Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD review

The Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD is an intriguingly downsized telephoto zoom for Sony E-mount cameras

5 Star Rating
Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD review
(Image: © Matthew Richards)

Digital Camera World Verdict

Think 70-200mm f/2.8 zooms and you’re probably thinking big, heavy lenses that feel at odds with lightweight mirrorless camera bodies. By shortening the maximum focal length slightly to 180mm and utilizing some clever design work, Tamron has managed to shoehorn nearly the same telephoto range into a much smaller and lighter package, while retaining the same fast and constant f/2.8 aperture rating. There’s no real compromise in image quality and all-round performance, making this lens a real winner at the price.

Pros

  • +

    Remarkably compact and lightweight

  • +

    Advanced autofocus system

  • +

    Impressive image quality

Cons

  • -

    Inner barrel extends at longer zoom settings

  • -

    No optical stabilization

  • -

    The shortest focus distance is only available in MF mode

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Fast 70-200mm f/2.8 zooms like the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD are the go-to telephoto lenses for most professional and enthusiast photographers, and it goes up against Sony’s own FE 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master OSS, which is typical of the breed. 

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Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.