Large angle zoom lenses face intense competitors within the f/2.8 market, with producers continuously pushing boundaries to supply extra vary and higher efficiency. The Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 enters this crowded discipline and challenges each Sigma’s 16-28mm and Sony’s premium G Grasp choices.
Coming to you from Dustin Abbott, this thorough video places the brand new Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 G2 lens by way of complete testing to see if it delivers on its promise of improved versatility with out sacrificing high quality. Abbott examines how Tamron managed to increase the zoom vary from their earlier 17-28mm whereas including simply 20 grams and sustaining the identical 67mm filter thread. The lens now covers 16-30mm, supplying you with that further millimeter on the vast finish that Sigma provided, plus two further millimeters on the telephoto finish. This extension issues greater than you may suppose, particularly once you’re attempting to border a shot and want only a bit extra width.
The optical efficiency tells an fascinating story that may shock you. Abbott’s MTF evaluation reveals that whereas the brand new 16-30mm maintains robust middle sharpness, it truly exhibits barely much less general sharpness than its 17-28mm predecessor. This is not unusual when extending zoom ranges, but it surely raises questions on whether or not the additional versatility justifies the optical trade-offs. The autofocus system receives a major improve with Tamron’s VXD motor, delivering almost instantaneous focus speeds and silent operation. Abbott exams this extensively in each photograph and video eventualities, discovering it handles difficult lighting circumstances with out hesitation.
Construct high quality enhancements are instantly noticeable, with a extra sculpted design language that feels extra premium than earlier Tamron choices. The weather-sealing consists of eight seal factors and a fluorine coating on the entrance component. Maybe most significantly, the USB-C port permits for firmware updates and lens customization by way of Tamron’s utility software program, a function that units it aside from rivals.
Key Specs
Focal Size: 16-30mm
Most Aperture: f/2.8
Lens Mount: Sony E, Nikon Z
Minimal Focus Distance: 7.5″ (19 cm)
Weight: 1 lb (440g)
Filter Measurement: 67mm
Optical Design: 16 components in 12 teams
Aperture Blades: 9, rounded
The pricing technique positions this lens aggressively towards competitors. At $929, it undercuts each Sigma and Sony. Abbott’s real-world testing on a 61-megapixel a7R V reveals surprisingly robust nook efficiency even vast open, with noticeable enhancements when stopped right down to f/4. Distortion management proves superior to each the Sigma and G Grasp choices, requiring much less correction and displaying fewer artifacts. Total, it is properly price a glance. Take a look at the video above for the total rundown from Abbott.
