Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2

Canon EF

Review

The Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is a versatile standard zoom lens designed for Canon EF mount, and it's a popular choice among both professional and amateur photographers. This lens is particularly well-regarded for its impressive optical performance, robust build quality, and the added benefit of image stabilization, making it suitable for a variety of shooting conditions.

At first glance, the lens exhibits a solid construction that inspires confidence. It's weather-sealed, ensuring protection against the elements, which is a significant plus for those who frequently shoot outdoors. The lens barrel is made of high-quality materials, giving it a premium feel in hand. The zoom ring moves smoothly, while the focus ring is precise and well-damped, which is essential for achieving accurate focus in both stills and video work.

In terms of image quality, the Tamron SP 24-70mm G2 does not disappoint. The lens produces sharp images with excellent contrast and color rendition across the zoom range. Particularly at the wider apertures, you’ll find that the sharpness is more than adequate for both portrait and landscape photography, and it maintains good performance even at f/2.8. The lens benefits from advanced optical design, including special elements such as Low Dispersion (LD) and XLD glass, which help minimize chromatic aberration and distortion.

The inclusion of Vibration Compensation (VC) is another significant advantage. This feature allows for sharper handheld shots, especially in low-light conditions or when shooting at slower shutter speeds. You can confidently shoot without a tripod at 70mm, which is impressive. When it comes to autofocus, the lens delivers fast and accurate performance thanks to its USD (Ultra Silent Drive) motor, making it suitable for tracking moving subjects.

However, there are a few downsides worth mentioning. While the lens is relatively compact for a standard zoom, it’s still on the heavier side compared to some competitors, which could be a concern for photographers looking for lightweight gear for extended shooting sessions. Additionally, while optical performance is generally strong, some users may notice that at the extreme ends of the zoom range (24mm and 70mm), the edges can be a bit softer when wide open. A careful examination might be needed if you plan to do extensive cropping in post-processing.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality with weather sealing
• Sharp images with good contrast and color accuracy
• Vibration Compensation (VC) for better stability
• Fast and accurate autofocus performance
• Versatile focal range well-suited for various photography styles

Cons

• Heavier than some competing lenses
• Slightly softer edges at the extreme ends of the zoom range when wide open

Verdict

Overall, the Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is a well-rounded lens that meets the needs of many photographers, from event and portrait photography to landscape and everyday shooting. Its strong performance, combined with the benefits of image stabilization and solid build quality, make it a worthy competitor in the standard zoom category. While there are some minor downsides to consider, they are outweighed by its numerous advantages, making the Tamron SP 24-70mm an excellent choice for anyone in need of a reliable and versatile lens for their Canon EF mount camera.