Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 review

The Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is a lot cheaper than its proprietary rivals, but does it measure up for pros?

Tamron
(Image: © Tamron)

Digital Camera World Verdict

There are a lot of reasons to love the Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2. It's well built, lovely to handle, focuses quickly and delivers very respectable image quality. It's not without its weaknesses and rivals, such as the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports, which is a little sharper and arguably a better all-rounder, but the lens offers a unique balance of quality and price. A definite must to consider for enthusiasts and pros alike.

Pros

  • +

    -Center sharpness

  • +

    -Price

  • +

    -Build quality

  • +

    -Image stabiliser

  • +

    -AF speed

Cons

  • -

    -Edge softness wide open

  • -

    -Some adapter compatibility

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

The Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is one of the so-called 'Holy Trinity' lenses that need to offer exceptional sharpness, reliable autofocus and a solid build, capable of withstanding the rigors of professional everyday use.

For professional photographers and advanced enthusiasts, owning a trio of f/2.8 zooms – a 14- or 16-24mm, 24-70mm and 70-200mm – is seen as a standard for allowing the capture of images at the highest level. 

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Peter Fenech

As the Editor for  Digital Photographer magazine, Peter is a specialist in camera tutorials and creative projects to help you get the most out of your camera, lens, tripod, filters, gimbal, lighting and other imaging equipment.


After cutting his teeth working in retail for camera specialists like Jessops, he has spent 11 years as a photography journalist and freelance writer – and he is a Getty Images-registered photographer, to boot.


No matter what you want to shoot, Peter can help you sharpen your skills and elevate your ability, whether it’s taking portraits, capturing landscapes, shooting architecture, creating macro and still life, photographing action… he can help you learn and improve.