Tamron adds series of fast 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD zoom lenses for Sony bodies

GaryPageau , ,
70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A056)

Tamron announced the 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A056), a large aperture telephoto zoom lens for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras will be available in the U.S. on May 14 at $1199. Due to the spread of COVID-19, however, the release date or the product supply schedule could be delayed.

The 70-180mm F/2.8 features a compact and lightweight design with a 67mm filter diameter, the same as the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 (Model A046) and the 28-75mm F/2.8 (Model A036). The optical construction includes several lens elements contributing to the lens’s overall superb imaging performance, the company said. The lens has a very short 33.5” Minimum Object Distance (MOD) expands overall versatility and utilizes Tamron’s newly developed Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive (VXD) linear motor focus mechanism producing an autofocus drive that’s quieter and quicker than ever before.

Other features include Moisture-Resistant Construction for added weather protection and Fluorine Coating for easy maintenance. In addition, the 70-180mm F/2.8 is fully compatible with various camera-specific features including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF.

The new 70-180mm F/2.8 lens has a MOD of 33.5-inches throughout the entire zoom range. The short MOD paves the way for telephoto shooting at a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.6 at the 180mm telephoto end. Moreover, a floating component equipped with two VXD linear focus mechanisms maintains high image quality while effectively controlling aberrations so that the 70-180mm F/2.8 ensures great image quality even at close-up, the company said. The lens features a floating mechanism ensuring great image quality at distances as short as 33.5-inches. It is possible to shoot as close at 10.6-inches on manual focus.

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Gary Pageau is principal of InfoCircle LLC, continuing his marketing communications career. InfoCircle LLC is a marketing and communications consulting firm, specializing in business-to-business markets. For nearly 25 years, he was with PMA International, serving most recently as Publisher, Content Development and Strategic Initiatives. His primary responsibilities included overseeing the Association’s editorial department, marketing research unit, education and corporate relations department.