We’ve known about the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 lens since last fall, but the details on this compact piece of glass were minimal. Last night Tamron announced that the lens would be available in the U.S. by mid-May for $1199. If that timeline is surprising, you’re not alone. Tamron states that the release could be delayed because of the spread of COVID-19. Although the release date might fluctuate, here’s what we know won’t be changing about this piece of glass for Sony cameras:
- 19 elements form 14 groups, including a molded aspherical element, a hybrid aspherical lens, one extra low dispersion element, and five low dispersion elements
- Fluorine coatings reduce smudges
- Sealing makes it moisture-resistant
- Nine blade aperture creates pleasing, smooth bokeh
- Compatible with Sony’s Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF features
- 33.5 inch minimum focusing distance, relatively short for a telephoto lens
- 5.9 inches long and weighs 1.78 lbs
When the lens arrives it will complete Tamron’s line of large aperture zoom lenses for Sony full-frame cameras—joining the 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD and the 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD lenses. If you are a Sony shooter but can’t afford the premium Sony G Master glass, these three lenses may be right for you. According to Tamron the three lenses together only weigh 3.9 lbs—making for a lightweight way to cover a huge range of focal lengths.