Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 G1 vs G2: What the G2 Adds

*Specifications note: G2 Nikon Z-mount dimensions are 4.7″ (119.8mm) in length and 19.4 oz (550g) in weight. All other G2 dimensions listed above are based on the Sony E-mount version.

Despite the additional optical elements and updated autofocus mechanism, the G2 retains nearly the same dimensions as the original.

For a broader look at focal lengths and features, explore how the 28-75mm G2 compares to Tamron’s other standard zooms.

What’s the Difference Between VXD and RXD Autofocus?

The primary autofocus difference between the Tamron 28-75mm G1 and G2 is the motor technology. The original lens uses RXD, Tamron’s stepping-drive autofocus system. The G2 introduces VXD, a linear-motor mechanism designed for high-speed, high-precision focusing and responsive subject tracking, making autofocus one of the most significant generational upgrades.

• RXD stands for Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive. This autofocus system uses a stepping motor to deliver precise, smooth, and quiet focusing for still photography and video.
• VXD stands for Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive. Tamron’s linear-motor focusing mechanism delivers fast, accurate autofocus response, strong tracking performance, and extremely quiet operation.

The VXD system in the 28-75mm G2 provides responsive focusing throughout the lens’s focusing range, from its minimum object distance to infinity. This keeps focus on subjects that change position or move unpredictably.

How Much Faster Is the G2’s Autofocus?

According to Tamron, the 28-75mm G2 delivers autofocus speeds approximately twice as fast as the original 28-75mm G1. This comparison specifically measures the VXD autofocus mechanism against the RXD drive used in Model A036. Actual autofocus behavior also depends on the camera, subject, lighting, and shooting conditions.

The increased responsiveness matters most when photographing subjects that move toward or away from the camera or when using continuous autofocus.

Where the Autofocus Speed Difference Actually Shows

The VXD autofocus advantage becomes most meaningful when subjects are moving and focus needs to adjust continuously. Photographers capturing children playing, active pets, weddings, live events, or run-and-gun video gain the most from faster autofocus response and reliable tracking. For a carefully composed static portrait, the difference is small.

The VXD motor also operates extremely quietly, making it suitable for environments where distracting operational noise should be minimized. For videographers, quiet autofocus is particularly useful when recording dialogue, interviews, or natural ambient sound. Tamron notes that some operational sounds may still be recorded depending on the shooting environment.

What the G2’s Redesigned Optics Add

The Tamron 28-75mm G2 features an optical system redesigned from the ground up. Its construction increases from 15 elements in 12 groups in the G1 to 17 elements in 15 groups in the G2. Tamron reports improvements in resolution throughout the zoom range, including edge-to-edge detail, while maintaining beautiful, soft bokeh.

The G2 optical design incorporates:

• Two LD (Low Dispersion) elements: Reduce chromatic aberrations and color fringing.
• Two GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) elements: Correct optical aberrations and improve resolution across the frame.
• BBAR-G2 coating: Tamron’s second-generation Broad-Band Anti-Reflection coating suppresses ghosting and flare, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
• Nine-blade circular diaphragm: Produces pleasing background blur and rounded out-of-focus highlights.

Tamron reports marked image-quality improvements over the first generation, including higher resolving power at the edges of the frame and across the zoom range.

For portraits, the constant F2.8 aperture separates subjects from distracting backgrounds while preserving fine facial detail. For landscapes, travel, and architectural photography, improved resolving performance supports detailed images throughout the frame.

These optical enhancements also make the G2 well suited to today’s high-resolution full-frame mirrorless cameras, where rendering fine details across the image becomes increasingly important.

How Close Does the Tamron 28-75mm G2 Focus?

The Tamron 28-75mm G2 focuses as close as 7.1″ (0.18m) at 28mm, compared with 7.5″ (0.19m) for the original G1. The G2 also increases maximum wide-angle magnification from 1:2.9 to 1:2.7, allowing photographers to capture small subjects with greater detail and a dramatic wide-angle perspective.

At minimum focus, the G2 provides a working distance of approximately 1.7″ (4.4cm) between the front of the lens and the subject. This differs from minimum object distance, which is measured from the camera’s sensor plane.

At 75mm, the G2 focuses as close as 15″ (0.38m), with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.1. The original G1 focuses to 15.4″ (0.39m) at 75mm, with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.

These close-focusing capabilities allow photographers to explore:

• Flowers, foliage, and natural textures.
• Food photography and tabletop details.
• Travel souvenirs, handmade objects, and collectibles.
• Creative foreground elements in environmental compositions.

Pro Tip: Use the G2 at 28mm when you want a close-up subject to appear prominent while still including its environment. Switch toward 75mm for tighter framing and a more comfortable working distance.

Although the G2 offers excellent close-up versatility, it is not a dedicated 1:1 macro lens.

Size, Weight and Handling: What Changed

The Tamron 28-75mm G2 retains nearly the same compact dimensions as the original while introducing a redesigned barrel and additional features. The Sony E-mount G2 weighs 19.0 oz (540g), compared with 19.4 oz (550g) for the G1, and measures 4.6″ (117.6mm) long versus 4.6″ (117.8mm) for the original.

The G2 is slightly wider, measuring 2.98″ (75.8mm) in maximum diameter versus 2.87″ (73mm) for the G1.

Beyond these measurements, Tamron refined several aspects of the lens’s handling:

• Redesigned zoom and focus rings: Updated grip textures and adjusted zoom-ring resistance support smoother operation.
• Sculpted barrel profile: Contoured surfaces create a comfortable, secure grip.
• Improved exterior finish: Greater resistance to scratches and fingerprints keeps the barrel looking clean.
• Moisture-Resistant Construction: Seals provide additional protection when photographing outdoors.
• Fluorine Coating: The front element’s protective coating repels moisture, oil, and fingerprints.
• Connector Port: Enables compatibility with TAMRON Lens Utility for supported lens customization and firmware updates.

Through TAMRON Lens Utility, photographers and videographers can customize supported focusing functions, modify manual focus ring behavior, and access additional shooting controls. Available functions vary by lens mount and software version. Firmware updates through the Connector Port require the computer version of the software.

These improvements refine everyday handling without adding meaningful size or weight.

Photographers interested in Tamron’s wider G2 improvements can also explore the Tamron Trinity Lens overview.

Does the G2 Take the Same Filters?

Both generations of the Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 use 67mm filters, so existing circular polarizers, neutral density filters, and compatible front lens caps carry over when upgrading. Tamron also maintains this filter diameter across its G2 F2.8 zoom trinity, making accessories easier to share across lenses.

That trinity consists of the:

• 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 — The versatile fast-aperture standard zoom with redesigned optics and responsive VXD autofocus.
• 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 — The ultra-wide G2 zoom for landscapes, architecture, travel, and astrophotography.
• 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 — The compact fast telephoto zoom offering extended reach and VC image stabilization.

Together, they cover 16mm through 180mm with a constant F2.8 maximum aperture. Shared 67mm filters offer additional convenience for photographers building a versatile three-lens kit.

The two 28-75mm generations use different designated lens hoods, so those should be matched to the individual model.

Review G1 versus G2 16-30mm wide-angle comparisons and G1 versus G2 70-180mm telephoto comparisons.

Should Current 28-75mm RXD Owners Upgrade?

Upgrade if you shoot moving subjects, events, or video, where the G2’s VXD autofocus is about twice as fast as RXD, per Tamron. Upgrade too for Lens Utility controls or closer focusing at 28mm. Keep your RXD if you mostly shoot static subjects and are happy with its image quality, since the range and aperture don’t change.

The specific changes are worth considering individually.

Autofocus Performance

Tamron reports that the G2’s VXD autofocus operates approximately twice as fast as the RXD mechanism in the original A036. Photographers who frequently capture moving subjects may find this improvement particularly relevant.

Optical Performance

The G2’s redesigned construction incorporates 17 elements in 15 groups, including specialized LD and GM elements. Tamron reports improved image resolution throughout the zoom range, particularly at wider apertures and toward the edges of the frame.

Close-Up Capabilities

At 28mm, the G2 focuses to 7.1″ (0.18m) with 1:2.7 magnification. The G1 focuses to 7.5″ (0.19m) with 1:2.9 magnification. The difference expands creative opportunities for close-up wide-angle photography.

Customization and Handling

The G2 introduces the Connector Port for TAMRON Lens Utility, redesigned zoom and focus ring textures, an improved exterior finish, and a contoured barrel of the Toned Profile Design.

Size and Existing Accessories

The Sony E-mount G2 is slightly lighter than its predecessor while maintaining essentially the same length. Both use 67mm filters and compatible front lens caps.

These are the principal changes between the two generations. Which differences matter most depends on how frequently a photographer uses each capability and whether their existing lens already meets their shooting requirements.

Which Tamron 28-75mm Should You Buy?

The Tamron 28-75mm G2 is the current option for Nikon Z photographers and Sony E buyers purchasing a new standard zoom. Existing Sony E G1 owners should upgrade if faster autofocus, closer focusing at 28mm, or Lens Utility controls matter for how they shoot.