Tamron's new wide-angle zoom adds more range and refined autofocus
Tamron has announced the 16-30mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2, a wide-angle full-frame zoom lens for Sony E mount and Nikon Z mount. It slots into the company's fast zoom lineup alongside its 28-75mm and 70-180mm F2.8 G2 lenses.
Tamron says the lens is a sequel to its 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD from 2019. Compared to that lens, the G2 obviously has a slightly wider zoom range and includes updates to the autofocus system. The older model used a stepper motor, while the new one uses the company's "VXD" linear motors. There's a single customizable function button.
The body is also moisture-resistant and includes a USB-C port that you can use to connect it to Tamron's lens customization software. The lens has a 67mm filter, the same as Tamron's 28-75mm and 70-180mm F2.8 lenses.
Optically, the 16-30mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has 16 elements in 12 groups and a 9-blade aperture that Tamron says is "almost perfectly circular up to two stops down from" its max setting. At the wide end, it has a minimum focusing distance of 0.19m (7.5"), and at the long end, it can focus on objects as close as 0.3m (11.8"), giving a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:5.4.
The lens will retail for $929; that's $30 more than the previous model, though given the extra range and faster autofocus system, that's hard to complain about. It will be available for E mount on July 31 and for Z mount on August 22nd.
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Press release:
July 1, 2025, Commack NY – TAMRON Americas announces the launch of the 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Model A064), an ultra wide-angle lens in two full-frame mirrorless camera mount: the Sony E-mount will be available on July 31 and the Nikon Z mount on August 22. Both mounts will retail for $929 USD.
Expanding upon the success of the highly acclaimed TAMRON 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A046), the 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Model A064) emerges as an advanced G2 (second-generation) model. While broadening the zoom range, the lens maintains a compact, lightweight design and delivers exceptional image quality. In addition, it features improved autofocus performance and has been updated to the latest lens design, enhancing overall operability. The lens is also compatible with the TAMRON Lens Utility™ that lets you customize practical functions for both photography and videography. Retaining the mobility and versatility of its predecessor, the 16-30mm F2.8 G2 unlocks new creative possibilities.
With the release of the 16-30mm F2.8 G2 ultra wide-angle zoom, the fast G2 trinity, "Daisangen1" is now complete2, alongside the standard zoom 28-75mm F2.8 G2 (Model A063) and 70-180mm F2.8 G2 (Model A065) telephoto zoom. Together, these lenses cover the extremely versatile 16mm to 180mm range, making them ideal for virtually any scene. Experience the perfect blend of performance and functionality, making professional-level photography more accessible than ever.
Product Features
Expanded Field-of-View unlocks new possibilities in landscape, astro, and everyday photography
Lightweight, compact, and built-for-mobility design makes it perfect for travel and video content creation
Exceptional optical performance with high resolution captures the finest details of landscapes and architecture, and renders beautiful bokeh
High-speed, high-precision VXD AF quietly captures the action
Versatile close-up feature is ideal for tabletop and indoor shots
Compatible with TAMRON Lens Utility™ Software
Comfortable ergonomic design for ease of use
Enhanced Exterior Surface
Zoom ring, Focus ring: Improved grip texture and smoother overall operation
Unified 67mm filter size
Protective features (Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating)
1 The term "Daisangen" originates from the game of mahjong, where it refers to a winning hand made by collecting three sets of dragon tiles. Drawing from this concept, the photography industry uses the term "Daisangen lenses" in Japan to describe a set of three zoom lenses—a wide-angle, a standard, and a telephoto—all featuring a constant F2.8 aperture throughout their zoom range.
2 For Nikon Z mount, available only with 16-30mm F2.8 G2 and 28-75mm F2.8 G2 as of June 2025.
Principal specifications
Zoom lens
35mm FF
16–30 mm
No
Nikon Z, Sony E, Sony FE
F2.8
F16
No
9
16
12
0.19 m (7.48″)
0.19×
Yes
Linear Motor
Internal
No
No
440 g (0.97 lb)
75 mm (2.95″)
102 mm (4.02″)
Yes
Rotary (internal)
No
No
67 mm
Yes
No
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