Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 VC Lens Review: Despite a few concessions, it offers a good budget alternative to big brand f/2.8 tele-zooms
posted Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at 3:16 PM EST
Released in 2012, the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 VC is certainly not the new lens on the block, but it's nevertheless a lens we had yet to test for SLRgear. Plus, given the sheer versatility and popularity of the classic 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, when we got the chance to review this lens, we thought it would be a good idea to see how Tamron's latest 70-200 f/2.8 lens -- one that now has image stabilization -- stacked up to its pricier, big-name competitors.
Build quality of the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 VC is very nice, and the lens includes weather sealing -- even around the mount -- which is a nice, premium touch. Unlike the earlier Tamron 70-200mm, which did not feature image stabilization, this new model does, and with that, brings a hefty increase in weight. The older model weighed-in at around 2.5 pounds, while this new VC-enabled model tips the scales at around 3.2 pounds.
Performance-wise, the Tamron is capable of producing sharp images. And while it's not the sharpest 70-200mm out there for full-frame DSLRs, the monetary savings of between $500-$1,400 over the competing Canon, Nikon and Sony A-mount offerings should put the Tamron 70-200 VC on your radar if you're looking for such a lens.
For all the details from our in-depth look at this lens, including image quality analysis as well as image stabilization performance, build quality characteristics and autofocus performance, head over to SLRgear for our Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 VC review!
The Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 VC comes in at a very competitive price point at around $1,500, and includes a lens hood and nylon soft case. Check out Amazon, B&H or Adorama for more info on ordering. Buying this lens, or any other item, at one of these trusted affiliates helps support this site and keeps the reviews coming!
In the meantime, check out some sample photos below shot by our lens technician Rob Murray using our Nikon D800E test camera. You can view more sample photos, plus download the full-resolution files, over at our Flickr page.
