Three years ago, Tamron announced the 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD for Sony, a powerful lens that made its way into the bags of many photographers – and now the company is back for more. This week, Tamron revealed the 28-75mm f/2.8’s successor: the 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2, which packs several significant upgrades, along with all the features that made the first 28-75mm f/2.8 such a hit.
And the original 28-75mm f/2.8 certainly was well-received. According to many a reviewer, the lens combined a compact build, a wide maximum aperture, speedy autofocus, and stellar image quality, not to mention a focal length range that performed well in pretty much every scenario, from portraits and landscapes to events and more. And then, of course, was the price; at well under $1000, the 28-75mm positioned itself as the affordable alternative to Sony’s 24-70mm f/2.8 GM lens and even undercut Sigma’s low(ish)-cost 24-70mm f/2.8 Art lens for Sony.
So what does the upcoming 28-75mm f/2.8 offer over its predecessor?
Mainly optical and autofocus upgrades. According to Tamron, you can expect “significantly improved optical and autofocus performance” – specifically, the 28-75mm will likely offer enhanced sharpness thanks to an optical redesign, and Tamron promises “higher autofocus speed with greater precision,” perfect for photographers who tackle sports and other action subjects.
The lens will also feature an increased maximum magnification (from 1:2.94 to 1:2.7), helpful for the occasional detail shot. And Tamron hints at “a new design in the pursuit of enhanced operability and ergonomic texture,” though the company also makes clear that the 28-75mm f/2.8 will offer “the well-received compact size of its predecessor.” In other words: better ergonomics, but in the same small package.
While we don’t yet know the price of the new 28-75mm, expect it to match or only slightly exceed that of the original lens – a bargain, giving the lens’s undoubtedly outstanding optical performance, speed, and low-light capabilities.
Tamron also emphasizes the lens’s integration “with [a] new ‘Tamron Lens Utility’ software” for “personal customization [that] gives flexible shooting options to match the shooting situation.” For instance, the Lens Utility software will let you adjust the aperture via the focus ring, focus at predetermined positions, and more.
If you’re after a budget f/2.8 lens for Sony, one that spans from wide-angle to standard telephoto and punches far above its weight in optics and autofocus, then keep an eye out for the 28-75mm f/2.8 G2. Tamron suggests a 2021 release date, so you shouldn’t have long to wait!
Now over to you:
What do you think of the new 28-75mm f/2.8 for Sony? Have you used the original? Are there any upgrades you would like to see that are missing from the updated version? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
