New TAMRON Zoom Checks All The Boxes REVIEW
Tamron just announced the 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 zoom lens for Sony E-mount full-frame and ASP-C sensor mirrorless cameras. Their latest lens is an amazingly portable (4.8 inches long) All-in-One zoom that features a fast starting aperture of f/2.8, provides 25mm true-wideangle coverage, and focuses as close as 6.3 inches (from sensor plane) for dramatic half-life-size macro shots.
Shutterbug had a chance to test drive a sample prior to public release. Here is our report.
Overview & First Impressions
A standard soda can (or if you live in the Midwest, a pop can) is 4.83 inches (122.7mm) tall. The new Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 zoom lens stands upright at 4.8 inches (121.5mm). You see where I’m going with this?
In other words, it’s astonishingly compact.
Billed as an “All-in-One” zoom by Tamron, undisputedly the originator of the All-in-One zoom lens category, it performs well beyond the traditional capabilities of typical all-in-one lenses. For example:
It focuses close enough to deliver 1:1.9 magnification for half-macro shooting. Quick explainer here, “true macro” begins at 1:1 magnification; i.e., a subject 1 inch long is recorded on the camera’s sensor “life-size” as a 1-inch long image. A magnification ratio of 1:2 provides “half-macro,” so that same 1-inch long subject is recorded as one-half inch long.
Additionally, the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 G2 has a fast f/2.8 starting aperture. This feature in particular makes it a great travel companion. When visiting new places, we often find ourselves indoors where a high-speed lens is a huge benefit. And since much (maybe most) indoor shooting is done at wideangle, the combination of 25mm and f/2.8 is unbeatable.
I could carry the travel point further: If you photograph your meals when you travel (I always do) having the extreme close-up (6.3 inches / 160mm) from sensor) capability means you do not have to change lenses to shoot your food.
Another feature that pushes the boundaries that limit conventional all-in-one-type zooms, the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 G2 is very small. As mentioned above, it’s about the size of a 12-ounce can of Dr. Pepper and weighs just a skosh more than 20 ounces. Despite its diminutive size it’s an 8X zoom that stretches to 200mm on full-frame cameras, and 300mm on Sony APS-C sensor mirrorless models.
Specifications
Other Key Features
Weather Protection & Fluorine Coating
I’m not big on shooting in the pouring rain, but there are times when slight exposure to moisture is unavoidable. To protect you when the clouds begin melting, Tamron built weather protection into this lens. Strategically placed seals provide moisture resistance, and a coating of oleophobic fluorine on the front element makes it easier (and safer) to remove dust and fingerprints.
Leverages Sony Camera Features
It varies from model to model, but Sony mirrorless cameras have special features that extend versatility and, in many cases, improve output. The Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 G2 leverages of many of these powerful built-in functions to your full advantage. The list includes Fast Hybrid AF, Eye AF, Direct Manual Focus (DMF) and optical corrections (shading, chromatic aberration and distortion).
Bokeh
I just recently began to wholly understand the virtues of bokeh (pronounced “bo” as in “Bozo” and “ke” as in ketchup). Read what I got wrong about it during my first 150 years here on planet E: I’ve Been Wrong About “Bokeh” All These Years.
The Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 zoom lens creates smooth, beautiful bokeh, a quality that helps solidify it as a superb portrait lens in my book. Part of the credit goes to its nine-blade circular diaphragm. Add to that, it covers the portrait-friendly focal lengths of 80-105mm, considered by most experts to be the Goldilocks range for best rendition of facial features with attractive perspective and without distortion (compression or elongation).
Compatible With Tamron Lens Utility™ Software
The new Tamron zoom has a USB Type-C port that allows users to connect their lens to their computer or smart phone to directly update firmware when necessary, as well as customize certain lens functions to suit their shooting style. For instance, you can customize the Focus Set Button to toggle between AF and MF. For firmware updates, the lens must be tethered to a computer, not a mobile device.
Unified 67mm Filter Size
Sounds like a small thing, but because nearly all Tamron mirrorless lenses accept 67mm filters, it’s not necessary to buy more than one size. That expensive Polarizer or ND, for instance, can be used on just about every Tamron lens in your bag. It also means that you don’t have to fumble around figuring out which lens cap fits when changing lenses.
Tamron as All-in-One Zoom Pioneer
Tamron originated the All-in-One zoom category in 1992 and sort of went crazy with it since then. They passed the 5-million total production milestone in 2014, constantly adding more features and pushing technological barriers aside as they debuted new models. The 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 zoom lens is Tamron’s eighth iteration and represents a distillation of everything they’ve learned along the way.
The Tamron All-in-One history graphic above is hard to read, but it lives online HERE.
Exterior Construction: Fit & Finish
All Tamron lenses we’ve handled have exhibited high-quality construction and outstanding build quality. This new zoom is a “G2,” that is, it shares the exterior refinements that were introduced as part of the second generation.
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Optical Construction
Performance Summary
I had very high hopes for this lens, and I was not disappointed. As evidenced by the handful of original images dotting this story, it achieved remarkable edge-to-edge sharpness, clean contrast and accurate color fidelity.
The VXD Autofocus (Voice-coil eXtreme torque Drive, Tamron’s fastest and most precise linear motor focus mechanism to date) was blazing fast and exact with zero backward bounce. Likewise the AF motor in the new zoom was comfortably quiet, making it ideal for video as well as still image making.
In summary, the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 zoom lens performed excellently in all respects.
Even the image above, that was shot through a double-pane glass patio door, came out sharp and clean. Note to self: open door before shooting next time, dummy.
Conclusion
Ideal travel lens, great EDC, perfectly suited to portrait photography, and pretty damn good for street stuff—the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 zoom lens does it all. It’s half-macro (1:1.9) close-up performance greatly expands its versatility compared to other zooms in this category. It’s also more than adequate for nature (including your backyard flock of birds) and excellent for sports, particularly your kiddo’s soccer and baseball games.
And the numerical specifications astonish. At 4.8 inches (121.5mm) long and weighing only about 20 ounces (575g), combined with its starting point of 25mm f/2.8, it’s a fast wideangle AND a powerful 8X tele-zoom that belongs in your kit.
Price & Availability
The Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 zoom lens for Sony E-mount is expected to reach store shelves about the same time you read this. Price is anticipated to be $899 in the US, but of course, that’s determined by resellers and is subject to change.
Heads up, don’t confuse the new second generation zoom with the Tamron 28-200mm which we reviewed in August, 2024 (link). The older model is still seen online but is not “G2” and is slightly larger and a bit heavier, and of course it starts at 28mm instead of 25mm.
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—Jon Sienkiewicz
