Tamron SP 24-70 mm f/2.8 VC USD G2 review - Introduction

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

18 December 2018

Arkadiusz Olech

1. Introduction

When, at the beginning of 21st century, amateur photographers started using their first digital cameras they often wondered what kind of equipment might be attached to them. Older models of optical instruments, dedicated for full frame rolls of films, didn’t provide necessary angles of view on APS-C/DX sensors, most popular at that time. These lenses often also proved to be optically too weak to meet constantly increasing demands of digital detectors.

Soon different producers entered a race: who would provide instruments able to satisfy needs of their consumers the fastest. In the middle of the first decade of 21 century the Tamron SP AF 28–75 mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO was among most often recommended models. At that times it was bought by both the owners of full frame and cameras with smaller sensors, mainly due to good optical properties and a sensible price.

In 2012 Tamron decided to launch a successor and they showed the Tamron SP 24–70 mm f/2.8 Di VC USD with many improvements. The focal range was a bit changed to suit better journalistic photography, an ultrasonic autofocus motor was added and an image stabilization unit too. As once again the new Tamron device wasn’t pricey and it was stabilized, a feature most of 24-70 mm lenses lacked at that time, it became once again a hit among photographers.

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In June 2017 we saw the launch of the Tamron SP 24–70 mm f/2.8 VC USD G2. One glance at the following comparison and you know that it is difficult to notice any serious changes between the new lens and its predecessor. The weight and dimensions of the new model are slightly different but it might be caused by improvements in the barrel. Optical diagrams of the old and the new lens don’t show any significant changes either; still, it doesn’t mean there are no changes at all. New anti reflective coatings and/or hydrophobic coatings, better blackening and sealing of the barrel, making autofocus motors and optical stabilization more efficient – all these improvements mean the new instrument might perform better than the old one, be more functional and optically stronger. Is it really the case? We do hope our test is going to answer these questions.

We would like to thank the Focus Nordic company, the sole distributor for Tamron devices in Poland, for lending us one specimen of the lens which we used in our test.

You are also invited to get acquainted with our test procedure, described in the article "How do we test lenses?" If you feel it’s still not enough, please go to our FAQ section where you can find some further explanation.