Tamron has announced a new fast aperture standard zoom lens. The Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Model A063) will be released with a Z mount for Nikon full-frame mirrorless cameras.
Optical design
The Tamron 28-75mm Di III VXD G2 zoom lens is constructed with 17 lens elements in 15 groups. These also include two LD (Low Dispersion) and GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) lens elements to control optical aberrations. Tamron says that the lens delivers high-resolution performance from edge-to-edge and corner-to-corner over the entire zoom range, even at F/2.8.
Wide maximum aperture
The Tamron 28-75mm Di III VXD G2 zoom lens has a wide maximum aperture of F/2.8. This should give you good light performance and a shallow depth of field when you want it. Importantly for video shooting, the aperture also remains constant as you change focal lengths. This means you don’t need to worry about your exposure changing as you zoom. In addition, the aperture uses a 9-bladed diaphragm. As a result, you get circular bokeh in the out-of-focus parts of your image.
Autofocus
The 28-75mm Di III VXD G2 zoom lens uses Tamron’s VXD linear motor focus mechanism. This should deliver high-speed and high-precision autofocus, even when tracking a moving object. Tamron also says the autofocus is quiet in use, which is vital for video. The 28-75 mm lens has a minimum focus distance of only 7.1 in (18 cm) at the wide-angle end. Usefully, you can select either linear or non-linear focusing modes. In addition, the lens has an A-B Focus option which allows you to limit focusing to two pre-selected focus points. You can then automatically pull focus between the two points by pressing the Focus Set button.
Compact build
The Tamron 28-75mm Di III VXD G2 is a compact zoom lens at only 4.7 inches (119.8 mm) in length and just under 3 inches (785.8 mm) in diameter. It’s also relatively lightweight at 19.4 ounces (550 g). However, the lens still has a moisture-resistant construction and fluorine coating on the glass to provide extra protection against the environment. You also get a petal-style lens hood.
What we think
Tamron’s new 28-75mm Di III VXD G2 zoom lens gives you a useful zoom range on a full-frame camera. The wide F/2.8 maximum aperture should also keep low light and shallow depth of field fans happy. In addition, the A-B Focus setting is useful for simple automated focus pulls. Tamron’s new 28-75 mm is a great option if you are looking for a new full-frame standard zoom lens.
Pricing and availability
The Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Model A063) zoom lens for Nikon Z mount will be launched on April 18, 2024. Online retailers are listing the price as $999.
