Tamron's G2 70-180mm f/2.8 with added VC stabilisation and remarkable 30cm close focus across all focal lengths.
The Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (model A065) was released in 2023 as the second-generation version of the 70-180mm f/2.8 for Sony FE, adding VC (Vibration Compensation) to the previous A056 version. VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear AF motor provides fast, quiet autofocus. At 855g and 67mm filter thread the G2 is lighter and uses a smaller filter than most 70-200mm f/2.8 alternatives. Weather sealing is built throughout.
The optical design uses 20 elements in 15 groups. Nine aperture blades. The 67mm filter thread is smaller than the 77mm used on most 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses. At 855g the G2 is lighter than the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II (1,045g). Minimum focus distance of 0.3m at 70mm, extending to 0.85m at 180mm. VC provides handheld stability. VXD motor provides fast, quiet AF. Constant f/2.8 aperture.
The G2's VC addition is its key improvement over the A056: VC combined with body IBIS provides more effective stabilisation than either system alone for handheld telephoto work in variable light. The VXD linear AF motor provides continuous tracking speed competitive with native Sony lenses. At 855g the G2 provides meaningful weight and cost savings versus the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II — with 20mm less maximum telephoto reach (180mm vs 200mm).
On the used market the Tamron 70-180mm G2 is a 2023 product with limited used availability. Condition checks: VC engagement, VXD AF response, 67mm front element for marks, and weather sealing. The first-generation A056 (no VC) provides the same VXD AF at lower cost. Compatible with all Sony FE-mount full-frame and APS-C E-mount bodies.