Sony E Autofocus

Tamron 16-30mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2

Focal length: 16–30 mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Weight: 440 g
Filter diameter: 67 mm
Min. focus distance: 19 cm
Length: 101.8 mm

Predecessor: Tamron 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD

Overview

The Tamron 16-30mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 (model A064) is a compact ultra wide zoom for full frame mirrorless cameras, available for Sony E and Nikon Z mounts. Tamron announced it in July 2025 as the third lens of its G2 trinity, following the 28-75mm F2.8 and 70-180mm F2.8, and as the successor to the 17-28mm F2.8. It suits landscape, architecture, interiors, astrophotography and travel.

Optical design

The lens has 16 elements in 12 groups. According to Tamron, it includes one XLD element, two LD elements and three GM (glass molded aspherical) elements to reduce chromatic aberration and distortion. BBAR-G2 coating limits ghosting and flare, and a circular diaphragm with 9 blades supports soft background blur. The aperture runs from F2.8 to F16. Close focus is 19 cm at 16 mm and 30 cm at 30 mm, with magnification of 1:5.4 to 1:7.

Autofocus and handling

Autofocus uses Tamron's VXD linear motor. Zooming is internal, so the lens does not change length, and it has a 67 mm filter thread. A Focus Set button can be assigned functions such as AF/MF switching, and the lens supports the Tamron Lens Utility app, an Astro Focus Lock and has a connector port. There is no built-in stabilizer.

Build and size

The Sony E version weighs 440 g and is 101.8 mm long, the Nikon Z version weighs 450 g and is 103.9 mm long, both with a maximum diameter of 74.8 mm. Tamron describes moisture resistant construction and a fluorine coating on the front element.

Where it fits

Within the range it succeeds the Tamron 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD. Alternatives for Sony E include the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II, the Sony FE 12-24mm F4 G and the Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN Art. On Nikon Z, comparable lenses are the Nikon Nikkor Z 14-24mm F2.8 S and the Nikkor Z 17-28mm F2.8.

Pros and cons

Pros

F2.8 constant aperture from 16 mm
Around 440 to 450 g with internal zoom
67 mm filters, same as other G2 lenses
19 cm close focus

Cons

No lens stabilization
30 mm long end is shorter than on 16-35 mm zooms

Verdict

The Tamron 16-30mm F2.8 G2 is a compact option for users who want a fast ultra wide zoom in a small and light body. Based on the data, its main strengths are size, close focus and the shared 67 mm filter size across the G2 series.

Technical Specifications

min focal length: 16 mm
max focal length: 30 mm
max f (min zoom): f/2.8
max f (max zoom): f/2.8
min. aperture: f/16
Elements: 16
Groups: 12
Weight: 440 g (0.97 lb)
Filter diameter: 67 mm
min focus distance: 19 cm (7.48 in)
Length: 101.8 mm (4.01 in)
Diameter: 74.8 mm (2.94 in)

Simulate depth of field and angle of view

Which cameras does the Tamron 16-30mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 fit?

The Tamron 16-30mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 is a full-frame lens for Sony E-Mount cameras. On full-frame bodies it uses the whole sensor; on APS-C Sony E-Mount cameras its field of view equals 24-45 mm in full-frame terms.

Sony E-Mount cameras

Full frame:: Sony A7R VI, Sony A7 V, Sony FX2, Sony A1 II, Sony A9 III, Sony A7C II, Sony A7CR, Sony ZV-E1, Sony A7R V, Sony A7 IV, Sony A1, Sony FX3, Sony A7S III, Sony A7C, Sony FX6, Sony A7R IV, Sony A9 II, Sony FX9, Sony A7 III, Sony A7R III, Sony A9, Sony A7R II, Sony A7S II, Sony A7 II, Sony A7S, Sony A7, Sony A7R
APS-C:: Sony ZV-E10 II, Sony A6700, Sony FX30, Sony ZV-E10, Sony A6600, Sony A6100, Sony A6400, Sony A6500, Sony A6300, Sony A6000, Sony A5100, Sony A5000, Sony A3000, Sony NEX-5T, Sony NEX-3N, Sony NEX-6, Sony NEX-5R, Sony NEX-F3