Sony’s constant-aperture G Master lenses are very big and very expensive, and Nikon users are in much the same boat with the corresponding Nikkor S zooms. So it’s likely that the new Tamron 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 will tempt even more users away from own-brand lenses towards Tamron’s excellent third-party alternatives.
I can vouch for their quality. I own the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD and Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD in Sony E mount, both remarkably versatile lenses with unexpectedly good optical quality, nice design and finish and a very compelling price.
The ‘trinity’ Tamron is talking about in this case is the new 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2, the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 and the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2. In each case, Tamron has scaled back slightly on focal length range to give better optical correction and better value for money. These three lenses are a much cheaper alternative to the Sony and Nikon ‘trinity’ equivalents.
The new Tamron 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 slightly extends the focal range of the old 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD at both ends of the scale while maintaining the constant f/2.8 maximum aperture. It features Tamron’s fast and precise VXD linear AF motor and a 16-element optical design which includes XLD, LD and GM elements. It’s also moisture-resistant.
The Tamron 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is available for pre-order in both Sony FE and Nikon Z mounts:
Tamron 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 Sony FE mount: £929 at B&H | £849 at Wex
Tamron 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 Nikon Z mount: £929 at B&H | £849 at Wex