Hands-On with the New Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens (PHOTOS)

We’re currently at the WPPI show in Las Vegas where the brand new Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 lens is making its debut. Because, unlike in years past, WPPI is scheduled prior to the big CP+ Camera & Photo Imaging Show in Japan, breaking product news has been light so far.

So, in many respects, the new Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 G2 is “stealing the show” here in Vegas. We got some hands-on time with it yesterday and came away impressed. The new lens is the follow-up to a previous 70-200mm f/2.8 launched by Tamron in 2008.

The new Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 reportedly has significantly faster autofocus, improved image stabilization, and enhanced optical quality. It also has a more robust build than the previous model – which we noticed while holding the lens at the WPPI show – and it's moisture proof and dust resistant with a metal-based barrel.

According to Tamron, the lens’ revamped Vibration Compensation image stabilization system offers five stops of correction for hand shake. The Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 G2 also features a new optical design and lens coatings designed to produce better resolution, contrast and bokeh.

Tamron’s also shortened the minimum focusing distance to 37.4 inches, (as compared to 50.7 inches with the previous version).

Designed for use with both full-frame and APS-C DSLR cameras and available in Nikon and Canon mounts, the new Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 zoom lens will go on sale in March 2017 for $1,299, which is $400 less than the previous model’s introductory price.

More info here.

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