Tamron's trio of compact, affordable f/2.8 zooms for the Sony mirrorless system is now complete with the formal introduction of the 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD. At $1,200, it's about half the price of Sony's 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS, but as as you can tell from its focal range, it doesn't offer quite the same level of zoom power.

It's a design concept shared by others in the series. The Tamron 17-28mm competes with first-party 16-35mm lenses, and its 28-75mm loses some wide-angle coverage when compared with competing 24-70mm zooms. Both earned high marks from this photographer, largely due to their value and optical quality. The 70-180mm is as of yet untested as for quality, but we have high hopes given its pedigree.

It's not just less expensive than Sony's 70-200mm F2.8, it's also a bit smaller and lighter. It's 5.9 inches long at the 70mm setting—the barrel telescopes when zoomed to longer settings—with a diameter of about 3.2 inches. It weighs 1.8 pounds, versus 3.3 pounds for the Sony.

Front filters are supported; the lens uses the same 67mm thread pitch as the 17-28mm and 28-75mm, as well as Tamron's inexpensive f/2.8 primes for the Sony system, so you won't have to double up on neutral density, circular polarization, and similar filters.

Sample Image Provided by Tamron

Tamron doesn't bill the lens as a macro, but it has a decent 1:4.6 magnification rating when using autofocus. It's not enough to capture close-up shots of insects and other minutiae, but is fine for everyday photography and portraits. At 70mm you can switch to manual focus and lock in a bit closer, as close as 10.2 inches from the front element, increasing the magnification rating to 1:2. Tamron states that it reduces resolution, though, especially off-center.

Dust and splash protection is included in the design, and the front element is protected with fluorine, an oil-repellant compound that makes it easy to wipe away fingerprint smudges and raindrops. Front and rear caps, as well as a petal-style lens hood are included.

Sample Image Provided by Tamron

These are premium features on a very budget-friendly lens. Tamron also promises superior autofocus performance. Dual linear motors drive the focusing elements quickly and quietly. They promise to deliver focus precision at 0.0002-inch, a bafflingly minute figure.

The shorter zoom range isn't the only differentiating factor versus the Sony 70-200mm. Sony includes optical stabilization in its premium lens; Tamron doesn't. All but the first generation of Sony full-frame cameras offer in-body stabilization, but the technology tends to be less effective at telephoto focal lengths.

Some claims have to be backed up by testing, of course. We don't know how good the optics are, if focus precision lives up to Tamron's claims, and how effective in-body image stabilization will be on its own. We'll report back with a full review when we've had a chance to test the 70-180mm in the lab and in the field.

Tamron expects shipments to start on May 14, but does warn that the COVID-19 crisis may delay shipments, or restrict the number of lenses available at launch.

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