In 2019, Tamron launched the 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A046), a fast ultra wide-angle zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras. At the time, it was the smallest and lightest in its class, offering exceptional portability for on-the-go shooting. Its compact form made it ideal for a wide range of photographic situations. Now, Tamron has introduced the 2nd-generation model: the 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Model A064). This Tamron 16-30mm F2.8 G2 review explores how the lens builds on its predecessor’s strengths. And following the release of the 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Model A063) in 2021 and the 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Model A065) in 2023, this lens completes the G2 trinity.
I had the opportunity to compare the new lens with the original 17-28mm F2.8 during a field test and I’d like to review the improvements, upgrades, and top features of the Tamron 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 available in both Sony E and Nikon Z mounts.
Highlights in this Article:
- Maintains a remarkably compact and lightweight body, even with an expanded zoom range
- Exceptional image quality throughout the zoom range—even in close-up
- Flare, ghosting and curvature control provided through enhanced optical design
- Refined design enhances operability and texture
- Equipped with VXD for faster, more accurate autofocus
Dynamic Wide-Angle Perspective with 16mm Field of View
This shot was taken while looking up at a palm-lined street under a subtly tinted evening sky. The image conveys a sense of openness and the damp post-rain air. Thanks to its 16mm wide-angle starting point, the lens captures an expansive field-of-view and emphasizes perspective, resulting in a dynamic composition with depth.
Compact, Lightweight Design with Extended 16–30mm Zoom Range
The original 17-28mm F2.8 featured a 17mm wide end and a 28mm longer end, while the 16-30mm F2.8 G2 expands this to 16mm and 30mm respectively. Though a 1mm difference may seem minor, it has a greater impact on angle-of-view in wide-angle lenses than in telephoto lenses. With this extended range, the 16-30mm F2.8 G2 can handle a wider variety of scenes and compositional styles—all while retaining the compact, lightweight design of its predecessor.
The maximum diameter has increased slightly from 73mm to 74.8mm, but the filter size remains 67mm, the same as most Tamron lenses for mirrorless cameras. The length has grown modestly from 3.9” (99mm) to 4” (101.8mm), and weight from 14.8oz. (420g) to 15.5oz. (440g). Despite being a fast, ultra wide-angle zoom, the lens remains exceptionally compact and lightweight. It uses an internal zoom mechanism that keeps the overall length constant while zooming, helping maintain balance and mobility. This allows for fluid shooting while adjusting angles or emphasizing ultra-wide perspectives.
Lightweight G2 Trinity: A Compact, Travel-Friendly Fast-Aperture Set
Incidentally, the combined weight of the 16-30mm F2.8 G2, 28-75mm F2.8 G2, and 70-180mm F2.8 G2 totals just 64.7oz. (1,835g) for Sony E-mount, minimizing the weight burden when carrying all three lenses. Since they all share a 67mm filter diameter, accessories like filters and lens caps are interchangeable. This portability and system-wide convenience are part of the G2 trinity’s appeal.
Wider Angle and More Reach: Comparing 16–30mm vs. 17–28mm
When comparing images taken with both lenses, the difference in angle-of-view is quite clear. The 16-30mm F2.8 G2 captures a broader view at the wide end and offers slightly more reach at the longer end. This proves particularly useful in tight spaces such as interiors. The 30mm focal length is also ideal for snapshots, providing a natural shooting distance and framing. It resolves the “just a bit more range” feeling you sometimes get when using the 17-28mm F2.8.
This giant Ficus elastica was shot at 16mm from a low angle. Simply shooting at eye level results in a flat image with little impact. To better convey the sense of scale and presence, I moved in close to the tree trunk and tilted the monitor to shoot from near ground level. This technique emphasized the sense of depth and produced a dynamic ultra wide-angle shot full of perspective.
Edge-to-Edge Sharpness and Stunning Detail at All Focal Lengths
When using wide-angle lenses, photographers often aim to capture as much of the scene as possible, which naturally leads the eye toward the edges of the frame. As a result, performance in the corners is just as important as center sharpness. Like its predecessor, the 16-30mm F2.8 G2 delivers outstanding optical performance in a compact, lightweight form. Despite its extended focal range, the lens maintains high resolving power across the entire zoom range. Even when shooting wide open at F2.8, the results are outstanding—and stopping down slightly renders the entire frame razor-sharp.
The lens effectively suppresses various aberrations and controls ghosting and flare, which can often occur in backlit situations. This makes it a highly versatile performer that can handle diverse lighting conditions with ease.
The sunset image above was framed with the horizon positioned center point. The lens beautifully rendered the soft residual light after sundown. With almost no wind during the shoot, the image remained crisp and stable. Gradations in the sky are smooth, and the lower half of the image retains intricate detail—ensuring consistent sharpness throughout the frame.
Straight Lines and Corner Clarity with Minimal Distortion
This colorful housing complex and sports court is a well-known tourist photo spot. I snapped the image during a brief moment with no people in the frame. Though the sky was overcast and occasionally rainy, the lens maintained good contrast while preserving the ambient light. Lines remain straight, and the image shows uniform sharpness from corner to corner—even small details like window ledges are clearly visible.
Get Closer with Impressive Minimum Focus Distance
The MOD (Minimum Object Distance) is 7.5” (19cm) at the wide end and 11.8” (30cm) at the longer end. Because this is a wide-angle lens, getting too close to your subject can sometimes cause shadows or lens flare from your own body. This pizza was taken from directly above, using soft, indirect natural light from a nearby window. The crispy texture of the crust and the soft texture of the basil and cheese are well balanced and beautifully rendered.
BBAR-G2 Coating Minimizes Flare and Ghosting in Harsh Light
I shot the image of coastal grass swaying in the sea breeze, backlit by the setting sun. Even at close range, the lens maintained excellent image quality. Tamron’s BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) Coating effectively suppressed ghosting and flare, allowing the golden scene to be captured with exceptional clarity.
F2.8 Aperture and High Optical Precision for Night Skies/Astrophotography
A fast, constant F2.8 aperture makes this ultra wide-angle zoom perfect for astrophotography. I shot this image near my home under ideal conditions—clear sky and no wind. The lens uses high-grade elements that effectively correct chromatic aberrations, allowing each star to appear pin sharp. Setting the white balance to “Fluorescent” gave the scene a cool, dreamlike quality.
Enhanced Handling and Premium Feel in the G2 Design
Like the 28-75mm F2.8 G2 and 70-180mm F2.8 G2, the 16-30mm F2.8 G2 is part of Tamron’s “G2” 2nd-generation lineup and features a reexamined exterior redesign compared to the original model. While the original 17-28mm F2.8 had a clean and minimalistic form, the G2 adopts a more contoured shape that improves grip and handling comfort. Design matters—not just functionality. This lens pairs beautifully with both Sony Alpha and Nikon Z series cameras. The gently rounded, glossy brand ring adds a subtle touch of sophistication.
The 16-30mm F2.8 G2 incorporates carefully chosen materials into the internal mechanism of the zoom and focus rings, delivering smoother operation. The torque is finely tuned for easy adjustment of focal length and manual focusing. Additionally, the redesigned stripe pattern on the rings improves the grip texture. The lens barrel is finished in a glossier black coating than the previous model, offering increased resistance to scratches and making fingerprints less noticeable.
For nighttime scenes or long exposures on a tripod, I usually use manual focus. The focus ring on this lens is perfectly weighted—not too loose, not too tight—and allows for precise focus locking. The zoom ring also offers smooth, consistent rotation with just the right amount of resistance. There’s no slack, making it easy to compose images accurately and comfortably.
VXD Linear Motor Delivers Fast, Precise Autofocus Performance
The original 17-28mm F2.8 featured Tamron’s proprietary RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) stepping motor unit, which provided quick, precise autofocus and excellent quietness—ideal for tracking moving subjects.
In contrast, the 16-30mm F2.8 G2 is equipped with Tamron’s VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism, the same advanced AF system used in the 28-75mm F2.8 G2 and 70-180mm F2.8 G2. This delivers class-leading speed and accuracy, enabling comfortable focusing from the MOD all the way to infinity—even with a fast-aperture lens.
It’s highly responsive and excels at capturing decisive moments. Because vibration is minimized during focusing and the drive motor operates extremely quietly, the lens performs well even in environments where silence is essential.
I took continuous shots of a cat running quickly toward me. The tracking performance of AF has worked smoothly, and every frame was perfectly in focus. AF responsiveness was quick and stable, making it easy to react to fleeting moments. The sharp focus also brought out the lens’s high resolving power to full effect.
Even in this dimly lit interior, AF was fast and smooth, allowing me to shoot with a steady pace. The texture of the fabric is rendered with fine precision, and the resulting image conveys the tactile feel of the material. Thanks to the lens’s short MOD, even closer subjects can be captured with ease and accuracy.
The 16-30mm F2.8 G2 also introduces a Focus Set Button, which was not on the original model. By connecting the lens to a computer / smartphone using the optional Tamron Connection Cable and launching the proprietary Tamron Lens Utility™ software, users can assign various focus-related functions to the button. The software also supports customization of focus ring function and firmware updates for the lens (only with PC version).
Learn more about Tamron Lens Utility™ features >
Tamron 16–30mm G2 vs. 17–28mm G1: Specs at a Glance
Final Thoughts on the Tamron 16–30mm F2.8 G2: A Worthy Upgrade
The 16-30mm F2.8 G2 represents a significant evolution from the original 17-28mm F2.8. As an ultra wide-angle zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras, it is packed with compelling features. With a focal range from 16mm to 30mm, the difference in angle-of-view is more dramatic than the numbers shows—offering greater creative versatility.
Despite its constant F2.8 aperture, the lens remains compact and lightweight, making it ideal for casual, agile shooting such as street snaps or travel photography. At the same time, its optical performance across the entire zoom range makes it highly capable for more deliberate work using a tripod. I also tested it in unfavorable conditions, such as in the rain and at night, but the fast, accurate AF and excellent handling of both zoom and focus rings allowed me to concentrate fully on my photography.
I really like the design and feel of the lens body, and I’d love to pair it with the other G2 models—the 28-75mm F2.8 G2 and the 70-180mm F2.8 G2—to complete a fast-aperture trinity set.
Special Thanks
Trattoria Italia Bunkyo
1F Bunkyo Green Court, 2-28-10 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-3943-7165
Official Website: http://www.trattoria-italia.com/italia_bunkyo.html
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Trattoria Italia Bunkyo for their cooperation with a part of this shoot. This casual Italian restaurant offers authentic Neapolitan pizza baked in a wood-fired oven, along with a curated wine selection from the sommelier-owner. The spacious interior features high ceilings and an open atmosphere—flooded with gentle natural light during the day and enveloped in a cozy ambiance at dinner time. The friendly staff and outstanding cuisine create the perfect setting for a pleasant and memorable dining experience. Thank you again for your generous support!
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