Tamron has announced that its popular 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Model A063) fast-aperture standard zoom lens is coming to Nikon Z system mirrorless cameras. After previously launching exclusively for Sony E-mount cameras in 2021, the lens will launch in a Z version next month at an affordable $999 price point. The 28-75mm f/2.8 G2 is the fourth Tamron lens to arrive for Nikon Z mirrorless cameras, joining the 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD, 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD, and 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD. “The 28-75mm f/2.8 G2 is compact and easy to use yet has excellent optical performance and is compatible with the latest digital cameras with increasingly high pixel resolution,” Tamron promises, adding that the linear motor focus mechanism (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) is fast, accurate, and quiet. The lens also offers relatively good close-up performance, capable of focusing from 0.18 meters (7.1 inches) at the wide end, delivering a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.7. The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 features 17 elements in 15 groups, including two low dispersion (LD) and Glass Molded Aspherical (GM) elements to control optical aberrations. For reference, the Nikkor Z 28-75mm f/2.8 lens, which appears to be built on Tamron’s first-generation 28-75mm f/2.8 standard zoom lens, includes 15 elements arranged across a dozen groups.
As for its design, the 28-75mm f/2.8 G2 is just 119.8 millimeters (4.7 inches) long at its minimum length and weighs 550 grams (19.4 ounces). The Nikon Z 28-75mm f/2.8 is barely longer (120.5 millimeters) and a smidge heavier (565 grams). Both lenses have a 67mm filter thread. With the introduction of the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2, Nikon Z owners now have three f/2.8 standard zoom lenses to choose from. The Nikon Z 28-75mm f/2.8 for $1,000 on sale, the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, which is discounted to $2,100 for a limited time, and now the Tamron Z 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 for $1,000. Although testing will be required to determine if the Tamron Z 28-75mm f/2.8 is every bit as good as its E-mount counterpart, there is no reason to expect otherwise. If it is as good, it’s poised to become the best affordable f/2.8 standard zoom lens available for Nikon Z-mount cameras. Photographers won’t have to wait long to find out, as the new Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 lens is slated to ship on April 18. At $999, the Z-mount version is a bit pricier than the original E-mount lens, which is available on sale for $799, down from its standard price of $899. This is typical for Tamron’s Z lenses, but still worth pointing out. Image credits: Tamron
