Tamron SP 70-200 mm f/2.8 Di VC USD review - Introduction

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Tamron SP 70-200 mm f/2.8 Di VC USD

8 July 2013

Szymon Starczewski

1. Introduction

Every producer of optical devices for reflex cameras tries to have in their line-up a journalistic 70-200 mm f/2.8 lens. As the image stabilization comes in very handy in that range of focal lengths already in 2001 Canon presented that type of lens equipped with a stabilization mechanism. Nowadays the access to new types of glass, a swift progress in the anti-reflection coatings technique and the increase of the computers’ CPU speed allow you to construct noticeably better lenses than, say, 10-15 years ago so in 2009-2010 most of companies decided to refresh their 70-200 mm f/2.8 models. In that period were launched new, stabilized versions of lenses produced by Canon, Nikon and Sigma.

The situation of Tamron was a bit different. That company delayed introducing their own 70-200 mm f/2.8 device quite a long time. The first model, produced by them, the SP AF 70–200 mm f/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO, was launched only in 2007. Still you have to emphasize the fact that it was a very strong launch - the new Tamron was able to defeat optically both versions of the Canon L instruments. Its main problems were a weak autofocus and the lack of image stabilization.

Everything changed in September 2012 when the Tamron company presented the SP 70–200 mm f/2.8 Di VC USD model. As its name indicates you deal here with a stabilized lens which also features an ultrasonic autofocus motor – it seems as if at least two main faults of the predecessor were eliminated. What about the practice, though? For results check the following chapters - enjoy your reading!

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We would like to thank the Foto-Technika company for lending us the lens for testing purposes.

You are also invited to get acquainted with our test procedure, described in the article "How do we test lenses?" If you feel it’s still not enough, please go to our FAQ section where you can find some further explanation.