I was skeptical at first. Could a third-party lens actually match the name brands, at THE focal length for which the name brands are best known for making reliable, snappy-to-focus, nearly-indestructible, lens?

Introducing the pinnacle of fast telephoto zoom with advanced features for improved optical performance, functionality and usability

Canon and Nikon photographers who demand the best quality and performance will typically buy premium own-brand lenses if they can afford them, or third-party lenses if they can't. But this Tamron G2 (Generation 2) is arguably better than Canon's top-flight 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, and is essentially as...

Pro-grade build quality; Fabulous image quality; 5-stop stabilization

Typically heavy for a 70-200mm f/2.8; Switches can be operated accidentally

If you had the breath to read our review until here, you might be thinking that the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 isn't worth it. That is not our conclusion, though. As mentioned above, fast standard zoom lenses are difficult to design and they always come with some compromises.

This is by far the best piece of glass I have owned. Very smooth and tack sharp, well worth the money spent.

The Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 (model A032) is a stabilized standard 2.9x zoom available in mounts for Canon and Nikon DSLRs with full-frame sensors. It also works on their DSLRs with APS-C/DX sensor where the angle of view is equivalent to a 36-105mm zoom lens.

Tamron was first. Many of us had long-wanted a 24-70mm lens with both an f/2.8 aperture and image stabilization, but until the Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens was introduced in 2012, we had to choose one or the other.

Beautifully built, tactile feel in the hands is excellent, sharp, great resolution and colour rendition, and thoutful integration of Arca Swiss compatible tripod mounting plate.Only criticism is that the vibration control and autofocus buttons sit slightly proud of the main barrel of the lens and...

The Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is a telephoto zoom for Canon and Nikon DSLRs featuring a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture, optical image stabilisation, and ultrasonic autofocus. This weather-resistant lens works on both full-frame and crop-sensor (APS-C/DX) cameras, and costs £1350.

Excellent optics; Effective image stabilisation; Weather-sealed construction

Slightly soft at 70mm and f/2.8; Zoom ring not quite as smooth and precise as pricier alternatives

One lens that should be in the arsenal of every photographer is a moderate telephoto zoom like a 70-200mm. Lenses in this category offer a great compromise between power, mobility, and versatility.