Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD

Reviewers found it sharp across the frame at f/2.8 at most focal lengths, with only slight softening in the corners at 180mm. Colour fringing was well controlled, and out-of-focus areas were smooth. AF was fast and quiet and handled sports and events well on Sony bodies of the time.

The reservations were the missing stabilisation for owners of unstabilised bodies, the lack of any switches on the barrel, the extending barrel, and the shorter reach than a 70-200. The MF-only close focus was seen as a niche extra rather than a true macro feature.

Owners praise the size and weight for wedding and portrait days, the image quality for the price, and the shared 67mm filter size with other Tamron zooms. Many paired it with the 28-75mm as a light two-lens kit.

Common complaints are the zoom ring turning opposite to Sony lenses, no AF/MF or limiter switch, and some sample variation reported early on. Since the G2 arrived, it is mostly bought used.