Tamron Unveils 70-200mm f/2.8 with 5 Stops of Stabilization and Faster AF

Tamron has two major zoom lens updates to share today, and at least one of them will make Tamron fans very happy. Almost four years after the first generation lens was announced, Tamron is unveiling a new and improved SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD.

Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2

The new 70-200, which was actually leaked a couple of weeks ago, boasts “dramatically” faster autofocus speed than its predecessor and 5 whole stops worth of image stabilization depending on which of the three VC modes you decide to use.

That stabilization is the big selling point of this speedy zoom lens. You can choose between VC Mode 1, VC Mode 2, and VC Mode 3. Mode 1 “strikes a balance” between viewfinder and lens stabilization; Mode 2 is exclusively for panning; and, finally, Mode 3 offers the best stabilization by prioritizing the captured image and ignoring viewfinder stabilization.

In addition to the greatly improved stabilization, a “revised and improved” optical design promises better resolution, the ring-type ultrasonic motor will ensure “accurate high-speed focusing,” and the new lens has been made moisture and dust resistant as well.

The SP 70-200mm f/2.8 G2 will be available starting in March for $1,300. You can already pre-order it for both Nikon F and Canon EF mounts.

Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD

The 70-200 wasn’t the only update of the day. The 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 lens Tamron first released all the way back in 2008 also got a much-needed update, adding stabilization and better optics.

Like its predecessor, the new 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD is a wide-angle zoom for APS-C cameras “that covers an exceptionally large range-the largest focal length range in its class,” boasting an equivalent focal length range of 16-37mm.

The new optical design is made up of 16 elements in 11 groups, including one Low Dispersion (LD) lens element, one Extra Low Dispersion (XLD) glass element, one molded glass aspherical element, and one hybrid aspherical lens. These elements, together with Tamron’s Broad-Band Anti-Reflection coating, promise better optical quality throughout the zoom range.

And that optical quality won’t break down if you’re a bit shaky. By popular demand, Tamron has managed to equip the new wide-angle zoom with 4-Stop Vibration Compensation without sacrificing the compact design of the previous 10-24mm.

The 10-24mm is scheduled to ship sometime this spring, at a slightly more manageable price of $500. To pre-order yours, head over to B&H where you can grab yours in either Nikon F or Canon EF mount.