Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC G2 for Nikon FX Digital SLR Camera (6 Year Tamron Limited Warranty)

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As with many Nikon users taking a serious look at this Tamron G2 lens and the Nikon FL, I researched to gain insight as to relative performance of these two lenses, deciding whether or not I should go with the $1300 Tamron or fork up the $2800 for the new Nikon E FL, anticipating that I would not buy another 70-200 f/2.8 for years to come. As an aside, I own an A7RII and an A6500, for which I have some of the best glass. The 90mm macro and 55 f/1.8 are razor sharp lenses, by the way. I was willing to buy the 70-200 Master ($2600), for which I would use to shoot/video action in low light conditions. But that lens on those two top-of-the-line Sony bodies has way too many autofocus issues. The Sony 70-200GMaster, which I tested, is pretty sharp, but what use is a 2.8 telephoto that cant focus in low light conditions? Youre better off just getting the Sony 70-200 f/4, which, given the Sony 70-200 f/2.8s poor low light performance, would basically give you the same performance in a lighter less expensive body. I just throw my 55f/1.8 and zoom by foot to cover the 70-100mm range on my A6500 and throw the 90mm macro on the same to cover the 130+ range. Remember, the 200mm on the Sony 70-200mm is more like a 150mm due to focus breathing. In any case, due its poor low light performance, the Sony was disqualified, even though I prefer Sony for still photography and video. Back to the Tamron 70-200 G2 and the 70-200mm Nikon E FL: I went to a local camera store which sells and rents all the top-of-the-line lenses. There I hooked up the 70-200mm Nikon FL to my Nikon D750. To my 20-15 pixel-peeping eyes, the Nikon FL seems to have slightly, and I mean SLIGHTLY, better sharpness wide open in the center of the frame and better magnification--i.e., less focus breathing. While in the store, I took dozens upon dozens of wide open photos at 70, 85, 100, 130, 170, and 200mm and compared them in Lightroom to photos of the 70-200mm Tamron G2 and the Sony 70-200mm GMaster, which I only attached to my A6500. I understand the Master would have been sharper on my A7RII, but both cameras use the latest versions of 24mp+- CMOS sensors, making the comparisons somewhat on par, I guesstimate. Plus, the poor focusing of the Sony, which was validated on my A6500, disqualifies that lens for action photography or other forms of low light photography. IMHO, the new Nikon FL, which I was willing to buy in a split second were it as sharp as some say, is not worth $1500 more than the Tamron G2. I wouldnt pay $1800 for that lens, especially now that Ive tested the Tamron G2, which is basically the SAME LENS. REALLY. For its slight increase in center sharpness and decrease in focus breathing, the new Nikon may be worth $250 more, IMO, as the slight edge in center sharpness is truly negligible. In fact, I would have instantly either suffered from buyers remorse after purchasing the Nikon FL or rationalized/validated the purchase of it by convincing myself that its worth every penny to suppress buyers remorse. That lens is not worth $3000 and neither is the Sony 70-200 GMaster. If the Tamron were not as good as the Nikon, then the Nikon may be worth $3k; but the Tamron is as good as the Nikon, maybe even better, if you look at the totality of the lens, not just its center sharpness. Let me tell you why. The Tamron SP 70-200 G2 is just as sharp. I tell you no lie. But thats more or less to be expected. IMO, all the 70-200 f/2,8 and F/4s are pretty much as sharp as the other. You have to really pixel peep to see the difference. Where they distinguish themselves is in their low light performance--wide open. Thats what you pay the big bucks for. What is good low light performance on a lens? Its the ability to quickly find focus in low light conditions. The camera is responsible for the ISO performance, not the lens. And when it comes to the low light performance of the Tamron G2: Absolutely Awesome Low Light Performance. On my D750, the Tamron G2 acquires focus instantaneously. To be fair, the Nikon FL acquired focus instantaneously on my D750, as well. Both the Tamron G2 and the Nikon FL acquire focus instantaneously on my D750. It is truly truly remarkable. Having said that, the Tamron does so for $1500 less. Its sort of like clothes shopping. The name brand item is better than the generic brand, 90% of the time. But sometimes it isnt. In this case, the name brand Nikon is only slightly better than the reverse-engineered Tamron, but the difference is truly negligible, unless you pixel peep on Lightroom in 100% crop mode. And thats only in the very center of the frame, looking at an eyelash or the microscopic hairs on the persons nose. Fresh out-of-the-box, my Tamron G2 instantly focuses on anything I point it at, less a plain white wall or some other contrast-less thing. But all lenses do that. And no, I did not hook up the Tap-in-Console to achieve that level of focus acquisition. In a nutshell, the sharpness, focus acquisition, lens stabilization, seeming build quality, and warranty of the two lenses is virtually identical. The Nikon is lighter, seems to be a tad bit brighter, and the focus rings are smoother, but thats it. $1500 more for that? Not me. Instead of paying about $3k for the Nikon or Sony, I bought the Tamron G2 and the D750--all brand new for $3100 or the same price you will pay if you buy the Nikon locally and pay tax. If you buy online, make sure to buy from a reputable dealer like Amazon, B&H, or Adorama. I wouldnt risk any open-box or used copies of any of these lenses, given the QC issues reported. Whats more, both lenses are said to have quality control issues. However, both lenses come with extended warranties, and Tamron even went so far as to develop a Tap-in Console, enabling fine-tunings. I highly recommend the Tamron SP 70-200mm G2. Update: The lens is still performing very well, and I received a $200 Rebate check from Tamron because I qualified for the Student Rebate, per the Tamron Website.

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I was looking to replace an older, mechanically deficient 80-200, f/2.8 Nikkor which would "jam" up between manual and auto focus & miss the photo. (I like the old lens, but just not worth the cost to fix it). Thus, my shopping began. I was interested in the Nikon 70-200, f/2.8 E (newest lens), but couldnt hope to afford it at more than $2,500.I looked at used 70-200 VRII and Sigma and earlier Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 offerings. Fortunately, I was able to find this US warranty (6 years!) version at the suggested RETAIL, NOT INFLATED price via Cameta Camera here on Amazon. (an aside: Cameta doesnt collect state tax outside NY, I think vs. Amazon does in several states. Also, Cameta was obliterated in NY with winter storm at time I was ordering lens, so when they could dig out, they expedited shipment. thank you!) Its a beautiful lens. feels well made. The footplate/tripod ring (?) seems very stable, but easy to remove, put back on. I can hand-hold it, but does get heavy after awhile, so I plan to use with a monopod when doing prolonged shooting (e.g. soccer game). I was looking for lens to capture sporting events: yeah, its a tad short for field work: Soccer, football, baseball- but i hope to use w/ DX (crop-sized sensor) camera --D7200-- to extend focal length, so to speak. Also, plan to use with a teleconverter (TC); FYI, the "Tamron SP" 1.4 X TC I already own doesnt work with this lens, so, I will save my lunch money and hopefully buy the newer 1.4X XT model TC in the near future. Also, I use a different quick - release system, so I had to buy an inexpensive "arca- style" baseplate to attach to a ballhead for monopod use. FYI the "Andoer adapter plate" ($12 here on Amazon) works great. link: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RK2DSIM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I hope to add photos; I work off different computers & the photos are elsewhere. Let me at least talk about the process: I photo events, sports, wildlife, especially hummingbirds- so I need quick AF. THIS IT DOES! as quick as my Nikkor 300m F/4; quicker than the 70-300 f/4.5-5.6 zoom. The focus seems to be spot on. especially using the D750 (FX). Im wondering if there is a slight focus, softening with the D7200 (DX); will need to set up AF test & double check. I also appreciate that I can focus close by, under 3 ft. That was important for me. Im sure Im forgetting to mention something, so if any questions, I can try to reply. now go find photos... FYI: "concert" photos with FX D750; bird, outdoor/pond photos with DX D7200 lens.

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I did my own test of this lens today against my Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G VRII ED on my D7200. I also have the D800E but have not mounted this Tamron on that body just yet. The short answer is that aside from some minor differences in contrast, the Tamron wins out in terms of image sharpness and vibration reduction as compared to the Nikon version of this focal range. This is not easy for me to say as I have just owned the Nikon lens for about 14 months and have used it for only a dozen or so outings. And, lets not forget the $700 or so difference in price that I feel I spent foolishly on the Nikon version. I consider myself a serious amateur with some very light pro (paid) experience. I am not by any means a lens authority and have no experience with anything other than Nikon. So in terms of photographic or technical creds, I bring very little to this review site. Yes, Im a bit of a Nikon fan-boy and have been so for 3 decades. It was raining today so I set up a tripod on the front porch and took a series of 200mm, f/2.8 shots of a neighbors car tag about 300 feet away. Cropped on Lightroom, the Tamron excelled by a slim difference center-frame, and the lenses were about equal at the edge of the frame. Again, there was slightly more contrast with the Nikon. I really expected the Nikon to substantially excel but that was not the case. For me at least, if I couple this quick resolution test with the VR capability of the Tamron, the Tamron becomes the clear winner of the two especially when I consider the $1299 price. Also, back inside the house, I was able to achieve pin-sharp, hand-held shots down to 1/6th of a second at 200mm. That level of hand-held, totally unsupported shooting was a shock to me and I let out a couple expletives when I took a peek at the shots achieved! This guy has never experienced such a high level of VR capability with any other lens of any type by any manufacturer. Im so pleased with the performance and profound quality feel of the Tamron; so much so that Im beating myself up for the Nikon lens purchase. Even when the novelty of having this new lens begins to fade, Ill still be reaching for it anytime the focal lengths are called for. That understanding of myself tells me to go ahead and sell the Nikon - a shame because I worked hard to complete my Nikon "Trinity" with the addition of the Nikon 70-200mm not long ago. I just cant get the VR experience with the Tamron out of my head! My advice: Buy and enjoy something really special in a very reasonably priced lens. 03/20/2017: Be aware that I did not purchase this lens through Amazon although Amazon was the first place I checked availability. There is a REASON why this lens is sold out in Amazon and other high end camera retailers. Just order and be patient. I assure you its worth the wait.

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Simply brilliant. Took it on assignment to the 24 Hours of LeMans and it was absolutely perfect. Even with racing at night them lens had next to no problem finding and tracking cars. Perhaps 1 in 30-40 attempts to focus would it search for a couple of seconds. The lens was mounted to a Nikon D5. Couldnt be happier.....

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Ive had hits and misses with Tamron and Sigma lenses in the past. I did not like the previous Tamron 24-70, but I thought my Tamron 70-300 was a great value. The second I put my new Tamron 70-200 G2 lens on my D800, I knew I had something special. It was just *sharp* and the color rendition was as good as any Nikon. (Note, I think most Tamrons are ever so slightly warmer than most Nikons). The next thing I noticed was that the autofocus was accurate and fast. This was my biggest worry -- I read enough good reviews about this lens that I assumed it would be sharp, but I wasnt so sure about the autofocus quality. Then, I received my D850, and this lens was the first thing I put on it. Again. Wow. Stunning sharpness. This lens was not holding the D850 back at all. And, autofocus speed was noticeably faster than on the D800. Pros: Incredibly sharp Excellent color rendition Fast and accurate autofocus Attractive, simple body/design Focus and zoom rings feel good and work smoothly Cons: None

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This is a super-awesome lens! I like everything from the construction to the cool lens hood it comes with, and it captures pretty much everything on my D810 as sharp as anything. I started shooting with it wide open at 2.8 but noticed the depth of field was almost too shallow for portraits. I began dropping it to 3.2 or 3.5 and am getting much cleaner results. The autofocus is quick and accurate; I havent suffered any front or back focusing issues, and the minimum distance is such that getting shots up close is easy. Many have complained about focus breathing, suggesting that the true focal length is only 150mm or so, even though it does focus closer than others. The problem is that you wont get the distance that youd like if youre shooting wildlife. Either way, this is awesome for portraits and other subjects at medium distance.

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Ive been shooting digital SLRs now for over 15 years and have gone through many Canon, Nikon, Sigma and Tamron variants of the 70-200 on multiple bodies and they just keep getting better and better. This new version from Tamron is absolutely fantastic and bests my old 70-200 2.8 IS Mk II in a few areas. Must have lens for any semi-serious or amateur photog.

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WOW! Love this new version! I traded in my older Tamron 70-200 for this G2 version and wish I hadnt waited so long. Its night and day better in terms of sharpness at 2.8 and the colors and contrast are so much nicer. The only reason I gave this lens 4/5 stars is that the switches do protrude a bit and get bumped. Sometimes I turn off the VC or auto-focus by accident. Also, my lens hood doesnt quite fit quite as tightly as Id like, but thats nit-picking it stays on just fine.

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Going to keep this review short and sweet. I imagine by now that there isnt much else to be said about this lens unit, but I must add my 2-cents if only to pad the five-star rating. To start, this lens is more than half the price of the Nikon lens of the same focal length and max aperture, but operates in more or less the same way. The Tamron lens produces absolutely stunning, crisp imagery; build quality is great, and doesnt feel even a little cheap; and flexing the focus and zoom is velvety smooth. This is everything I expect of a good lens, and certainly everything you should, too. Of course, theres more to this unit than what Ive said, but I dont think its necessary for me to regurgitate all of the technical aspects, at least no more than to say that everything works as described. Hope this helps!

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I read lots of reviews online and on youtube videos, compare with $2899(Nikon) and $1299(Tamron) plus all the difference, including build quality, image quality, focus speed, etc. All differences are much smaller than the price difference, for me all the differences does not worth $1600. So I stay with Tamron.

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