Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Review

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Performance

Sharpness is impressively even across the frame, something also noted when reviewing a similar lens from Pentax. At 24mm, central sharpness is excellent from f/2.8 to f/8, very good at f/11 and f/16 and softening as we move to f/22. The edges start off as very good at f/2.8, becoming excellent from f/4 to f/8, very good at f/11, still good at f/16 but softening at f/22.

At 35mm, central sharpness is excellent from f/2.8 to f/8, very good at f/11 and f/16 and soft at f/22. Edges are very good from f/2.8 to f/11, good at f/16 and again soft by f/22.

A similar pattern is seen at 50mm, with excellent central sharpness from f/2.8 to f/8, very good levels of sharpness at f/11 and f/16 and a fairly soft image at f/22. Edges are a little more sluggish, being fairly sharp at f/2.8, but becoming very good from f/4 to f/11. f/16 is good, but f/22 softening.

70mm sees central sharpness being very good from f/2.8 to f/16, becoming soft at f/22. The edges are somewhat softer at f/2.8 to f/5.6, becoming good at f/8, very good at f/11, good at f/16 and soft at f/22.

CA (Chromatic Aberration) is virtually banished at the centre of the frame, at all focal lengths. The edges do show some fringing, but this can, of course, be corrected using software if required.

Distortion is a very obvious -3.42% barrel at 24mm, reducing to an almost perfectly rectilinear -0.11% by 35mm. We then move into pincushion distortion, measuring +1.04% at 50mm and +1.49% at 70mm. This is pretty good for a zoom lens and can be further corrected in software where needed.

Flare resistance is excellent, not proving to be a problem in any of the against the light shots.

The 9 bladed circular diaphragm also performs well in terms of pleasant bokeh. The gradation of out of focus areas is very smooth.

Testing out the VC system, it was found that certainly, a 4 stop advantage was a reasonable expectation. This will vary according to the photographer and the conditions and is very useful in helping to keep image sharp in lower light levels.

Overall, we have a well made, smoothly operating fast standard zoom lens, with a very well balanced set of optical and mechanical properties.

Value For Money

The Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 lens is priced at £1249. This is available for Canon and Nikon users, but for the sake of comparing what all marques offer their users, we can find the HD Pentax-D FA 24-70mm f/2.8 ED SDM, a remarkably similar lens to the Tamron, at £1149. For Sony E mount users, there is the FE 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master lens at £1899.

Sigma has the 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art lens (£1399), Canon offers the EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II USM (£1699) and Nikon the 24-70mm f/2.8E AF-S ED VR (£1899) and 24-70mm f/2.8 G AF-S ED (£1549). Finally, there is the Tokina 24-70mm f/2.8 AT-X PRO FX at £949.

The new Tamron G2 lens sits well placed in terms of VFM, but those seeking a bargain could also look for the previous Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD at £749. For more options have a look at the Top 12 Best Tamron lenses.

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