Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 Sony FE Lens

Key Features

• 25-200mm focal range, 8x zoom
• Maximum aperture f/2.8-5.6, minimum aperture f/16-32
• VXD linear motor autofocus
• Close focus from 0.16m at 25mm, maximum magnification 1:1.9
• 9-blade circular aperture
• Moisture-resistant sealed barrel
• USB-C port for assigning lens functions and updating firmware with TAMRON Lens Utility
• 121.5mm long, 575g, 67mm filter thread

Optical Design

The lens has 18 elements in 14 groups, including GM, XLD and LD elements. BBAR-G2 coating reduces ghosting and flare. Tamron states that resolution stays high from the wide end to the telephoto end. The 9-blade circular aperture stays nearly circular up to two stops below maximum aperture.

Autofocus and Camera Features

A VXD linear motor drives the focus. Tamron states that autofocus speed and subject tracking are improved over the first-generation lens. The lens works with Sony features including Fast Hybrid AF, Eye AF, Direct Manual Focus and in-camera lens correction.

Close Focusing

At 25mm the lens focuses as close as 0.16 metres, for a maximum magnification of 1:1.9. At 200mm the closest focus distance is 0.8 metres, for 1:3.9. Across 25-70mm the magnification is 1:2 or greater, and at 35-50mm it reaches 1:1.7. The 25-70mm and 35-50mm figures require lens firmware Ver. 3 or later.

Handling and Build

The zoom and focus rings turn more smoothly than on the first-generation lens, and the exterior is more resistant to scratches and fingerprints. A zoom lock stops the barrel extending under its own weight while the lens is carried. Seals throughout the barrel make it moisture-resistant, and a fluorine coating repels water and oil.