I've been a Canon shooter since 1980. I became a Tamron fanboy in 2018 when I bought my first SP2.8. I was looking for a Canon 2.8/70-200mm IS USM at ebay and found a used SP 2.8/24-70mm G1 for cheap money (250 Euro!!!). It was a step ahead in sharpness in comparison to my Canon lenses. In 2020 I purchased a new SP 150-600mm G2 - and again amazing performance. This week I found a "as new" SP 2.8/15-30mm G2 at ebay for 50% off. - wow, what a crazy lens! A lens that sets the standard and beats the original lenses by far. Next will be a SP 2.8/70-200mm G2 for sure. Working with lenses from the Tamron SP series is simply a pleasure. Check out the Mode 3 VC that is only working at shuter release but works extrem. Which other brand today offers 5-year warranty?
I just got my first 70-200 f2.8 and I went with the Tamron VC. Why? I paid $600 for an used copy in pristine shape. Thanks to those who are flocking towards the new lenses, it is making the older lenses a lot cheaper. I love when new lenses come out because it means I'l finally be able to afford some of the "old" lenses.
Those paying 4x as much for the new lenses are pros that must have the best images possible or they won't win high paying jobs... Old lenses are fine for most Ppl
@@brandontemple20 That's right--competitive edge is important at the top of the game BUT (as you said) older lenses are fine: and enable those starting out to get into the game! Once you're in, you can use that money to upgrade.
I've been shooting on the Tamron 70-200 SP for three years now. On my D800, shooting products and portraits, I have zero complaints. It's razor sharp and has zero chromatic ab. I won't upgrade anytime soon, simply because it fits my needs. The other 3 look like great lenses though, definitely glad for the review.
Been using the same lens on a D800 for about 1½ year, and can only agree. The only reason to even consider upgrading would be if I really needed a teleconverter, since the SP one doesn't support it, the other three do.
I bought the Tamron 70-200 2.8 G2 and I absolutely love it and allowed me to get so many more lenses with the additional $1600 I saved due to buying it refurbished off Amazon for $1050! I recommend that lens to everyone who needs to stay within a budget!
The Tamron G2 also has a trick up its sleeve that none of the other lenses have: The optional TAP-In Console. This allows you to do in lens micro adjustments and firmware updates.
@@someonewithsomename Canon and Nikon lenses are missing this significant benefit. Sigma's latest 'global vision' lenses and Tamron's G2 lenses are a step ahead in this regard.
It's not necessarily a pro. With a Nikon lens, most often you can use the DotTune method to set AF Fine tune for one focal length and one subject distance and be almost sure that it will be fine throughout the focal lengths range and for any subject distance. The reason that third-party manufacturers have settings like this is that Nikon does not fully disclose their AF algorithms and companies like Tamron and Sigma have a lot of guesswork to do. Offering you a dock/console can practically mean that they delegate part of that guesswork to you. Of course it's useful for other things like focus limiting and VR customisation, but a lot of times with Nikon you don't even have to touch these because they're fine as they are.
yep, nikon - try to make a consistently focusing lens out of factory + give you AF tune in camera to adjust that lens per your camera body tolerances. tamron/sigma - here is the lens, buy the extra console, buy test chart, and go ahead and spend 2 weeks shooting a chart trying to microaddjust your lens with its 10 various focal lengths over 5 various focusing distances each (my sigma 60-600 says hello) cuz you have nothing better to do then return it and get a new copy if it's way out of range. I did have sigmas and tamrons nothing against their lenses, but thinking that letting customer do the job which should have been done by the QC department to begin with and presenting it as a benefit is that - a benefit, is kinda failing logic.
@@_systemd 2 weeks? Really?? Adjusting a Tamron 150-600 can be easily done in a day, not even a full day. 2 weeks??? Adjusting a 70-200 even quicker, for a lens fully guarantied for 6 years instead of one year for Nikon, and for about half the cost and excellent focussing/image quality. For Nikon zooms, you tune them for the ONE focal length you use the most and hope that it will be ok for the other focal lengths.
I use the 70-200 F2.8 E FL from Nikon to shoot over 2,000 images every weekend....tough conditions in dark HS and college hockey rinks. Time after time after time it performs like a champ. Spectacular images (even at 200mm and f2.8) , tremendously rugged and simply the best 70-200 I have ever owned (and I've owned a number of them for sure). Don't let anyone sell this lens short or tell you there is a better option. If you shoot Nikon D4's or D5, and are a serious pro....only one choice.
Very important thing to keep in mind is the possibility to use it on Nikon Z camera's. The older Tamron SP won't work or at least won't have auto focus. So if you're thinking about getting a Z body in the near future, get the Nikon or G2 lens. The G2 can be updated with a dock.
I recently purchased the Tamron G2 and love it. I have looked at the various comparison videos and the small percentage difference in overall performance wasn't really a factor. Now I have enough money left over for the Tamron 24x70.
Anyone stumbling on this thread now, I can definitely say the Tamron Sp is still serving me well after 6 years of weddings. I purchased this are carefully studying reviews and dxo's findings. For continuity, consistency, reliability and overall performance, I've never had to think twice about using this. Love the VC too. I've looked at new lenses through intrigue more than anything, and the difference is still negligible. Definitely not worth trading in for. In the UK you can now pick one of these up second hand anywhere between £400-£700. Out of my whole kit bag this remains my most stablemate.
Looking at buying the A001E, EF mount, Tamron 70-200 2.8. I think its the 1st generation? Does anyone know where to find more info on it? Ive been looking. Im a beginner and I only have Canon kit lenses, so I know the newer Tamrons are better but I can get this lens at a great price for now. Any thoughts on that earlier model? I have a Canon 80d.
In my bag is the 70-200 FL from Nikon. As someone who runs a business and uses this tool extensively, nothing but the best will do. It's one terrific performer.
Running a business of 1 person or even if you have an assistant isn't a business man. You aren't helping the economy because you aren't providing jobs. Let me know when you run a real business like a restaurant...you couldn't handle that workload.
Junior you have no idea. I've been running businesses since before you were born. "A restaurant".....are you kidding ?? Last deal I negotiated (completed 3 weeks ago) was worth $278,000/month for 15 years..... guaranteed, regardless of how the economy does or what the customer orders. GUARANTEED revenue. How about you ? Someday you will grow up and actually understand that until you actually know who you are responding to, best to keep silent. My photo business is not as large, but it's plenty large enough.
That has nothing to do with...Anything. As a sole proprietor, he pays taxes and buys products which support other businesses. Your point is utterly inane.
Two things: I think you overlooked some information, e.g. stating that Nikon didn't change the design when they switched the position of the focus and zoom rings (something that a lot of people complain about) and stating that they added a new VR mode when they simply combined the on/off switch with the mode switch. Your testing methodology might not be the best too: simply liking a certain AF area mode doesn't make it the best suited for a certain scenario; I'm mostly sure that using D9/D25 or 3D tracking could've given you a lot more keepers with all four lenses (if you've shot with Nikon extensively you should know that Group AF is basically trying to find the closest thing to the camera in the selected area between the four points, which in some cases might be the ball instead of the dog).
And here we are a few years later and I've seen a Nikon 70-200 mm VRII lens going for $750. And they're accepting offers!! So tempting especially as I'm after the fast focus and it achieved such good results. Thank you for such a comprehensive review. Wish I could find such reviews for all the things I was researching.
Best Lens breathing test ever seen on RUclips! Unlike some other youtube channel that starts with F that doesn't even know what it is and when he gets called out he deletes the comment. Bravo good sir.
The FL in the new Nikkor isn't for flourine coating (which it might also have, regardless), it's a flourite element. Whole different ball game. Just saying...
awesomeness overloaded review, Fstoppers ! . . . and you at least got the spelling right : "Fluorine / Fluorite". @Yehoshua Derovan got his spelling wrong, "Flourine / Flourite".
I know this video is dated by two years but I own the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 , and the Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 , using them on Nikon D7100, D7200, D750 and a D810. The reviews here are great and I would agree, but in my eyes, hands down, the Tamron versions are the best bang for the buck. I shoot fashion, real estates and some landscape. Absolutely love them and while I did my own reviews as well, the Sigmas were not even in the running or an option for me. As far as Nikon, the reviews here are accurate but no need to spend or waste extra money on for the brand name "Nikon" printed on the lenses. Save your money and go with Tamron!
I have it, and it's great. The only issue I've found is that it focusses a little inconsistently in some situations. Even perfectly dialed in with the tap in console, sometimes there's randomly missed focus going on. That being said, it's the only lens out of all these I'd but new, because of value and price. Shopping used I'd probably opt for the older Nikon, because it's about the same as the newer Tamron and will do better in terms of focusing.
@@youknowwho9247 I had to return my Tamron G2 because I couldn't get it to focus consistently. I shoot mainly dogs jumping off a dock into water where they are running mostly towards the lens. There are railings on the dock so I can only start to focus when they get near the end of the dock and the Tamron just could not keep up with them. Just ordered the Nikon f2.8E FL and from everything I've read/watched it should do much better. I will say the images I got from the G2 that were in focus look amazing. I went from an 80% hit rate with the a Nikon F4 to less than 40% with the G2.
@@St1ngerGuy That's weird. I shoot tennis with the Tamron G2 and a D500/D850 at f/2.8 all the time - no issues. The missed focus usually only shows up on a tripod in lab conditions, not a problem in real world use. There might be three possible explanations for your problems: 1) Which body are you using? There is a chance that the body always missed focus and you're only noticing it more because you went from f/4 to f/2.8 and the thinner depth of field that comes with it. 2) Did you adjust the Tamron to your body with the tap-in console? It's a time consuming process, but absolutely necessary. All my Tamron glass was way off straight out of the box, but got pin sharp and very reliable after adjusting. 3) You're expecting too much maybe? A running dog should be an exceedingly difficult subject to get perfect focus on the eyes. I think at f/2.8 most equipment would struggle to yield a high keeper rate.
@@St1ngerGuy have you calibrated the Tamron with the tap in console? I was having problems with mine on the D850, but after it was calibrated correctly, it is AWESOME
I happen to own the Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 E FL that I use on a D810 and D5. This is simply the best zoom lens I have ever used, by a large margin. It has a look that is extremely close to the Otus (resolution, micro-detail, bokeh, lack of CA), AF is super fast, VR works amazingly well. The Tamron is a great deal, but the Nikon is really a better lens in my book.
Do you have an Otus? It is impossible to recreate the rendition of these lenses in a zoom. I agree that the 70-200E is a great zoom lense, but it is not even close to the Otus 85mm for example.
When he had the lenses lined up, the second from the left, that he called the VR 2, looked like the VR 1 with the gold rectangular medallion on the lens barrel.
I got to use a Nikon FL for a week but decided to buy the cheaper Tamron G2 based on price and web reviews. I was so disappointed with the G2 copy I received. It didn't do anything better than the Nikon. I returned it pretty quickly. It wasn't very sharp on my D500 even after tuning with the dock. I bought a different copy of the Nikon FL and it is awesome just like the first copy I tried. All of the positive reviews of the Tamron make me think I had a subpar copy. But after trying the Nikon, I wasn't giving another Tamron copy a chance.
Well you do realize that FX lenses aren't always great on DX bodies right? This lens was made for high megapixel sensors like the D800 and up. What you did was basically try to play a Blu Ray movie on a tube TV. You aren't getting the full benefits because of low resolution output device. I use the Nikon 80-200 2.8 lens (two focus rings version) for my D500 and will be using the G2 Tamron on my D800E.
Toddy Surcharge incorrect. The megapixels on a crop is focused towards the centre of your optics. Look at any wildlife review of the d500, comparing that against an FX body. Quite often at higher zooms you'll get better images with the d500.
Tbh the D500 is pretty poor quality in Raw. I returned mine immediately. As have many Nikon service pros. Fact. First bad review I've seen of the G2 so I do feel maybe it was either a dodgy lens or the D500. I was very disappointed with the D500. For the professional who can squeeze 24mp out of the d7200 the d500 is a backwards step. I don't miss shots with the d7200 either. It's all user preference.
So I'm late to the game but maybe that's a good thing. Being budget conscience and still need quality, the g2 seemed the way to go and am waiting on my copy. I'd have not considered it until recently when I got the 24-70g2. In your focus speed test with the dog, both my d500 and d850 have a focus lock configuration to change focus lock speed. I changed to the shortest delay and erratic movement. I was photographing my son on a swing using 3d tracking at 5fps. Didn't miss a single shot. I was extremely impressed and am excited to see how the 70-200 performs with the same settings.
Knowing this video for a while, and working with the Tamron G2 for a long time already. The video is often used to justify the FL lens. What I'm missing here are 2 major things which puts the Tamron i.m.o. over the FL lens: - 1) You can go much closer to the subject with the G2 lens, which means you can compensate for focus breathing just by moving forward. - 2) You can program multiple backfocus points in the Tamron G2 lens (4x3 points) with a tamp-in console. Corrections for each default focal length (4) and for distances on each focal length (3). This makes a difference wrt sharpness / correct focus when you use the lens with difference focal lengths. With the Tamron G2, each focal length got a own unique backfocus compensation. This can be programmed in the G2 lens and cannot be done with the FL lens. With the FL lens you only can set "1"backfocus point in your camera. Also, not clear for me is to which mode the Tamron was set to get fast AF wr VC. Mode 3 is for sure faster, because it acts at the moment the button is pressed and not upfront with continues VC, This mode might result in more in-focus hits. I guess this might also result in even more or the same in-focus results compared to the FL lens. All in all, the G2 is really an interesting lens, which is i.m.o. a clear winner. Imo you cannot really justify the price difference compared to the FL any longer. This, and I have to agree here, the FL has less focus breathing whihc will bring you closer to a real 200mm (for shorter distances) compared to Tamron G2. This also night result in somewhat better bokeh for the FL lens. I noticed the grid was set in stead of 3D tracking. Not sure if false focus was caused by background movements or the lens. Imo, the FL ens and the G2 are at lease in the same range wrt to focus speed. I made my choice, for me, the FL lens and the Tamron G2 lens are winners in their own area. Meaning, -> less focus breathing more bokeh -> FL lens -> Cheaper, better VC and overall more correct backfocus (Tap-in) -> G2 For all other parts, the FL lens and the G2 are really on pair.
Nice comparison!!! Can you also compare the: - Tamron 24-70 f2.8 VC €1.000 - Nikon 24-70 f2.8 VR €2.250 Is image stabilisation necesarry for these lenses? - Sigma 24-70 f2.8 (without stabilisation) €700 - Tokina 24-70 f2.8 (without stabilisation) €1.000 I want to upgrade to a D750 with Tamaron 70-200 G2 and a 24-70. But as a student, my budget is small and want to know the opportunities between these big price differences.
I am kind of glad that you had trouble choosing the number 1, (well, you kind of chose the Nikon FL version). However, the fact that they are all comparable, it seems that whatever I choose, I'll be happy with. That said, I just pulled the trigger after watching your evaluation and bought a near mint Tamron G2 for about 625, shipped. You really helped out a lot, and I appreciate your opinion - and I love your artistic ability in your photography. When I see that, I place more value on a photographers opinion in terms of lens and camera performance.
I really like my Tamron G2, but I've found the buttons too easy to move by accident, when handling the lens from time to time my auto focus would stop working only to find out that the button was moved again. After changing camera position in my hand I must recheck the button placement to be sure that the buttons did not move, Tamron should lower the button height and make the detente tighter to move, I must purchase some gaffers tape to place over the buttons, other than that it's a great lens for my use.
a friend of mine had a Nikon version of the Tamron VC G2 lens, and it displayed different exposures compared to the Nikon 80-200/2.8 as well as the newer 70-200mm/2.8 lens. He tested a sunny outdoor and at aperture priority, both Nikon lenses had a speed of 1/1600 at F7.1 and the Tamron G2 lens chose a speed of 1/1000 at F7.1, the image looked very similar, so it seems some copies of the G2 Tamron lens closed the aperture more than it should be........quite a big factory fault, firmware fault?
Tamron G2 is the best buy and arguably the best performance. And something you did not mention is the TAP console for further customization to closer suit your needs.
Plan to get the Tamron 70-200mm in a few months. Nikon glass is always outta my price range so thank goodness for Tamron. Should be able to get for less than a €1000 new!
I own 2 other Tamron lenses and the have worked flawlessly for years. The G2 is on my short list and it will be in my bag soon. For me this was the clear winner.
Did you calibrate all the lenses. it seams like that would make a difference in testing. Also would be interested in how the focus tracking compares on a D850, D5 or D500 which has a much better focus system then d750. Thanks for the comparison!
One thing I do not like about the Nikon FL is that the zoom ring is outside the focus ring making it easy to bump and defocus when zooming and harder to hold stable against your body when zooming. Definitely a reason I will not buy the FL until Nikon corrects this in a future version. Excellent comparison - really appreciate the f-stopper content
Watching this again in 2024 after the AF motor in my Nikkor VR II quit working. I'm pretty sold on the Tamron G2 as its replacement. Grateful to still have this as a reference. Also I never saw this before but Patrick is like the long lost brother of Will Forte. lol
I own the VR Lloyd and there are a few things that drove me to get that lens and that was the focus speed in love light and the fact that you can use auto focus and manual focus in tandem with out flipping a switch. At the end of the day I say get what works for your style. what important to one photographer is not important to the next
Thank you for this detailed review on the new Tamron lens. Could you please do another test on the Tamron G2, by adding the Tamron 2x extender? Coz I'm struggling to get this Tamron G2 + 2x extender, or a Sigma 150-600 lens for wildlife photography. Please and thanks in advance. :)
I’m shooting with 70/200fl. sport photography. afc d5 250000shoots in 6 months. a 70/200 need to be tested in stress situations, high fps afc 12fps 3d track etc. so...I can’t comprehend how 70/200 users like wedding photographers or fashion or product can talk about the durability and the precision in time during the months, but I this lens a beast. a tank. fast furious and sharp. Is there ang tamron sport photographer intense user? I need their check :)
I'd honestly like to see a comparison between the f/2.8 & f/4 versions of various 70-200 lenses as I'm more likely to be dragging them up and down mountains with a tripod than shooting off hand indoors
if you're heavy duty user on your lenses and you are a reverently paid professional go nikon and get the tamron g2 as a back up. but if u are an occasionally pay professional go tamron and be a little extra careful on your lens and if you're happy down to row but I second one as a backup and save some money tamron has done an amazing job can't wait to see what sigma's going to come up with.
I just bought the new Tamron lens, and it’s very nice. I’m not a professional photographer, but getting good photos is still important to me. So, I’m not going to spend $1,000 or more to get a Nikkor for some truly minor differences that really aren’t important to me.
You probably should have tested color and sharpness separately to eliminate the issue of focus breathing from the sharpness test. I used to have the Tamron G2 and I think (being too lazy to look it up) one of the VC modes is designed to reduce vibration in the viewfinder, at the expense of something else which I can't remember. Finally, I think cost should always be mentioned, but not factored in for a recommendation because only each individual can say how important that is for them.
Actually Nikon came out with the 80-200mm AF-S in like 1997 so unless your much older than you look, Nikon had an AF-S 80-200mm when you were shooting with your AF-D lens. I'm 32 years old and I had the 80-200mm AF-S in 1998 with an F5 and F100, the AF-S version was just rare, but very sharp and excellent overall image quality.
The older Tamron was regarded as a superb lens with stellar performance when it first came out and unless you are an extreme pixel peeper, this still holds true today. Design wise, I am not that concerned about aesthetics. I am more interested in what is going on within the lens. I have the older Tamron and I have to say, the build quality is superb. My lens is about six years old and there is not a mark on it and looks as good as the day I bought it. The lens collar being a bit less well designed than newer models is a non issue. The newer model has an Arca Swiss plate built in to the foot and mine has one screwed on to the foot. Money no object and a first time buyer. I may opt for the latest and greatest Nikon. As things stand, I have a superb lens that has minute short-comings when images are viewed at 300%. It was a good review with real world tests and helped me to realise I have no need to upgrade any time soon.
You forgot the most amazing thing about the lenses from Tamron, the 6 year warranty. No other lens offers that kind of warranty and the customer service is really good. I own the Tamron 150-600 G1 and have had no issues with it.
Love the Tamron SP. Bought used for 750$. If I had a choice to upgrade to the G2 that was used for around 1000$ I would but otherwise sharpness and color of SP are great! I use for headshots and weddings
Happy to say : Tamron G2 beats insanly overpriced Nikon. Nikon FL is an awesome lens but it costs almost $3000. Tamron G2 cost only $1300. Now i want a G2 24-70mm !
John 1112 get the 2470mm g2, I just have my d500 and 2470mmg2 arrived last night I can't sleep the whole holding them and reprograming bottoms on the body!!!!!!
I just wish that more people who do this "Reviews" were better inform. Lots of technical misinformation in this video. "Flourine Coating" ? Flourine Coating is to achieve high antifouling performance and for peel-resistance. It's has a Flourine element as well as ED elements and Nano coating which improves image quality sir. Focus breathing only effects close up work, should have mentioned that. Could be a blessing in many cases when room is limited making them useful for wedding photography, etc.
I have the 150-600 G2 and and on tis way I have the 70-200 G2. I use the Nikon D4 which i love. Thank you for your video it helped me choose the Tamron 70-200 G2
Thanks for the great review! I am a Canon shooter and a few months ago i started saving for their 70-200 is ii which(in my country) is around 1900eur, now i see this one come out out of nowhere with image quality and sharpness out the roof, and the most sleek and beautiful design i have ever seen. I would not say a word if they actually named it the Tamron Ninja Stealth Shadow Master or something...so sleek. Anyway, at around 1200eur now i have no dilemma and I'm getting it as soon as i get the remaining cash. I have watched all the reviews i could find, and comparisons to the canon mk2 and i see no reason to shell out 700eur more.
I own the Nikon 70-200 2.8 VRii. I have to say that it's just incredible. I bought a used "like new" copy and it's just like brand new for $800. I have the money, but I would never pay $2700 for the new one as the difference in going to be just not worth the money. If I replace it, I will be buying the Tamron G2 for sure.
The way of giving equal weight to each and every aspect that you guys tested lead to select tamson F4 as the best, which is not the case in real world.
Mainly on the factor of cost I have just bought the G2 Lens, as you said a whole lot of change over the Nikon and the image quality is right up there. 👍 enjoyed the video
Simple: Don’t backlight things and you are fine. It also disappears as stopped down. If you are really on for backlighting subjects and shooting wide open, it is literally the easiest thing to correct in post with digital. If you open your image you can turn on the correction on the default profile in camera raw. Except if you shoot JPG, than you might as well use a cell phone. Also, decent or recent cameras from the D3 automatically correct for this in RAW as well.
I use the older Tamron since 5 years and it is a great lens. Bought it new. I use it for portrait, kids and as a good lens for animal photography and I was never disappointed. The portraits are nearly too sharp. You see every imperfection in detail. Long story short. It is a clear buy except fast sport.
The FL lens is 2300 in Hong Kong but the Tammy is deffo better value. For the focus test, the lens with least focus breathing is actually working harder to focus because it's tighter. Rejoice, you can actually havea great trinity from Tamron at a fraction of the Nikon ones.
I think the Nikon customer service comment only works in the US! In most countries Nikon only provides 1 year warranty whereas Tamron generally provides 5 years warranty. So zilch for Nikon customer service and warranty for me! And seeing how minute the differences are - I'm saving up for a Tamron G2!
One VERY important thing to mention: Tamrons VC need ~ 1second to work. If you shoot before that your image will be blurry as the VC is not working yet.
Not sure if that applies to the G2 version. I would have assumed they fixed that from the G1 as that was major known thing for Tamron glass users. I even did that timing for my 85mm f1.8 Tamron lens.
Is it worth it to get this lens for Nikon D5600 (keeping in mind possible future upgrade in body) ? Just need a great zoom lens 70-200 range for low light so I think f2.8 is the way to go ?
Accidentally I hit my Nikon lens into a table edge, the repair costs at Nikon in Japan corresponded to a new Tamron with the same focus length and it took 45 days from Bangkok :(
Very late in this videos life however I found this video very interesting. I watched this video about a year ago and then again about 5 months ago before I purchased the Nikon 70-200 f/2.8E FL ED VR. I was ready to buy the Tamron G2 when the Nikon came up for sale at maybe 300 dollars from the Tamron. The Nikon is in pristine condition and looks unused. Thanks for mirrorless giving us DSLR users some fantastic deals. It is what I love best about mirrorless cameras. Tested it and it was perfect. I felt that overall the Nikkor would hold its value better in time and use. I use it with my Nikon D500 and sometimes use my Nikon 1.7 teleconverter that gives me a f/4.8 510mm equivalent lens. Still very sharp plus autofocus is very fast. With or Without the teleconverter this is an amazing lens. I find it very sharp from centre to the corners and it never misses focus with my D500. If money had been the issue and if the Nikkor price had been higher I likely would have gone for the Tamron G2 as I have heard so much good about that lens. Nikon has a long and proven history on 70-200 lenses with high levels of quality and craftsmanship so given the price difference I found that it just made sense to go with the Nikkor. So far I have been exceedingly pleased with my lens choice. Again if circumstances had been different I likely would be singing praises on the Tamron G2.
how you're doing i just got my canon 80d and i want a good zoom lens like the sigma 70-200 and it's all black and i see it takes great pictures. i want a few lens but i don't want to kill my pockets you understand. but i'm in love with sigma products and plus it's cheaper than canon. i guess those photographers can buy them cause they get paid i do this for fun and i want to be good at what i do ya see.i want to get this 70-200 f2.8 over the canon 55-250 so i want your opinion i'm going to buy the 18-35 sigma lens the 35mm 1.4 sigma lens and the 70-200 that's a good combination right? i was thinking 24-105 and the 24mm pancake lens and my collection is complete
I like almost everything with the Tamron 70-200/2.8 G2 except two things: I tend to balance the lens in my hand on the focus ring and I also move the buttons for vibration reduction and AF by mistake. I had to put a piece of tape to lock down both the buttons and the focus ring. Bad design flay by Tamron!
I dislike videos like this more for the comments than the videos. If looking for the best lens, period, the Nikon FL is best. Forget about it being $2700. Simply put, it is the best of this group. I have the older Nikon VRII and it's like new and works like the day I got it - rock solid. I used the Tamron G2 at a basketball game and it does NOT track as well as the Nikon lenses. PERIOD! If you're going to argue that, you're just not accepting reality. The G2 is a SUPER great lens but it doesn't compare with focusing movement OR focal length trueness as the Nikon FL does. The $2700 Lens IS the best lens. The G2 is THE HUGE favorite for best value and great for 90% of people! Those that want the best get the Nikon.
No doubt Nikon FL is worth very penny but for a lens that is 100% more expensive than its Tamron G2 counterpart I don't think it's 2x better. It even lag behind at stabilization and corner sharpness. The main reason why to choose 1st party lenses is their better compatibility with cameras and tighter production tolerance, which is crucial for pros. For us amateurs? Not so.
Looking at buying the A001E, EF mount, Tamron 70-200 2.8. I think its the 1st generation? Does anyone know where to find more info on it? Ive been looking. Im a beginner and I only have Canon kit lenses, so I know the newer Tamrons are better but I can get this lens at a great price for now. Any thoughts on that earlier model? I have a Canon 80d.
Sir, Its wonderful video... very interesting and informative ... i have checked all the JPEG files, and hair sharper was the FL than the G2.. but the image stabilization made all the differences to me, so i made my mind to go for the tamron 70-200 G2 ... thank you so much for sharing your great experience .. please keep up the great work. cheers.
great comparison. I could make a comparison of a lens of these maybe the Tamron G2 vs a nikon of the older ones like (nikon 80-200 2.8 af-s) Thank you if you can make it possible.
I've been a Canon shooter since 1980. I became a Tamron fanboy in 2018 when I bought my first SP2.8. I was looking for a Canon 2.8/70-200mm IS USM at ebay and found a used SP 2.8/24-70mm G1 for cheap money (250 Euro!!!). It was a step ahead in sharpness in comparison to my Canon lenses. In 2020 I purchased a new SP 150-600mm G2 - and again amazing performance. This week I found a "as new" SP 2.8/15-30mm G2 at ebay for 50% off. - wow, what a crazy lens! A lens that sets the standard and beats the original lenses by far. Next will be a SP 2.8/70-200mm G2 for sure. Working with lenses from the Tamron SP series is simply a pleasure. Check out the Mode 3 VC that is only working at shuter release but works extrem. Which other brand today offers 5-year warranty?
I just got my first 70-200 f2.8 and I went with the Tamron VC. Why? I paid $600 for an used copy in pristine shape. Thanks to those who are flocking towards the new lenses, it is making the older lenses a lot cheaper. I love when new lenses come out because it means I'l finally be able to afford some of the "old" lenses.
Right here with ya! Got a Tamron 70-200 SP for $525.
Did the same thing but with the Tamron 150-600, but now I think I missed my chance to get a 70-200 VC.
I'm with you on this one. I got a TAMRON SP 70-200MM F/2.8 DI VC USD from eBay for £515
Those paying 4x as much for the new lenses are pros that must have the best images possible or they won't win high paying jobs... Old lenses are fine for most Ppl
@@brandontemple20 That's right--competitive edge is important at the top of the game BUT (as you said) older lenses are fine: and enable those starting out to get into the game! Once you're in, you can use that money to upgrade.
I've been shooting on the Tamron 70-200 SP for three years now. On my D800, shooting products and portraits, I have zero complaints. It's razor sharp and has zero chromatic ab. I won't upgrade anytime soon, simply because it fits my needs. The other 3 look like great lenses though, definitely glad for the review.
Yes it is a seriously great lens.
Been using the same lens on a D800 for about 1½ year, and can only agree. The only reason to even consider upgrading would be if I really needed a teleconverter, since the SP one doesn't support it, the other three do.
BobMerlinx I didn't know that - that's good to know. Thanks for the info!
Been using the SP for years and it is amazing. The G2 looks wonderful, but why upgrade when you already get superb results. Love this lens.
I bought the Tamron 70-200 2.8 G2 and I absolutely love it and allowed me to get so many more lenses with the additional $1600 I saved due to buying it refurbished off Amazon for $1050! I recommend that lens to everyone who needs to stay within a budget!
Sharpness wise i see no differences between the VR II and Tamron G2 , surprisingly the G2 is sharper at the edges . Good Review
The Tamron G2 also has a trick up its sleeve that none of the other lenses have: The optional TAP-In Console.
This allows you to do in lens micro adjustments and firmware updates.
@@someonewithsomename Canon and Nikon lenses are missing this significant benefit. Sigma's latest 'global vision' lenses and Tamron's G2 lenses are a step ahead in this regard.
It's not necessarily a pro. With a Nikon lens, most often you can use the DotTune method to set AF Fine tune for one focal length and one subject distance and be almost sure that it will be fine throughout the focal lengths range and for any subject distance. The reason that third-party manufacturers have settings like this is that Nikon does not fully disclose their AF algorithms and companies like Tamron and Sigma have a lot of guesswork to do. Offering you a dock/console can practically mean that they delegate part of that guesswork to you. Of course it's useful for other things like focus limiting and VR customisation, but a lot of times with Nikon you don't even have to touch these because they're fine as they are.
@Nj Rh for twice the price
yep, nikon - try to make a consistently focusing lens out of factory + give you AF tune in camera to adjust that lens per your camera body tolerances. tamron/sigma - here is the lens, buy the extra console, buy test chart, and go ahead and spend 2 weeks shooting a chart trying to microaddjust your lens with its 10 various focal lengths over 5 various focusing distances each (my sigma 60-600 says hello) cuz you have nothing better to do then return it and get a new copy if it's way out of range. I did have sigmas and tamrons nothing against their lenses, but thinking that letting customer do the job which should have been done by the QC department to begin with and presenting it as a benefit is that - a benefit, is kinda failing logic.
@@_systemd 2 weeks? Really?? Adjusting a Tamron 150-600 can be easily done in a day, not even a full day. 2 weeks??? Adjusting a 70-200 even quicker, for a lens fully guarantied for 6 years instead of one year for Nikon, and for about half the cost and excellent focussing/image quality. For Nikon zooms, you tune them for the ONE focal length you use the most and hope that it will be ok for the other focal lengths.
I use the 70-200 F2.8 E FL from Nikon to shoot over 2,000 images every weekend....tough conditions in dark HS and college hockey rinks. Time after time after time it performs like a champ. Spectacular images (even at 200mm and f2.8) , tremendously rugged and simply the best 70-200 I have ever owned (and I've owned a number of them for sure). Don't let anyone sell this lens short or tell you there is a better option. If you shoot Nikon D4's or D5, and are a serious pro....only one choice.
Very important thing to keep in mind is the possibility to use it on Nikon Z camera's. The older Tamron SP won't work or at least won't have auto focus. So if you're thinking about getting a Z body in the near future, get the Nikon or G2 lens. The G2 can be updated with a dock.
My guy I have a z50 glad I looked in the comments.. Looking for a 70-200 lens the new z 70-200 is just way out of my orice
I recently purchased the Tamron G2 and love it. I have looked at the various comparison videos and the small percentage difference in overall performance wasn't really a factor. Now I have enough money left over for the Tamron 24x70.
Agree I love my Tamron as well
I own the older Tamron 70-200 SP for about 3 years now and I still love it. Thanks for the great review.
Anyone stumbling on this thread now, I can definitely say the Tamron Sp is still serving me well after 6 years of weddings. I purchased this are carefully studying reviews and dxo's findings. For continuity, consistency, reliability and overall performance, I've never had to think twice about using this. Love the VC too. I've looked at new lenses through intrigue more than anything, and the difference is still negligible. Definitely not worth trading in for. In the UK you can now pick one of these up second hand anywhere between £400-£700. Out of my whole kit bag this remains my most stablemate.
I have the Tamron SP and I love it. No reason to upgrade except for the urge to get the newest gadget.
Looking at buying the A001E, EF mount, Tamron 70-200 2.8. I think its the 1st generation? Does anyone know where to find more info on it? Ive been looking. Im a beginner and I only have Canon kit lenses, so I know the newer Tamrons are better but I can get this lens at a great price for now. Any thoughts on that earlier model? I have a Canon 80d.
In my bag is the 70-200 FL from Nikon. As someone who runs a business and uses this tool extensively, nothing but the best will do. It's one terrific performer.
Running a business of 1 person or even if you have an assistant isn't a business man. You aren't helping the economy because you aren't providing jobs. Let me know when you run a real business like a restaurant...you couldn't handle that workload.
Junior you have no idea. I've been running businesses since before you were born. "A restaurant".....are you kidding ?? Last deal I negotiated (completed 3 weeks ago) was worth $278,000/month for 15 years..... guaranteed, regardless of how the economy does or what the customer orders. GUARANTEED revenue. How about you ?
Someday you will grow up and actually understand that until you actually know who you are responding to, best to keep silent. My photo business is not as large, but it's plenty large enough.
That has nothing to do with...Anything. As a sole proprietor, he pays taxes and buys products which support other businesses. Your point is utterly inane.
Two things: I think you overlooked some information, e.g. stating that Nikon didn't change the design when they switched the position of the focus and zoom rings (something that a lot of people complain about) and stating that they added a new VR mode when they simply combined the on/off switch with the mode switch. Your testing methodology might not be the best too: simply liking a certain AF area mode doesn't make it the best suited for a certain scenario; I'm mostly sure that using D9/D25 or 3D tracking could've given you a lot more keepers with all four lenses (if you've shot with Nikon extensively you should know that Group AF is basically trying to find the closest thing to the camera in the selected area between the four points, which in some cases might be the ball instead of the dog).
You’re so full of ya self, aincha? 🤔🙄😁😂✌🏻
@@georgedavall9449 I'm not. I just offered some constructive criticism from my experience. If you don't like it, just skip my comment.
hi Pat, to truly know how bad is the focus breathing problem, you have to compare them with a 200mm fixed lens
And here we are a few years later and I've seen a Nikon 70-200 mm VRII lens going for $750. And they're accepting offers!! So tempting especially as I'm after the fast focus and it achieved such good results. Thank you for such a comprehensive review. Wish I could find such reviews for all the things I was researching.
Best Lens breathing test ever seen on RUclips! Unlike some other youtube channel that starts with F that doesn't even know what it is and when he gets called out he deletes the comment. Bravo good sir.
The FL in the new Nikkor isn't for flourine coating (which it might also have, regardless), it's a flourite element. Whole different ball game. Just saying...
Yes very true. I kept saying "coatings" but you are right, the Nikkor has a Fluorite lens element while the Tamron has a Fluorine coatings.
The Tamron G2 is also flourine coated. It really has nothing to do with the lens' performance, only water and oil resistance.
Fstoppers great video! Thank you and thank you for replying!
awesomeness overloaded review, Fstoppers ! . . . and you at least got the spelling right : "Fluorine / Fluorite".
@Yehoshua Derovan got his spelling wrong, "Flourine / Flourite".
I know this video is dated by two years but I own the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 , and the Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 , using them on Nikon D7100, D7200, D750 and a D810. The reviews here are great and I would agree, but in my eyes, hands down, the Tamron versions are the best bang for the buck. I shoot fashion, real estates and some landscape. Absolutely love them and while I did my own reviews as well, the Sigmas were not even in the running or an option for me. As far as Nikon, the reviews here are accurate but no need to spend or waste extra money on for the brand name "Nikon" printed on the lenses. Save your money and go with Tamron!
I just got the FL so happy, tested the G2 and Nikon kicked its booty
Seems like the Tamron G2 distinguishes itself in terms of overall value.
i just bought the tamron g2 and I love it. I got it for $900 at a local Hunt's in Boston.
I have it, and it's great. The only issue I've found is that it focusses a little inconsistently in some situations. Even perfectly dialed in with the tap in console, sometimes there's randomly missed focus going on. That being said, it's the only lens out of all these I'd but new, because of value and price.
Shopping used I'd probably opt for the older Nikon, because it's about the same as the newer Tamron and will do better in terms of focusing.
@@youknowwho9247 I had to return my Tamron G2 because I couldn't get it to focus consistently. I shoot mainly dogs jumping off a dock into water where they are running mostly towards the lens. There are railings on the dock so I can only start to focus when they get near the end of the dock and the Tamron just could not keep up with them. Just ordered the Nikon f2.8E FL and from everything I've read/watched it should do much better. I will say the images I got from the G2 that were in focus look amazing. I went from an 80% hit rate with the a Nikon F4 to less than 40% with the G2.
@@St1ngerGuy That's weird. I shoot tennis with the Tamron G2 and a D500/D850 at f/2.8 all the time - no issues. The missed focus usually only shows up on a tripod in lab conditions, not a problem in real world use.
There might be three possible explanations for your problems:
1) Which body are you using? There is a chance that the body always missed focus and you're only noticing it more because you went from f/4 to f/2.8 and the thinner depth of field that comes with it.
2) Did you adjust the Tamron to your body with the tap-in console? It's a time consuming process, but absolutely necessary. All my Tamron glass was way off straight out of the box, but got pin sharp and very reliable after adjusting.
3) You're expecting too much maybe? A running dog should be an exceedingly difficult subject to get perfect focus on the eyes. I think at f/2.8 most equipment would struggle to yield a high keeper rate.
@@St1ngerGuy have you calibrated the Tamron with the tap in console? I was having problems with mine on the D850, but after it was calibrated correctly, it is AWESOME
I happen to own the Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 E FL that I use on a D810 and D5. This is simply the best zoom lens I have ever used, by a large margin. It has a look that is extremely close to the Otus (resolution, micro-detail, bokeh, lack of CA), AF is super fast, VR works amazingly well. The Tamron is a great deal, but the Nikon is really a better lens in my book.
Do you have an Otus? It is impossible to recreate the rendition of these lenses in a zoom. I agree that the 70-200E is a great zoom lense, but it is not even close to the Otus 85mm for example.
He said that he believes the Nikon 70-200 FL is the best ZOOM lens. The Otus is a 85mm Prime.
I really wish you'd compared the older 70-200 VR (the original version).
YES!
I have a VR1 and question whether I will benefit from buying a fresher version (youth sports professional)
Have you found any?
When he had the lenses lined up, the second from the left, that he called the VR 2, looked like the VR 1 with the gold rectangular medallion on the lens barrel.
After looking at the video again, it looks like he has a white rectangular sticker on that second lens, so it's not a VR 1.
I got to use a Nikon FL for a week but decided to buy the cheaper Tamron G2 based on price and web reviews. I was so disappointed with the G2 copy I received. It didn't do anything better than the Nikon. I returned it pretty quickly. It wasn't very sharp on my D500 even after tuning with the dock. I bought a different copy of the Nikon FL and it is awesome just like the first copy I tried. All of the positive reviews of the Tamron make me think I had a subpar copy. But after trying the Nikon, I wasn't giving another Tamron copy a chance.
Well you do realize that FX lenses aren't always great on DX bodies right? This lens was made for high megapixel sensors like the D800 and up. What you did was basically try to play a Blu Ray movie on a tube TV. You aren't getting the full benefits because of low resolution output device. I use the Nikon 80-200 2.8 lens (two focus rings version) for my D500 and will be using the G2 Tamron on my D800E.
That happened to me, the first copy of the g2 wasn’t that great, but the second copy, omg no words!
Toddy Surcharge incorrect. The megapixels on a crop is focused towards the centre of your optics. Look at any wildlife review of the d500, comparing that against an FX body. Quite often at higher zooms you'll get better images with the d500.
sinetwo yeah, that’s true, that’s why the D500 is so popular. I think he just got I bad copy as I did.
Tbh the D500 is pretty poor quality in Raw. I returned mine immediately. As have many Nikon service pros. Fact. First bad review I've seen of the G2 so I do feel maybe it was either a dodgy lens or the D500. I was very disappointed with the D500. For the professional who can squeeze 24mp out of the d7200 the d500 is a backwards step. I don't miss shots with the d7200 either. It's all user preference.
I have the Tamron G2 with a D750 & grip. Very pleased with the image quality and focus speed/acquisition. Highly recommended.
Just rented the Tamron G2. Loved it!!! Great performer & easy on the wallet. No brainer, in my opinion!
So I'm late to the game but maybe that's a good thing. Being budget conscience and still need quality, the g2 seemed the way to go and am waiting on my copy. I'd have not considered it until recently when I got the 24-70g2. In your focus speed test with the dog, both my d500 and d850 have a focus lock configuration to change focus lock speed. I changed to the shortest delay and erratic movement. I was photographing my son on a swing using 3d tracking at 5fps. Didn't miss a single shot. I was extremely impressed and am excited to see how the 70-200 performs with the same settings.
Knowing this video for a while, and working with the Tamron G2 for a long time already.
The video is often used to justify the FL lens. What I'm missing here are 2 major things which puts the Tamron i.m.o. over the FL lens:
- 1) You can go much closer to the subject with the G2 lens, which means you can compensate for focus breathing just by moving forward.
- 2) You can program multiple backfocus points in the Tamron G2 lens (4x3 points) with a tamp-in console. Corrections for each default focal length (4) and for distances on each focal length (3). This makes a difference wrt sharpness / correct focus when you use the lens with difference focal lengths. With the Tamron G2, each focal length got a own unique backfocus compensation.
This can be programmed in the G2 lens and cannot be done with the FL lens.
With the FL lens you only can set "1"backfocus point in your camera.
Also, not clear for me is to which mode the Tamron was set to get fast AF wr VC. Mode 3 is for sure faster, because it acts at the moment the button is pressed and not upfront with continues VC, This mode might result in more in-focus hits. I guess this might also result in even more or the same in-focus results compared to the FL lens.
All in all, the G2 is really an interesting lens, which is i.m.o. a clear winner. Imo you cannot really justify the price difference compared to the FL any longer.
This, and I have to agree here, the FL has less focus breathing whihc will bring you closer to a real 200mm (for shorter distances) compared to Tamron G2. This also night result in somewhat better bokeh for the FL lens.
I noticed the grid was set in stead of 3D tracking. Not sure if false focus was caused by background movements or the lens. Imo, the FL ens and the G2 are at lease in the same range wrt to focus speed.
I made my choice, for me, the FL lens and the Tamron G2 lens are winners in their own area.
Meaning,
-> less focus breathing more bokeh -> FL lens
-> Cheaper, better VC and overall more correct backfocus (Tap-in) -> G2
For all other parts, the FL lens and the G2 are really on pair.
Do tamron g2 work with red camera seamlessly??
@@luckynaturerelaxationin8k I don't know, never tested that. Maybe you did in meantime?
Nice comparison!!! Can you also compare the:
- Tamron 24-70 f2.8 VC €1.000
- Nikon 24-70 f2.8 VR €2.250
Is image stabilisation necesarry for these lenses?
- Sigma 24-70 f2.8 (without stabilisation) €700
- Tokina 24-70 f2.8 (without stabilisation) €1.000
I want to upgrade to a D750 with Tamaron 70-200 G2 and a 24-70. But as a student, my budget is small and want to know the opportunities between these big price differences.
I’ve got the G2 and it’s my favorite lens ever.
I am kind of glad that you had trouble choosing the number 1, (well, you kind of chose the Nikon FL version). However, the fact that they are all comparable, it seems that whatever I choose, I'll be happy with. That said, I just pulled the trigger after watching your evaluation and bought a near mint Tamron G2 for about 625, shipped. You really helped out a lot, and I appreciate your opinion - and I love your artistic ability in your photography. When I see that, I place more value on a photographers opinion in terms of lens and camera performance.
I really like my Tamron G2, but I've found the buttons too easy to move by accident, when handling the lens from time to time my auto focus would stop working only to find out that the button was moved again. After changing camera position in my hand I must recheck the button placement to be sure that the buttons did not move, Tamron should lower the button height and make the detente tighter to move, I must purchase some gaffers tape to place over the buttons, other than that it's a great lens for my use.
a friend of mine had a Nikon version of the Tamron VC G2 lens, and it displayed different exposures compared to the Nikon 80-200/2.8 as well as the newer 70-200mm/2.8 lens. He tested a sunny outdoor and at aperture priority, both Nikon lenses had a speed of 1/1600 at F7.1 and the Tamron G2 lens chose a speed of 1/1000 at F7.1, the image looked very similar, so it seems some copies of the G2 Tamron lens closed the aperture more than it should be........quite a big factory fault, firmware fault?
Tamron G2 is the best buy and arguably the best performance. And something you did not mention is the TAP console for further customization to closer suit your needs.
Plan to get the Tamron 70-200mm in a few months. Nikon glass is always outta my price range so thank goodness for Tamron. Should be able to get for less than a €1000 new!
I own 2 other Tamron lenses and the have worked flawlessly for years. The G2 is on my short list and it will be in my bag soon. For me this was the clear winner.
Did you calibrate all the lenses. it seams like that would make a difference in testing. Also would be interested in how the focus tracking compares on a D850, D5 or D500 which has a much better focus system then d750. Thanks for the comparison!
Great video! I pulled the trigger on the newest Nikon lens. Ouch $$$. Don’t have any data on it yet, but we’ll see. Thanks for your obvious expertise.
Hi I hope you guys are reviewing soon the new Sigma 70-200 F2.8 sports version !
One thing I do not like about the Nikon FL is that the zoom ring is outside the focus ring making it easy to bump and defocus when zooming and harder to hold stable against your body when zooming. Definitely a reason I will not buy the FL until Nikon corrects this in a future version. Excellent comparison - really appreciate the f-stopper content
nice review, however miss here sigma S 70-200 2.8 . What do you think about sigma lens?
I have a really good copy of the older Tamron on a D810. Really good lens. I have the 15-30 also.
Watching this again in 2024 after the AF motor in my Nikkor VR II quit working. I'm pretty sold on the Tamron G2 as its replacement. Grateful to still have this as a reference. Also I never saw this before but Patrick is like the long lost brother of Will Forte. lol
You forgot to mention that with the G2 lenses you can program them for sharpness at 4 different focal lengths with and without a teleconverter.
I own the VR Lloyd and there are a few things that drove me to get that lens and that was the focus speed in love light and the fact that you can use auto focus and manual focus in tandem with out flipping a switch. At the end of the day I say get what works for your style. what important to one photographer is not important to the next
nice comparison however miss it here sigma S 70-200 2.8 . What do you think about sigma lens?
Can you do a update to this video. curious about native lens vs adapted 70-200 for Z6
Thank you for this detailed review on the new Tamron lens. Could you please do another test on the Tamron G2, by adding the Tamron 2x extender? Coz I'm struggling to get this Tamron G2 + 2x extender, or a Sigma 150-600 lens for wildlife photography. Please and thanks in advance. :)
I’m shooting with 70/200fl. sport photography. afc d5 250000shoots in 6 months. a 70/200 need to be tested in stress situations, high fps afc 12fps 3d track etc. so...I can’t comprehend how 70/200 users like wedding photographers or fashion or product can talk about the durability and the precision in time during the months, but I this lens a beast. a tank. fast furious and sharp. Is there ang tamron sport photographer intense user? I need their check :)
I'd honestly like to see a comparison between the f/2.8 & f/4 versions of various 70-200 lenses as I'm more likely to be dragging them up and down mountains with a tripod than shooting off hand indoors
if you're heavy duty user on your lenses and you are a reverently paid professional go nikon and get the tamron g2 as a back up. but if u are an occasionally pay professional go tamron and be a little extra careful on your lens and if you're happy down to row but I second one as a backup and save some money tamron has done an amazing job can't wait to see what sigma's going to come up with.
I just bought the new Tamron lens, and it’s very nice. I’m not a professional photographer, but getting good photos is still important to me. So, I’m not going to spend $1,000 or more to get a Nikkor for some truly minor differences that really aren’t important to me.
You probably should have tested color and sharpness separately to eliminate the issue of focus breathing from the sharpness test. I used to have the Tamron G2 and I think (being too lazy to look it up) one of the VC modes is designed to reduce vibration in the viewfinder, at the expense of something else which I can't remember. Finally, I think cost should always be mentioned, but not factored in for a recommendation because only each individual can say how important that is for them.
Actually Nikon came out with the 80-200mm AF-S in like 1997 so unless your much older than you look, Nikon had an AF-S 80-200mm when you were shooting with your AF-D lens. I'm 32 years old and I had the 80-200mm AF-S in 1998 with an F5 and F100, the AF-S version was just rare, but very sharp and excellent overall image quality.
The older Tamron was regarded as a superb lens with stellar performance when it first came out and unless you are an extreme pixel peeper, this still holds true today. Design wise, I am not that concerned about aesthetics. I am more interested in what is going on within the lens. I have the older Tamron and I have to say, the build quality is superb. My lens is about six years old and there is not a mark on it and looks as good as the day I bought it. The lens collar being a bit less well designed than newer models is a non issue. The newer model has an Arca Swiss plate built in to the foot and mine has one screwed on to the foot.
Money no object and a first time buyer. I may opt for the latest and greatest Nikon. As things stand, I have a superb lens that has minute short-comings when images are viewed at 300%.
It was a good review with real world tests and helped me to realise I have no need to upgrade any time soon.
You forgot the most amazing thing about the lenses from Tamron, the 6 year warranty. No other lens offers that kind of warranty and the customer service is really good. I own the Tamron 150-600 G1 and have had no issues with it.
Tamron is like a Kia in lens world, giving long warranty service time and good products with a great bargain!!
Great review, really timely for me, I've got the Tamron 70-200 SP and have been thinking about upgrading to the G2.
Love the Tamron SP. Bought used for 750$. If I had a choice to upgrade to the G2 that was used for around 1000$ I would but otherwise sharpness and color of SP are great! I use for headshots and weddings
Happy to say : Tamron G2 beats insanly overpriced Nikon. Nikon FL is an awesome lens but it costs almost $3000. Tamron G2 cost only $1300. Now i want a G2 24-70mm !
John 1112 get the 2470mm g2, I just have my d500 and 2470mmg2 arrived last night I can't sleep the whole holding them and reprograming bottoms on the body!!!!!!
If I had a D500, I'd sleep with it too
I just wish that more people who do this "Reviews" were better inform. Lots of technical misinformation in this video. "Flourine Coating" ? Flourine Coating is to achieve high antifouling performance and for peel-resistance. It's has a Flourine element as well as ED elements and Nano coating which improves image quality sir. Focus breathing only effects close up work, should have mentioned that. Could be a blessing in many cases when room is limited making them useful for wedding photography, etc.
What would you say between the VRII and G2, if they both cost the same wich one is the best choice?
I have the 150-600 G2 and and on tis way I have the 70-200 G2. I use the Nikon D4 which i love. Thank you for your video it helped me choose the Tamron 70-200 G2
Thanks for the great review!
I am a Canon shooter and a few months ago i started saving for their 70-200 is ii which(in my country) is around 1900eur, now i see this one come out out of nowhere with image quality and sharpness out the roof, and the most sleek and beautiful design i have ever seen. I would not say a word if they actually named it the Tamron Ninja Stealth Shadow Master or something...so sleek. Anyway, at around 1200eur now i have no dilemma and I'm getting it as soon as i get the remaining cash. I have watched all the reviews i could find, and comparisons to the canon mk2 and i see no reason to shell out 700eur more.
I own the Nikon 70-200 2.8 VRii. I have to say that it's just incredible. I bought a used "like new" copy and it's just like brand new for $800. I have the money, but I would never pay $2700 for the new one as the difference in going to be just not worth the money. If I replace it, I will be buying the Tamron G2 for sure.
The way of giving equal weight to each and every aspect that you guys tested lead to select tamson F4 as the best, which is not the case in real world.
Mainly on the factor of cost I have just bought the G2 Lens, as you said a whole lot of change over the Nikon and the image quality is right up there. 👍 enjoyed the video
I bought the Nikon 70-200 2.8 E for $2000 dollars on Saturday with 1 April cash back. . great lens..
Simple: Don’t backlight things and you are fine. It also disappears as stopped down. If you are really on for backlighting subjects and shooting wide open, it is literally the easiest thing to correct in post with digital. If you open your image you can turn on the correction on the default profile in camera raw. Except if you shoot JPG, than you might as well use a cell phone. Also, decent or recent cameras from the D3 automatically correct for this in RAW as well.
How do you know that the apparent focal length issue is focus breathing and not that the Nikon Fl lens is simply longer focal length than the others?
I use the older Tamron since 5 years and it is a great lens. Bought it new. I use it for portrait, kids and as a good lens for animal photography and I was never disappointed. The portraits are nearly too sharp. You see every imperfection in detail. Long story short. It is a clear buy except fast sport.
The FL lens is 2300 in Hong Kong but the Tammy is deffo better value.
For the focus test, the lens with least focus breathing is actually working harder to focus because it's tighter.
Rejoice, you can actually havea great trinity from Tamron at a fraction of the Nikon ones.
I am about to get Tamron G2 to put on my Nikon D500
I think the Nikon customer service comment only works in the US! In most countries Nikon only provides 1 year warranty whereas Tamron generally provides 5 years warranty. So zilch for Nikon customer service and warranty for me! And seeing how minute the differences are - I'm saving up for a Tamron G2!
Love the focus buttons on the barrel of the Nikon E FL - use them for AFL function to recompose, rather than for AF On. Was a deal breaker for me
Did you calibrate before testing or is it straight out of the box test..?? I find my 24-70 g2 need calibration very much
One VERY important thing to mention: Tamrons VC need ~ 1second to work. If you shoot before that your image will be blurry as the VC is not working yet.
Not sure if that applies to the G2 version. I would have assumed they fixed that from the G1 as that was major known thing for Tamron glass users. I even did that timing for my 85mm f1.8 Tamron lens.
I LOVE the tamron 70-200 SP soooo sharp
Great video...as a NIKON shooter, of course I want the new NIKON model BUT money is always an issue so the new TAMRON is the best bang for the buck!
somebody please explain to FStoppers the Difference between Nikon’s fluorite lens and fluorine coating
I whats the files between the FL and the VR2 Nikon lenses and the sharpness is the extacly the same ,only the FL has more contrast.
Is it worth it to get this lens for Nikon D5600 (keeping in mind possible future upgrade in body) ? Just need a great zoom lens 70-200 range for low light so I think f2.8 is the way to go ?
Accidentally I hit my Nikon lens into a table edge, the repair costs at Nikon in Japan corresponded to a new Tamron with the same focus length and it took 45 days from Bangkok :(
Very late in this videos life however I found this video very interesting. I watched this video about a year ago and then again about 5 months ago before I purchased the Nikon 70-200 f/2.8E FL ED VR. I was ready to buy the Tamron G2 when the Nikon came up for sale at maybe 300 dollars from the Tamron. The Nikon is in pristine condition and looks unused. Thanks for mirrorless giving us DSLR users some fantastic deals. It is what I love best about mirrorless cameras. Tested it and it was perfect. I felt that overall the Nikkor would hold its value better in time and use. I use it with my Nikon D500 and sometimes use my Nikon 1.7 teleconverter that gives me a f/4.8 510mm equivalent lens. Still very sharp plus autofocus is very fast. With or Without the teleconverter this is an amazing lens. I find it very sharp from centre to the corners and it never misses focus with my D500. If money had been the issue and if the Nikkor price had been higher I likely would have gone for the Tamron G2 as I have heard so much good about that lens. Nikon has a long and proven history on 70-200 lenses with high levels of quality and craftsmanship so given the price difference I found that it just made sense to go with the Nikkor. So far I have been exceedingly pleased with my lens choice. Again if circumstances had been different I likely would be singing praises on the Tamron G2.
D800 should I go G2 or VRII as the price would be about $200 cheaper for the VRII. Recommendations?
Nikon 70-200 vrII ===> Legend......but hard to beat that Tamron price point.
i am confused .. which lens should i buy 24-70 or 7-200 for my street photography , portraits and events ?
you should test the closest distance each lens can focus. The new Tamron will beat them all, which means your subject will fill more of the frame
The lens with the least breathing is gonna give you the best background compression, the magnification is not too big of a deal I think.
LookRain has
Excellent review. Thanks! Well done.
I am getting Nikon vr2 version like new condition for 1050 dollars. Should I go for it ?
The older Nikon AF-S 80-200 f2.8 is very sharp
This is absolutely the truth. the AFS-80-200 f2.8 does not have a focus breathing issue either.
The only negative....no IS feature. Other than that it's an amazing lens for sure.
Does tamron 70-200 work on a dx body?
Sure, it just gives you a different angle of view on a crop sensor! It's still Nikon f mount!
how you're doing i just got my canon 80d and i want a good zoom lens like the sigma 70-200 and it's all black and i see it takes great pictures. i want a few lens but i don't want to kill my pockets you understand. but i'm in love with sigma products and plus it's cheaper than canon. i guess those photographers can buy them cause they get paid i do this for fun and i want to be good at what i do ya see.i want to get this 70-200 f2.8 over the canon 55-250 so i want your opinion i'm going to buy the 18-35 sigma lens the 35mm 1.4 sigma lens and the 70-200 that's a good combination right? i was thinking 24-105 and the 24mm pancake lens and my collection is complete
How did you get the clean audio at the beach with all that wind? it was great!
Dead cat, that’s how
I like almost everything with the Tamron 70-200/2.8 G2 except two things: I tend to balance the lens in my hand on the focus ring and I also move the buttons for vibration reduction and AF by mistake. I had to put a piece of tape to lock down both the buttons and the focus ring. Bad design flay by Tamron!
I dislike videos like this more for the comments than the videos. If looking for the best lens, period, the Nikon FL is best. Forget about it being $2700. Simply put, it is the best of this group. I have the older Nikon VRII and it's like new and works like the day I got it - rock solid. I used the Tamron G2 at a basketball game and it does NOT track as well as the Nikon lenses. PERIOD! If you're going to argue that, you're just not accepting reality.
The G2 is a SUPER great lens but it doesn't compare with focusing movement OR focal length trueness as the Nikon FL does.
The $2700 Lens IS the best lens.
The G2 is THE HUGE favorite for best value and great for 90% of people! Those that want the best get the Nikon.
No doubt Nikon FL is worth very penny but for a lens that is 100% more expensive than its Tamron G2 counterpart I don't think it's 2x better. It even lag behind at stabilization and corner sharpness. The main reason why to choose 1st party lenses is their better compatibility with cameras and tighter production tolerance, which is crucial for pros. For us amateurs? Not so.
Looking at buying the A001E, EF mount, Tamron 70-200 2.8. I think its the 1st generation? Does anyone know where to find more info on it? Ive been looking. Im a beginner and I only have Canon kit lenses, so I know the newer Tamrons are better but I can get this lens at a great price for now. Any thoughts on that earlier model? I have a Canon 80d.
Sir, Its wonderful video... very interesting and informative ... i have checked all the JPEG files, and hair sharper was the FL than the G2.. but the image stabilization made all the differences to me, so i made my mind to go for the tamron 70-200 G2 ... thank you so much for sharing your great experience .. please keep up the great work. cheers.
Yes the image stabilization is so much better on the Tamron. It’s at least a stop and a half better.
Interesting to compare old Nikon 70-200 VR with 70-200 FL, how much is it better? I can buy it brand new for $1700 and I'm not sure is it worth it
great comparison. I could make a comparison of a lens of these maybe the Tamron G2 vs a nikon of the older ones like (nikon 80-200 2.8 af-s) Thank you if you can make it possible.