Thoughts on the Tamron SP 70-200mm f2.8 Di VC USD G2

Arx_X

New member
Hello,

just like everyone, i am also looking to upgrade my lenses and am missing (among others) a good tele-lens. I read a lot about different 70-200 out there and seem to be going firmly towards the Tamron flagship.
I know some of you tested, if not own this and want to ask for advice. I am guessing you are happy with it, but is there a better alternative that you would consider?

Would be shooting pretty much moving objects at the mid way of the zoom, currently on a d5500 (plan on upgrading to FX), so i currently don't need a 80-300 or longer.
thanks.
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
Hello,

just like everyone, i am also looking to upgrade my lenses and am missing (among others) a good tele-lens. I read a lot about different 70-200 out there and seem to be going firmly towards the Tamron flagship.
I know some of you tested, if not own this and want to ask for advice. I am guessing you are happy with it, but is there a better alternative that you would consider?

Would be shooting pretty much moving objects at the mid way of the zoom, currently on a d5500 (plan on upgrading to FX), so i currently don't need a 80-300 or longer.
thanks.
The Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 G2 is my workhorse lens. Between my previous D750 and my current D850 I've got thousands of shots on my copy. IMO every 70-200mm comes with its own set of compromises so I'd suggest you look at some the videos on YouTube that compare the various offerings and decide for yourself.

I particularly like Dustin Abbot's reviews and he reviews the Tamron G2 in depth here: Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 G2 Final Review
 

nikonpup

Senior Member
i have the older version which i got per reviews and price versus nikon. I like the lens but it has gotten heavy as i aged.
 

Arx_X

New member
thanks, read the review and also the one on the newer Sigma sports.
Seems Tamron is just a bit behind on the far end of the zoom but i don't think that makes a difference for a hobby photographer.
 

Danno

Senior Member
I have one and love it. I used it on my 7200, 700, and now on my Z6 with the FTZ adapter. I have it on my Z6 or my 24-70 f4S lens. I really like the lens.
 

spb_stan

Senior Member
I only have 1 Tamron lens. Always shied away from them after only seeing their lower cost Dx lenses. When looking for a 14-24 2.8 Nikkor I tried out the 15-30 28 Tamron and was very impressed with its feel, optical performance and excellent vibration reduction. It was also $400 lower cost. The VR was excellent and allowed shooting hand held at ridiculously slow shutter speeds. So when I wanted to upgrade my Nikkor 70-200 2.8 VR to the VR2 version I rented the G2 Tamron and it was built as well as the 15-30 so decided to get one as soon as I returned from a trip. I did not buy it, I bought a Z7 instead and blew my budget when I got back from Turkey. But I still need a newer 70-200, my favorite range. I will wait for the details of the Nikon 70-200 2.8 S version which should be announced within the next month. If it i too expensive, I will get the Tamron G2. The Tamron works GREAT on the Z cameras with the FTZ adaptor.
 

carguy

Senior Member
I have the previous version (VC), it is really a solid lens. It will work wonderfully with your D5500. Have you considered saving some dough and going with the VC instead of the G2?
 

Arx_X

New member
I have the previous version (VC), it is really a solid lens. It will work wonderfully with your D5500. Have you considered saving some dough and going with the VC instead of the G2?

The G2 does have VC as the name states. And it's even better than the one from Canon or Nikon (especially Mode 3 of the VC).
 

carguy

Senior Member
The G2 does have VC as the name states. And it's even better than the one from Canon or Nikon (especially Mode 3 of the VC).
Correct. I reference the previous VC model to differentiate from the original Tamron without VC. The model is A009
 

Arx_X

New member
Correct. I reference the previous VC model to differentiate from the original Tamron without VC. The model is A009

The price difference is not that great between the G1 with VC and G2, but the VC on the newer model seems to make a huge difference. So i would probably save 100€ going with the G1, but i think taking the G2 is well worth the money. thank you everyone for your input, much appreciated. :encouragement:
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
The price difference is not that great between the G1 with VC and G2, but the VC on the newer model seems to make a huge difference. So i would probably save 100€ going with the G1, but i think taking the G2 is well worth the money. thank you everyone for your input, much appreciated. :encouragement:
I had the G1 version and now own the G2 version. The G2 is worth the extra few bucks. No question about it.

And not just because of the improved VC, OS... Whatever they call it. The G2 is simply a significantly better lens.
 
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