Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 G2 Review

The original Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 was a goldilocks lens for many Sony E-mount shooters, and the new 'G2' version is even better. We did a side-by-side comparison between the original Tamron 28-75 F2.8 and the new version to show you where it has improved.
Check out our Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 G2 sample gallery:
www.dpreview.c...
0:00 - Intro
1:07 - Sample images
1:30 - Design and build quality
2:22 - Autofocus
3:03 - Flare and ghosting
3:33 - Bokeh
4:10 - Focus breathing
4:49 - Chromatic aberrations
5:16 - Sunstars
5:34 - Sharpness
6:45 - How it compares
Music provided by BeatSuite.com
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Rental equipment provided by The Camera Store
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[@electrichimp]

Why not compare it to the sigma 28-70mm 😔

[@elinavance3476]

I think a comparison between the sigma 28-70mm f2.8, and the tamron 28-75mm f2.8 G2 would be the most interesting one. similar price and size.

[@exploresouthwest]

Yeah, like a battle of the 3rd party lenses or something. The Sony G Master is a great lens but the price is eyewatering, if you can get 3rd party that comes so close for less than half the price it really makes a big decision on what I'm going to buy.

[@kevinrtres]

I was very interested in the sigma mainly because of the bokeh but the new tamron just makes it for me.

[@elinavance3476]

@@kevinrtres both seem awesome :)

[@instatrip]

exactly... Sigma 28-70 is superior because of smaller form factor, sharper in the center, better bokeh, manual focus switch and cheaper... maybe this review was sponsored? (Actually I think Tamron updated their lens exactly because so they can compete with Sigma)

[@setaside2]

The better weather sealing, VXD motor, and programmability put the Tamron ahead. The ability to turn the by wire behavior into linear behavior is a game changer.

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

So many options on e-mount. crazy! The improved bokeh over the older lens is a big deal.

[@jcml2015]

I'm a beginner, but I can say that this lens is very good, versatile and very sharp, its auto focus on my sony a7iv is fantastic.

[@boobiebrown4884]

Hey I’m new to photography and videography. I’m juggling between the sigma 24 70 and tamron for my A7IV. Do you still recommend the Tamron

[@jcml2015]

@@boobiebrown4884 yes, I'm using the tamron 17-28-f2.8, it's a great lens, if you're going to do portraits I recommend the sony 85mm f1.8. I'm using the 2 on my a7iv 👍

[@thatsreallyamoon]

I really enjoy the different takes around the standard 24-70 range. I find myself not using much wide, so I definitely appreciate the reduced size of lenses that start at 28.

[@Rafaelinux]

Nice to know there's a target audience. I find myself on the other side. A 20mm-50mm or thereabouts would do wonders for me. Even at 2.4 or 2.8

[@thatsreallyamoon]

@@Rafaelinux Panasonic had the right idea with the kit 20-60 3.5-5.6 lens. They should make a pro version with a constant 2.8 aperture if possible for audience like you

[@steviegbcool]

after using the 28-75 for 3 years i can understand why most lenses are 24-70 . so many times i had to change to wide angle just for a sinle shot that i could of got with a 24mm

[@dereksorensen8019]

This is on my A7RIII 95% of the time. Looking to get the new 20-40 as well. Thanks Chris!

[@KenF097]

I have this lens and I absolutely love it. Crisp images. Great for shooting my kids hockey indoors with crappy arena lighting. Super fast focus and nice to have at least one customizable button. I also feel the build quality is substantially better than past Tamron and a bigger point than maybe Chris outlined. Totally recommend. And I even saw Jordan in The Camera Store when I picked it up!

[@jenijerom]

What is your af set up when taking photos of kids playing hockey? I have the sony a7iii

[@KenF097]

@@jenijerom I keep the focus mode in Continuous AF and then switch from Tracking wide / Tracking centre if I want to select a particular subject / and sometimes even just Wide. I also keep the tracking lock on 1 (the most sticky)

[@jenijerom]

@@KenF097 thank you so much for your help 😉

[@rjcaubalejo]

So this means the continous AF of this lens is good

[@arfreeman11]

I would love to see a comparison video with the new Rokinon 24-70 f2.8

[@davjeon427]

That would be interesting although the weight is 2x this lens not sure it fits the all day walk around lens.

[@nikonmark37814]

It's 2021 and I'm still using the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 with my Sony a900 and a850, it's an awesome lens for the price and if I ever go Sony mirrorless I'd have to have the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 g2!

[@nothingtoseeheremovealong...]

That is incredible, I remember fondly the A mount cameras. Had the A65 way back when.

[@petergunndetective]

Ah man, when are these third party midrange zooms getting to Z and RF mounts? Much needed.

[@kennyle8640]

I've been using the original on my Nikon Z7 using the Techart Pro adapter. It's not perfect, but it's pretty good in most situations. It's certainly not as bad as the Commlite adapter and its clones going from Nikon F to Sony E.

[@HappyHubris]

Whenever Canon and Nikon decide to allow it.

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

You should always use original brand lenses with Nikon and Canon. If you want third party lenses to work, get a Sony.

[@ElliotPowell927]

OK Sony users are spoiled for choice in the midrange zoom category. Love it, but I would really love to see you folks review the Tamron 35-150 2-2.8

[@dpreview]

Testing it right now!

[@ElliotPowell927]

@@dpreview awesome looking forward to it!

[@chcomes]

I wonder why not compare it to the Sigma 28-70...

[@80-80.]

Maybe dpreview does not have every single lens in existence lying around.

[@fwfeo]

Exactly what I thought! It's an interesting step by Sigma providing the lighter alternative, which is a direct competitor to these Tamron lenses.

[@neilcameron434]

100% Everyone looking for a smaller standard zoom wants to see this comparison

[@josephyang3260]

I mean if you ever watch tech videos, what typically happens is they review the lens first and then comparison videos come out later. Ofc it’s a little strange that they didn’t compare apples to apples, but hopefully they’ll do another comparison later.

[@Nickporter17]

Dustin abbot mentions that this lens is much better than the sigma 28-70 in everyway except size and weight.

[@atomikmaster1]

I'll keep the original one. Had for over 2 years and it looks brand new still not a mark on it. Close focus distance is superb. Solid quality 👍🏿

[@instatrip]

no dust inside? you are lucky man ;-)

[@BagasWikantyasa]

@@instatrip my v1 had dust inside ahahhah

[@instatrip]

@@BagasWikantyasa I think it almost inevitable with most zoom lenses

[@joeaddison]

Glad to see the updates from Tamron

[@MollyFitzBrown]

I am loving mine, hoping the upgrade the 17-28 with a G2 too!

[@SeanDaPaulSeh]

the chromatic aberration on the geese photo is crazy

[@animegeek6118]

Pretty sure I just found my one and done lens for food and drink photography. The price is great value and the fact you get a 6 year warranty just sweetens the deal for me.

[@Biring1]

I`ve used the first version professionaly for almost three years now. I don`t really see the need to upgrade to this G2.

[@deanjamescarroll]

The same boat as you, version one has been paying my bills for two years or so. I don't need the upgrade either but it's nice to see Tamron developing the lens further.

[@danny_r27]

Good to know! I’ve only had mine for 8 months and it’s an amazing lens for the money! I come from the micro four thirds system and the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 is the closest full frame equivalent of the legendary Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8. The Tamron focuses as close as I would want and provides gorgeous looking images. My only complaint and it’s a slight complaint as I don’t mind it at times is the flaring when the sun is in frame. Sometimes it looks ok but at times it’s annoying and I keep the lens hood on 90% of the time. I’m relieved that people with more experience with it see no need to upgrade.

[@MegaNardman]

@@danny_r27 I have a g1 28-75 too, and personally, I think the only compelling reason for someone to upgrade is if they dislike the soap bubble effect. (I've always liked it). Corner sharpness has never been much of a concern for me at these focal lengths.

Great review! How does it compare with the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8?

[@artmaltman]

This is the pressing question!

[@bioliv1]

A little worse, see Sony Alpha Blog.

[@instatrip]

Sigma is better and cheaper

[@artmaltman]

@@instatrip Have you compared them? Or what do you base this on. Thanks.

[@instatrip]

@@artmaltman I was just comparing the specs: Sigma is smaller, more sharp in the center (but not in the edges), has manual mode switch, cheaper... but of course real-life and AutoFocus comparison would be nice, but dpreview failed by mentioning the 24-75 instead which is a totally different ballpark

[@Azeemmerchant]

Waiting for Jordan’s review of DJI ronin 4D..😍👍

[@unknownsmile3104]

He is actually using ronin 4D you can see it through the reflection on 4:14

[@MichaelRichards983]

The video doesn't look all that good in my opinion.

[@romanpul]

@@unknownsmile3104 They also mention it at the beginning of the video.

[@setaside2]

That symmetrical silver hair is just so glorious.

[@tsizzle]

Waiting to see how it compares to the upcoming Rokinon/Samyang 24-70mm f/2.8 AF parfocal!

[@bioliv1]

Me too!

[@EnerGeezerSquirrel]

Holy crap! That goose shot was so sharp you could see the poop one of them let fly...in flight! [ I've always liked Tamron lenses... ]

[@sanjaysudhakaran980]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Ryan.Matlock]

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the Tamron 35-150. If Chris wants to treat it like a 40-150, I totally understand.

[@Soundwave857]

soon 👀

[@kevinrtres]

See Dustin Abbot.

[@chancemediacanada]

Thanks for your thoughts, I'm planning on picking this bad boy up soon :)

[@ElfTaleFilms]

How is the Video Autofocus? If 28-75 2.8 mark 1 for a7iii was considered good reliable autofocus, how is this mark 2 for a7iii, a7iv or canon R6?

[@ttian2]

One thing I don't like about this new lens, is that its usb-c port is exposed. Not sure why Tamron did not implement a rubber or silicone cover.

[@chasberndt2255]

How does the new Tamron compare with Sigma's 28-70 f/2.8 C? I feel like it's not fair to compare this lens to an Art series.

[@SAI_N_SAI]

YES，你說得對！

[@jcml2015]

from what i saw sigma is not weather sealed, so I decided to get the new Tanrom and I'm enjoying it, but I'm just a beginner

[@kane4013]

Whenever Chris’ hair flaps around like that I instantly hear The Lion King soundtrack

[@ziginox]

One suggestion, I'd like to see an intermediate focal length when testing a zoom. On a lens like this, something in the middle like 50mm?

[@MaximPodbereznyy]

I have a prime 50mm. Can't be beaten

[@jordanlaine7412]

@@MaximPodbereznyy The 55 1.8 is still a beast!

[@KNAPPAID]

​@@jordanlaine7412the zeiss ? Its really not

[@jordanlaine7412]

@@KNAPPAID Aside from it's lack of a weather seal, it absolutely is a beast for photos.

[@bartoszplo]

Surprised that you guys still recommend the Sigma 24-70 despite it's big issues with dust. Would be great to see a side by side comparison against the Sigma 28-70 DN.

[@bioliv1]

I've a HUGE dust in my Tamron!

[@chancetalkscameras]

It's great! My only qualm, as I film myself often, is that it isn't just a few mm wider.

[@brentschmogbert]

Just ge5 the 16-28 from TAMRON too

[@TheOnceAndFutureDoug]

His hair IS spectacular and as a guy who's basically lost most of his... Curse you, sir.

[@TheOnceAndFutureDoug]

@@oscararborist Oh I'm going to use that.

[@christiang-berg8490]

Great review as always! 😊👍

[@DashVisionLLC]

How is it compared to the sigma 28-70 2.8?

[@idontwantacallsign]

Great review. Looks like an awesome lens👌👌👌

[@gabrielperin6311]

what camera was used with the lenses?

[@brentschmogbert]

Yes

[@GeraldCortez]

Would like to see how Samyang’s new 24-70 stack up with these lenses.

[@silverrayleigh6284]

Up

[@HarryAx]

Torn between this and the sigma 24-70 art. Which one is better for photo and video (excluding the size and weight factor)

[@ClaudioDesideriFilms]

Great review mate, thanks!

[@rp1puccio789]

I don’t know if makes a difference but doesn’t the camera body affect the lens due to the speed of focus. I was thinking that the a1would do better than my a9ii.. would this be a incorrect assessment? Thank you Ric

[@workingwiththelight3119]

Please compare it to the sigma lens. I have it on my wish list and now I am not sure which one will be more suitable for KZbin content creators. I just want one lens that does it all well enough and don't break the bank.

[@f3m467]

for your style of work, have you seen the new samyang?

[@sebastiaanvanwater]

I will admit, i was tempted by the mark 1 of this lens. But no 24mm is a deal breaker. Better to sacrifice at the long end IMHO.

[@andrewszczplaylist]

It's not a big deal if you plan to get wide zoom, I got tamron 17-28 and this combo works great for me.

[@rollymartha]

Yeah.. It's interesting lens, but I still prefer 24mm as well :)

[@techtt6213]

The distortion at 4:41 is pretty wild.

[@lsaideOK]

I think more of Gene Kelly when it comes to athletic grace. Nice review! When, oh, when will we see third party support for the z mount?

[@Azeemmerchant]

Awesome video…thanks

[@JerryWoo96]

I want to know the performance of the samyang 24-70 lens

[@mehdizoghi4498]

Can you review the new Samyang 50mm f1.4 FE II ? Is it better than sigma 50 1.4 art?

[@thomastuorto9929]

Thanks for the review. Question, when you say Sony is not in the running. Are you talking just price point? How does the Sony handle shooting into the lights/sun for lens flare? Was wondering because I might order the A7-4 for my intro into the Sony eco system with this focal length lens. It being the only focal length I don't own with my current system. Thanks for any replies if any.

[@steveeb9567]

No mention of the focus/black-out problem with the original on Sony cameras. Probably why Tamron came out with the G2.

[@WestEpicVisuals]

I better not see Chris putting on a hat for the next time it's a windy day, that flow deserves to let loose in the wind. On another note, any chance you guys will be doing a sort of roundup review on the Panasonic S primes now that they have all 4 standard focal lengths released? would be cool to see for the 5 of us that still shoot panny lol

[@andytee88]

Smooth episode!

[@nickmorgulis8177]

Cool video - Can I program the button on the lens to turn auto-focus on and off?

[@odin1983]

Would you say something about bokeh improvement on 28-35mm? Your 75mm f2.8 sample looks very nice but what about shorter focal lengths?

[@victor.ivanov]

That eyepiece at 1:38 😮

[@Imagesbymaddy]

Hey guys this review was amazing but can you'll review the Tamron 50-150 f2-2.8

[@maartenjanssen]

Best opening ever!

[@jessesky204]

Hey I just got the R2 the second generation of this lens - and it does not respect the setting I input in your camera for AF track sensitivity & AF Drive Speed in video - if i set to slow on my 24-105 it gives me a slow smooth focus pull - on the tamron 28-75 R2 - it does the same sloppy low budget video camera looking focus stutter jumping in video no matter what the setting. Is the first generation 28-75 like this? Thanks!

[@antoniopeterson3277]

Well done video

[@actstuntcam]

Now that Tamron has released their 18-300mm lens in X-mount, do you think they will release some of their other APSC lenses in the X-mount too?

[@MrRaychard123]

On a video posted about sigma 28-70 2.8 the guy mention it’s parfocal .

[@steviegbcool]

24-70 would of been the only upgrade would of been interested in.

[@Jan-eh7nf]

Funny to watch this, but today I ordered samyang 24-70 f2.8. Hope I won't be disappointment.

[@brentschmogbert]

Would HAVE not would OFF. ffs!😣

[@steviegbcool]

@@brentschmogbert you ok ?

[@MikeLindup42]

What would you both advise if (ahem) a friend *just* bought a Mk1 Tammy?

[@cyrilimportante]

Can I still use tamron 28-75 f2.8 not the g2 version on my Sony A7IV?

[@MtRevDr]

It was good to make a soap bubble bokeh lens. People spent more to buy the original soap bubble bokeh lens with Meyer Optik brand.

[@cnboy14]

Please do a review on Tamron 18-300

[@tsizzle]

Will you review the Tamron 20-40mm f2.8 Di III VXD for Sony E mount?

[@f3m467]

now we have one more. the samyang :) this lens are stabilized»?

[@jordandoucet6887]

May I propose combining Flare and Characteristics into one word: "flarecteristics"?

[@JohnDennery]

Change approved!

[@jordandoucet6887]

@@JohnDennery 🙏 your backing is much appreciated.

[@donantony7198]

Can you do Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD Lens for Fujifilm X?

[@63MacGuy]

Where’s Jordan? Good gimbal lens?

[@akhyarrayhka4048]

the intro is getting more creative

[@amitdey5903]

Review tamron 18-300 mm Fuji lens

[@Bayonet1809]

There is also the Samyang/Rokinon 24-70 f2.8 recently released. Could be comparable to the Sigma?

[@ElliotPowell927]

The picture of the Samyang seem to show that it's not a light/compac lens like this or the sigma and more akin in size to the Gmaster

[@kerstinkirchhoff5215]

In Germany the old one can i get 400 euro cheaper. Is the new one worth this price difference? What do you think? 😊

[@Versillio]

Will a CPL reduce the unwanted lens flares? I am interested in this lens as a beginner and want to buy a great standard zoom lens once and not waste money.

[@jackyyao8231]

how about Z28-75/2.8

[@STORIEDAMAAN]

Picked right up

[@mikolv21]

Please Tamron, I want some fast primes

[@trowawayacc]

Hello! With the chip shortage affecting fuji entire lens lineup. Could you guys recommend combos of adapters and lenses i can use for wildlife or street photography?

[@zootmojo]

I don't know if this answers your request, but... I have Nikon-mount lenses (for my D7100) and a Fujifilm X-T3. I now have a Fringer NF-FX adapter that lets me use the Nikon-mount lenses on my X-T3. Absolute game-changer! I have the Fuji 55-200, but I also have the Nikon 70-200 f2.8. No comparison.

[@zootmojo]

One more thing. I have the battery grip on my X-T3. I have to take it off if I want to take off or put on a lens with the adapter attached. Hassle (pretty minor), but necessary.

[@kevlarnegative]

Chris, why have you changed your bag mid-shoot? 😅

[@stevemuzak8526]

It’s gonna be available for Nikon users?

[@asalalawsi]

Which one better this lens or the sony 24-70 g master

[@robertbalkovec4087]

What do you think? 😉

[@CMule32]

Has anyone else had problems with the G1 of this lens hooked up to a A7R5?

[@abhishekbhagat5426]

Hey plz make videos on eos r6 vs a7iv

[@RealEstateTorontoPhotography]

Well Done !

[@gerhardwiesinger]

Which Test-chart do you use?

[@hagentrondheim3675]

I like the soap bobble bokeh better

[@Timothy-kn6vi]

G1 plastic looks better also design. G1 ftw

[@DanC]

Very attractive, I hope it comes to Nikon Z mount.

[@sorojpaudel7163]

is it new lence bro?

[@mreddieau]

and a review for video?

[@Blackriver69]

Your pricing is way off on the "original." It's priced at $879.99 US and has been for a while. What you have there is the price at launch but they bumped that up a very long time ago. So it's not much of a savings at all to go with version 1. Though I fully expect them to drop that sooner than later now that G2 is out. Also, kind of silly to include the 24-70 2.8 lenses in the price chart but not the Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 which is a much closer apples to apples comparison.

[@baqcasanke]

thanks for the sun samples. I shoot alot outdoors and that purple sun flare was super gross and unacceptable for me. Makes the image look like it was shot on a plastic lens imo

[@Isaac________]

Are you planning to make a video review of the OM System 20mm f/1.4?

[@dpreview]

Yes, Chris is shooting it right now

[@Durio_zibethinus]

@@dpreview hope it will be reviewed with a new EP7.

[@Isaac________]

@@dpreview Cool, looking forward to it!

[@VozMadridista]

Why isn’t Tamron making this lense for the RF system?

[@bazilio8258]

Likely because Canon don't like the idea..

[@hoatd1993]

Canon haven't shared the focusing algorithm yet so the performance may be very bad conpares to SONY system. Also, SONY has shares of Tamron company.

[@VozMadridista]

@@hoatd1993 but there are AF Viltrox Lenses on the RF system (the 85 mm comes to mind)… it may have to do more with Sony’s participative ownership of Tamron

[@hoatd1993]

@@VozMadridista Viltrox AF on Canon is good as it is on Sony, sad but true.

[@neursredsocial]

Thats a nice area where you are walking

[@user-bj5gr8ug9s]

Interesting what about video? AF video in old version sucks (

[@NVIK5]

I like the quality of S1H footage better than that of the Ronin.

[@SMGJohn]

There a few KZbinrs who randomly switched out their 20 000 dollar camera setup with a 200 dollar one, and no one noticed LOL I think the difference here is in the colours with the S1H and Ronin primarily, easy fix though.

[@stephensmith1509]

I double checked to make sure I wasn't watching in 480p, it looked really soft

[@NVIK5]

@@stephensmith1509 it looks like GoPro footage, honestly...

[@IPpainting]

I just want good third party lenses like from tamron for fuji now