Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2

Reviewers find it sharper than the original, especially in the corners at 180mm, and very good at f/2.8 throughout. Bokeh is smooth, flare resistance is good, and the VC makes it usable on unstabilised bodies and for handheld video. Close focus at the wide end is far more practical than the first version's MF-only trick.

AF is fast and accurate for portraits, events and most sport. The extending barrel, the zoom direction opposite to Sony's lenses, and the shorter reach than a 70-200 remain the trade-offs. It is generally rated the value pick among fast telephoto zooms on Sony E.

Owners describe it as the lightest way to get f/2.8 telephoto on Sony with stabilisation, and like the zoom lock and USB-C configuration. Many upgraded from the G1 for VC and the better close focus.

Complaints include the reverse zoom direction, the barrel extension, the lack of a tripod collar, and frame-rate limits for third-party lenses on Sony's fastest bodies. Some find 180mm a little short for field sports.