Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Sony FE) lens

Tamron 16-30mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Sony FE) lens

The Tamron 16-30mm F2.8 is a fast wide-angle zoom for Sony full-frame cameras. The lens has G2 in its name, but this is not just a version update of the 17-28mm lens, but a completely redesigned model. The optical structure is new and the focal length has gained more dimension at both ends, especially at the wide-angle end, where every millimeter counts.

This new product from Tamron and the 28-75mm G2 and 70-180mm lenses form a smart package for photography and video projects. The filter thread is the same 67mm , so you can change filters and lens caps directly between the lenses. Both are lightweight (the 16-30mm weighs only 440g ). Despite the lightness, the features have not been compromised, so the aperture is fixed at F2.8, the lens structure is weather-sealed and Tamron's fast VDX focusing motor is used.

The change in the focus motor is noticeable immediately in use, the Tamron 16-30mm keeps up better with the advanced AF features of Sony's new bodies. Manual focus correction is also possible when using autofocus, the lens supports Sony Direct Manual Focus. The closest focusing distance is 19cm in the wide-angle position.

The optics are completely new in the lens, the number of lens elements has increased to 16 and these are in 12 groups (13/11 in the previous model). Several special lenses are used, such as three aspherical, two LD and one XLD distortion-correcting element. With the help of special lenses, color shifts and distortions are kept well under control. The lens is great for demanding landscape photography and is also suitable for photographing buildings and architecture. The sharpness is very good especially at the wide-angle end and improves when dimming at the 30mm focal length.

Keeping reflections under control is important with such wide-angle lenses, where there are often bright light sources in the image area. The Tamron 16-30mm features the manufacturer's BBAR coating and a lens hood is also included.

The Tamron 16-30mm focuses and zooms internally, meaning the lens size does not change with use. This also means that the weather and dust protection works more effectively. The outer surfaces of the lens are coated with dirt-repellent fluorine.

The lens has a USB-C connection for software updates.

Specifications:

• Mount: Sony FE
• Focal length: 16-30mm
• Aperture: F2.8 (min. f/16)
• Optical construction: 16 elements / 12 groups, 9 rounded diaphragm blades
• Closest focus: 19cm (0.19x)
• Filter size: 67mm
• Size: 74.8mm x 101.8mm
• Weight: 440g