Review: Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Nikon Z)

By Anthony McKee | 6 May 2024
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Fast zoom lenses are considered standard kit for most professional photographers, but the weight of a decent f2.8 zoom lens and the associated price tag can often discourage most amateurs.

That is why I was rather delighted recently to spend time with the new Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 Di III VXD G2 lens, the fourth lens in Tamron’s line-up for Nikon Z cameras. By comparison to my usual 24-70mm f2.8 lens, the Tamron is almost half the weight, half the price, and almost as good optically.

It's an open secret that Tamron have been making affordable lenses for Nikon over the past couple of years, but ask Nikon and they’ll say “we designed these lenses”.

Of late though, Nikon has given Tamron permission to create their own lenses for the Z-mount and while some people might immediately draw comparisons between the new Tamron and Nikon’s 28-75mm f2.8 lens, there are differences.

One thing that you immediately notice when you handle the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 G2 is how slim and light it is by comparison to previous generations of f2.8 standard zoom lenses.
One thing that you immediately notice when you handle the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 G2 is how slim and light it is by comparison to previous generations of f2.8 standard zoom lenses.

The build

While the Nikon 28-75mm has 15 elements in 12 groups, the Tamron has 17 elements in 15 groups. The styling is also rather different; the Nikon has a broad zoom ring with a very narrow focusing ring, but the Tamron actually has a smaller zoom ring and a larger focusing ring, both of which are made of a rubber like material to provide a more comfortable grip.

The zoom on the lens felt a little tight, possible because I had a brand new sample to test, but what was good to notice was that there was not a lot of extension in the lens as you zoomed.

The overall length of the lens is 119.8mm at the 28mm setting and this only extends by a couple of centimetres as you zoom to 75mm.

On the left side both the lens you will find a function button that can be assigned various tasks using the camera’s control menu, along with a USB-C slot that is used to make firmware updates to the lens (Nikon lens firmware updates are controlled through the camera body).

My only gripe with the USB slot is that it doesn’t seem to have a protective cover, which is surprising given the lens has a moisture-resistant construction and the front element even has a fluorine coating.

The first thing you notice when you unpack the lens is its rather slim, lightweight design; it weighs just 550-grams and when fitted onto a camera like the Z6 or even the Z8 it makes for a very comfortable walkabout lens.

The supplied lens hood is also slim which makes it easy to store and rather inconspicuous when in use. The front of the lens accepts 67mm filters.

Most professionals use a 24-70mm lens for event work, but a 28-75mm lens is still more than capable of capturing all the important moments at a wedding, like the father walking the bride down the aisle. Exposure was f3.2 at 1/320 at 3200 ISO on a Nikon Z8.
Most professionals use a 24-70mm lens for event work, but a 28-75mm lens is still more than capable of capturing all the important moments at a wedding, like the father walking the bride down the aisle. Exposure was f3.2 at 1/320 at 3200 ISO on a Nikon Z8.

In the field

A friend’s wedding provided the perfect setting to test this new lens and I used it for the better part of the day to capture everything from candid photos through to formal portraits. Mounted onto a Nikon Z8, the focus was snappy and reliable.

One thing that you soon become aware of is that the wide-angle extends to 28mm, not 24mm as is more common for a “standard” zoom.

I like a 24mm setting but many photographers actually prefer the 28mm focal length for its more flattering treatment of subjects on the edge of the frame.

A friend’s wedding was the perfect situation for test the Tamron 28-75mm. This portrait was made at the 75mm focal length. Exposure was f2.8 at 1/500th, 400 ISO.
A friend’s wedding was the perfect situation for test the Tamron 28-75mm. This portrait was made at the 75mm focal length. Exposure was f2.8 at 1/500th, 400 ISO.

Overall, this lens has minimal distortion and while there is some vignetting at the wide apertures, it is not very noticeable. 

What I did notice is that wide open (at f2.8) at the 28mm setting the lens is slightly soft in the corners, but corner sharpness improves significantly by the time you get to f5.6.

At longer focal lengths the overall sharpness of the lens is very good and in full-length portrait shots of the bride shot at 75mm and f2.8, you could actually see the detail in the tulle beneath the dress, even in the corners of the frame.

A crop from the photo [above] reveals how sharp this lens is f2.8. The image was made using a Nikon Z8.
A crop from the photo [above] reveals how sharp this lens is f2.8. The image was made using a Nikon Z8.

Given that this lens is roughly the same price as the Nikon’s Z 24-70mm f4 kit, and only 50-grams heavier, this lens would actually be an ideal alternative lens for anyone looking to buy a walkabout lens to go with the Nikon Z full-frame camera.

That extra stop of light gathering power can be really useful in low light conditions, and that extra bokeh at f2.8 can be useful when you are making portraits.

Overall the Tamron 28-70mm f2.8 G2 is a great lens and more than capable for most assignments.

The wrap-up

Handling ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The slim, lightweight design of this lens (it weighs just 500-grams) makes it easy to carry about all day, and the generous controls make it easy to control too.

Features ★ ★ ★ ★

A maximum aperture of f2.8 makes the lens fast enough for most situations, and moisture-proofing and fluorine coating should ensure it can cope with most conditions too (although I would like to see a cap on that USB-C slot).

Image Quality ★ ★ ★ ★

There is some slight softness in the edges when shot wide open at the 28mm setting, but otherwise the image quality from this lens is exceptionally good.

Value for money ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Overall this lens is very good value for any mid to advanced level photographer looking for the compact yet fast standard zoom that won’t break the bank.

Final Word ★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2

Tamron lenses might not have the hype of some other brands but in many instances their lenses are just as capable. This new standard zoom should make a lot of photographers happy.

More images

This portrait of Mike from the Vintage Tool Shop in Northcote was an interesting test of how the lens would perform with bright highlights in the background. Exposure was f3.2 at 1/80th, 1600 ISO.
This portrait of Mike from the Vintage Tool Shop in Northcote was an interesting test of how the lens would perform with bright highlights in the background. Exposure was f3.2 at 1/80th, 1600 ISO.
Measuring 120mm in length, the Tamron 28-75mm is not the most compact lens you can buy, but its weight of just 550grams makes this lens rather easy to use for street and travel photography. This image was made with the lens at the 35mm setting; exposure was f4 at 1/160th, 200 ISO.
Measuring 120mm in length, the Tamron 28-75mm is not the most compact lens you can buy, but its weight of just 550grams makes this lens rather easy to use for street and travel photography. This image was made with the lens at the 35mm setting; exposure was f4 at 1/160th, 200 ISO.
The Tamron can focus to a minimum distance of 18cm which is good enough for capture detail photos on your travels. Exposure was f11 at 1/15th (handheld) at 3200 ISO.
The Tamron can focus to a minimum distance of 18cm which is good enough for capture detail photos on your travels. Exposure was f11 at 1/15th (handheld) at 3200 ISO.
A protestor at a lunchtime march in Melbourne’s CBD. Focal length was 75mm; exposure was f4 at 1/160th, 200 ISO.
A protestor at a lunchtime march in Melbourne’s CBD. Focal length was 75mm; exposure was f4 at 1/160th, 200 ISO.
Many fast zooms can be quite intimidating if you get you close to a subject, but the Tamron’s rather slim form and modest 67mm filter size means if you ask nicely people are not too concerned but it. This portrait of a smoker enjoying his break was shot at the 35mm focal length; exposure was f8 at 1/125, 800 ISO.
Many fast zooms can be quite intimidating if you get you close to a subject, but the Tamron’s rather slim form and modest 67mm filter size means if you ask nicely people are not too concerned but it. This portrait of a smoker enjoying his break was shot at the 35mm focal length; exposure was f8 at 1/125, 800 ISO.
This drinker at Young and Jackson’s Hotel (opposite Flinders Street Station in Melbourne) seems to be surrounded by pedestrians thanks to the reflections from a window. Shot at the 75mm setting; exposure was f8 at 1/160th, 800 ISO.
This drinker at Young and Jackson’s Hotel (opposite Flinders Street Station in Melbourne) seems to be surrounded by pedestrians thanks to the reflections from a window. Shot at the 75mm setting; exposure was f8 at 1/160th, 800 ISO.
The specs

Focal Length Range  - 28 to 75mm
Coverage - Full Frame (35mm format)
Maximum Aperture - f2.8 constant
Minimum Aperture - f22
Angle of View - 75º to 32º
Minimum Focus Distance - 18 cm at the 28mm lens setting.
Maximum Macro Reproduction - 1:2.7
Filter size - 67mm
Optical Design - 17 Elements in 15 Groups
Aperture  Design - 9 Blades, rounded.
Built-in Image Stabilisation - No
Dimensions (ø x L) - 75.8 x 119.8mm
Weight - 550 grams
RRP - $1699.00
More info: Tamron.com.au

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