Tamron has introduced its third f/2.8 zoom lens for full-frame Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras: the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD, which incorporates a number of imaging technologies designed to enhance your picture-taking experience. Measuring a compact 5.9" at the 70mm setting, Tamron's new short-to-mid-range telephoto zoom weighs 28.6 oz, making it a comfortable lens to sling over one's shoulder for an hour or an entire afternoon.

To guarantee quicker and more precise autofocusing for still and video capture, Tamron's newest zoom features a dual set of newly developed VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor AF mechanisms with floating elements that maintain positional accuracy down to 0.005mm (0.0002"), which is equal to about 1/10 the width of a human hair. When desired, full-time manual focus is easy to engage, and the lens is compatible with Sony's Direct Manual Focus function or fine-tuned manual control.

For optimized image quality, Tamron's 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD zoom lens contains 19 elements in 14 groups. Included among them are a half-dozen XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) and LD (Low Dispersion) elements, along with a trio of GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) and hybrid elements. BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) lens coatings are also incorporated for damping flare and ghosting. In addition, the front element of the lens is coated by a protective fluorine compound to better repel water and oily contaminants.

Tamron's 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD zoom maintains a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture and a minimum focusing distance of 33.5" throughout the zoom range, which enables a magnification ratio of 1:4.6 when the lens is set at the 180mm mark. Tamron's latest F/2.8 zoom has the same 67mm filter thread size as Tamron's previously announced f/2.8 zoom lenses.

Focal Length: 70mm Exposure: F/2.8 1/8sec ISO: 200

Other features found on Tamron's 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD zoom include extensive weatherproofing, a 9-bladed aperture, and a Zoom Lock that prevents the lens barrel from extending while in transit.

If you currently shoot with a Sony E-mount camera, how would Tamron's newest zoom fit in with your current lens system? Let us know your thoughts in the Comments field, below.