For those who’re working with Sony or Nikon cameras and wish a light-weight large angle zoom that gained’t kill your finances, the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 may catch your consideration. The focal vary, mixed with its quick aperture and compact kind issue, makes it an interesting possibility, particularly should you’re balancing stills and video work.
Coming to you from Jacek Sopotnicki, this sensible video breaks down the real-world strengths and weaknesses of the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 G2 with out sugarcoating something. You get an in depth have a look at the construct, and whereas it’s plastic, it’s not flimsy. The lens has a metallic mount and a rubber gasket, so it is weather-conscious even when it’s not absolutely weather-sealed. A programmable button and USB-C port add some customized flexibility utilizing Tamron’s software program. Its 67mm filter thread matches different Tamron lenses, which cuts down on gear muddle. What stands out most is the compact dimension, particularly in comparison with heavier, full-metal Sony alternate options. This makes a distinction should you’re taking pictures for lengthy durations or balancing your digital camera on a gimbal.
Sharpness is stable within the middle at 16mm, even large open at f/2.8. However corners drop in each sharpness and distinction till you cease all the way down to f/3.5. At 30mm, the lens performs higher general and provides first rate sharpness throughout the body, even at wider apertures. Distortion, nevertheless, is the place issues get messy. You’ll see apparent barrel distortion at 16mm with a mustache impact that’s more durable to repair cleanly. It’s much less noticeable at 30mm, however nonetheless one thing you’ll want to scrub up in publish. Which may not be a dealbreaker for stills, however for video, it’s value contemplating how a lot correction you’ll be doing.
Key Specs
Focal Size: 16–30mm
Max Aperture: f/2.8
Min Aperture: f/16
Mount: Sony E, Nikon Z
Minimal Focus: 7.5 in (19 cm)
Magnification: 0.14–0.19x
Optical Design: 16 components in 12 teams
Diaphragm: 9 rounded blades
Autofocus: Sure (quiet and quick)
Filter Thread: 67mm
Dimensions: 2.9 x 4 in (74.8 x 101.8 mm)
Weight: 1 lb (440 g)
No picture stabilization
The autofocus system is one other sturdy level. It’s almost silent and nails eye- and face-tracking. This makes it a stable possibility for hybrid shooters. The lens additionally does nicely towards flare from pure mild, although smudging in corners seems beneath some mild sources. For evening scenes, it delivers enticing starbursts at f/11, which supplies you extra inventive choices should you’re into landscapes or cityscapes.
Bokeh is first rate, particularly at 30mm large open. There’s some bubble impact, however it avoids harsh or distracting shapes. Focus respiration is minimal, which is a plus for video. Shut-up efficiency isn’t the lens’s power, because the picture will get mushy and distinction dips, particularly close to the minimal focus distance. However from a bit distance again, sharpness returns. Vignetting is noticeable at f/2.8 however cleans up nicely by f/3.5. Try the video above for the total rundown from Sopotnicki.
