Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 2nd Gen adds stabilisation and “revamped” optics

Aug 9, 2023

John Aldred

Tamron has announced the development of the new Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 lens. The company says that the new lens sees a revamped optical design with a shortened minimum focus distance.

The observant once amongst you will have noted the added “VC” designation. This means it comes with Tamron’s Vibration Control (optical stabilisation) system. Its predecessor had no stabilisation, so this is a very welcome addition.

Tamron 70-180 f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2

As well as vibration control and a new optical system, the new lens also boasts improved autofocus than its predecessor, the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD (buy here). This is thanks to the company’s newest VXD linear motors.

Like its predecessor, it’s available for Sony E mount only. Hopefully, we’ll see L and other mount versions in the future, but for now, it’s restricted to Sony shooters. It has a minimum focus distance of 30cm at 70mm and 85cm at the 180mm end.

Tamron 70-180 f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 Specs

There isn’t all that much known about the complete specs yet, but the company has released some of the details. Here they are. This is about all we know so far.

Focal Length	70-180mm
Lens Mount	Sony E
Format Compatibility	Full-Frame
Focus Type	Autofocus
Optics	Unspecified
Minimum focus distance	30cm @ 70mm / 85cm @ 180mm
Maximum Aperture	f/2.8
Minimum Aperture	Unspecified
Angle of view	Unspecified
Aperture blades	Unspecified
Stabilisation	Tamron VC
Filter Size	67 mm (front)
Dimensions	?? x 156.5mm
Weight	855g

Price and Availability

As mentioned way up at the top, this is just a development announcement for the Tamron 70-180 f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2. At the moment, the company hasn’t announced a release date or even a date when we’ll hear a release announcement.

I seem to remember that Tamron usually makes a release announcement within 2-3 months of a development announcement, so we might not have to wait too long. It will be interesting to see how close to the existing lens price Tamron will stay, given the addition of VC stabilisation.

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John Aldred

John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.