com/A022special/en/product/lenses/a022.html

...

So there is no reference to 15-30 2.8

Sorry! I wasn't referring on the 15-30 working with the TAP-in.
I only wanted to answer the question that there is in fact an USB doc.

 

[tron]

Yes, there is:

http://www.tamron-usa.com/news/35mm/tap-in_console2016.php

Is there a USB box for tamron lenses?

Is there a USB box for tamron lenses?

It is called "TAMRON TAP-in Console". See here:
http://www.tamron-usa.com/A022special/en/product/lenses/a022.html

...

So there is no reference to 15-30 2.8

Sorry! I wasn't referring on the 15-30 working with the TAP-in.
I only wanted to answer the question that there is in fact an USB doc.

No problem. But if it doesn't support but a few lenses it is a useless one for NOW. And this "new" firmware upgrade situation does not yet apply completely. In fact it barely applies (a small subset of current lenses). Maybe in a few years it will support all (future) current lenses.

 

[tron]

Yes, there is:

http://www.tamron-usa.com/news/35mm/tap-in_console2016.php

Is there a USB box for tamron lenses?

Is there a USB box for tamron lenses?

It is called "TAMRON TAP-in Console". See here:
http://www.tamron-usa.com/A022special/en/product/lenses/a022.html

5. Compatible Tamron Lenses (As of February 2016: in the order of product launch, starting with the newest)
SP 85mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F016): Launch date TBA
For Nikon and Canon. Sony-compatible model to be released later.


SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Model F017): To be launched February 25, 2016
For Nikon and Canon. Sony-compatible model will be released later.
* By first updating firmware to the most up-to-date version with use of TAP-in Console™, it becomes possible to use all the functions of TAP-in Console™ compatible with this lens.

SP 45mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F013): Launched in September 2015
For Nikon and Canon. Sony-compatible model will be released later.
*Initial firmware update by Tamron service facility is required to enable compatibility with the TAP-in Console™.

SP 35mm F/1.8 Di VC USD (Model F012): Launched in September 2015
For Nikon and Canon. Sony-compatible model will be released later.
*Initial firmware update by Tamron service facility is required to enable compatibility with the TAP-in Console™.


So there is no reference to 15-30 2.8

the 150-600 G2 is also on that list.

the 15-30 i think was launched right before their usb box and i believe will get the same treatment as the 90mm macro - new outside and electronics, same optics and compatibility with the console

So for now It IS an ISSUE for most of Tamron lenses (and certainly for the one that interests me).