Hands On: TAMRON 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 for Nikon Z
The super popular Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 has been one of the best-selling standard zooms for years, and now finally comes the mount version for the Nikon Z mount. This gives Nikon's own 28-75mm a real competitor. Which we have taken a closer look at for you below.
Never change a winning team
You are probably already familiar with the Sony version of the Tamron 28-75mm and if you now take a look at the new Nikon Z version, it is essentially the same lens.
Let's start with the fact that Tamron has, as usual, installed the zoom ring at the top of the lens and the smooth-running focus ring underneath. The USB-C port can also be found here and can be adjusted as usual with the Tamron Utility Suit and fine-tuned to your areas of application, but this USB port is also used to update the firmware if required.
The function button, which can be adjusted, is also built in, but the AF/MF switch leaves something to be desired as it is not built in, which may be a problem for some videographers and still life photographers. However, this is also not found in Nikon's own version of the 28-75mm.
At 550g and a height of 12cm (retracted at 28mm, i.e. no internal zoom range), the weight is on the lighter side of standard zooms. The price, which we will come to later, can certainly be attributed to the materials used, where, apart from the bayonet, a lot of plastic is used. Nevertheless, it feels good in the hand and does not feel cheaply made.
Image quality
Now we've worked through the design for you, but you're probably more interested in the image quality than the look!
That's why: The image quality is definitely impressive! Tamron does a good job in terms of sharpness. Even the fact that Tamron has given the 28-75mm 9 aperture blades doesn't really detract from the bokeh. Of course, one point of criticism is the sharpness in the corners, which you won't find with a high-priced professional standard zoom, but not every photographer needs that... right?
Especially if you haven't yet found the focal lengths that you shoot with often or rather regularly. Then this lens is the right companion.
One small drawback, which is compensated for by the camera's IBIS, is that the lens does not have a built-in stabilizer, which is also not included in Nikon's own version of the 28-75mm.
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2
- Very flexible lens
- 9 aperture blades
- Aperture of 2.8
- Weight: 550g
- USB-C for firmware + further settings
What did we really like?
The macro capability of the standard zoom was the first thing that caught our eye here. With a close focusing distance of 19 cm at wide angle, you can get very close to the object you are photographing and play with the distortion. We are also pleased that the autofocus performance is very good and quiet.
Videographers can breathe a sigh of relief, focus breathing is not an issue with this lens!
Conclusion: Nikon or Tamron?
Nikon's own 28-75mm is already 2 years old - and for this reason alone it is at a somewhat older technical level. Tamron's 28-75 delivers a better image quality in direct comparison and even costs around 100€ less.
In short: you get a better lens at a lower price.
