Tamron Unveils 16-30mm f/2.8 G2, Completing Its Fast Zoom “Trinity” for Sony and Nikon

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By Darryl Lara

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Last updated 07/01/2025

Tamron has officially announced the 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2, a fast, ultra-wide-angle zoom lens for Sony E and Nikon Z mounts. This new release rounds out Tamron’s second-generation f/2.8 “trinity” lineup, joining the well-regarded 28-75mm f/2.8 G2 and 70-180mm f/2.8 G2 telephoto zoom.

The company refers to this trio as “Daisangen” lenses – a term borrowed from the game of mahjong to describe a powerful three-tile winning hand. In photographic parlance, it now signifies a complete set of fast zoom lenses: wide, standard, and telephoto, all with constant f/2.8 apertures.

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Built for Real-World Shooting

The 16-30mm G2 builds upon the success of Tamron’s popular 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A046), offering a similar compact form factor with updated internals. The lens features an optical construction of 16 elements in 12 groups, with Tamron promising high-resolution performance, smooth bokeh, and excellent control of chromatic aberrations and flare, though specifics on exotic glass elements weren’t detailed.

Interestingly, the aperture range is limited to f/2.8 to f/16. Tamron notes this was a deliberate design choice to maintain compactness, adding that diffraction typically becomes noticeable at narrower apertures anyway.

Autofocus is powered by Tamron’s proven VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor, which offers quiet, accurate, and responsive performance – ideal for both stills and video. The lens can focus as close as 0.19m at the wide end, expanding creative close-up possibilities.

Physically, the 16-30mm G2 keeps things light and nimble. Weighing just 450 grams and measuring 103.9mm long, it maintains the G2 line’s reputation for portability. The exterior design has also been refined with improved grip textures for better ergonomics and ease of handling.

Like its G2 siblings, the lens features a 67mm filter thread, moisture-resistant construction, and a fluorine-coated front element to repel water, oil, and dirt. It’s also fully compatible with TAMRON Lens Utility software, giving users expanded customization options and firmware updates.

Tamron 16-30mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2

What We Think

The Tamron 16-30mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 is a compact wide-angle zoom lens designed specifically for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras. This second-generation lens features improved optics, faster autofocus, and weather sealing, making it an excellent choice for landscape, architecture, travel, and street photography. The 16-30mm focal range covers ultra-wide to natural wide-angle perspectives with a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout.

Reasons to Buy

• Excellent sharpness across the focal range
• Fast and silent VXD autofocus motor
• Weather-sealed build with USB-C port for firmware updates –
• Minimal distortion at 30mm
• Outstanding value at $929 vs. $2,498 for Sony 16-35mm GM2 – Compact and lightweight for travel – Constant f/2.8 aperture

Reasons to Avoid

• No aperture ring on the lens barrel
• Some lens flare when shooting directly into the sun
• More flare than the Sony 16-35mm GM2 in backlit situations

Specifications

• Focal Length: : 16-30mm
• Maximum Aperture: /2.8 (constant throughout zoom range)
• Minimum Aperture: f/16
• Lens Construction: 16 elements in 12 groups
• Aperture Blades: 9 (circular diaphragm stays nearly circular up to two stops down)
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.19m (7.5 inches) at 16mm, 0.3m (11.8 inches) at 30mm
• Autofocus Motor: VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor
• Weather Sealing: : Yes, with moisture-resistant construction
• Lens Mount: Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount
• Weight: 440g (15.5 ounces)
• Length: 101.8mm (4 inches)
• Diameter: 74.8mm

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Pricing and Availability

The Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 will be available in two mounts:

• Sony E-mount: Available starting July 31, 2025
• Nikon Z-mount: Available August 22, 2025

Both versions are priced at $929 USD and can be purchased from authorized retailers.

With this release, Tamron offers Sony and Nikon shooters a compelling ultra-wide option to complete their fast-aperture zoom setup – ideal for landscapes, architecture, events, and astrophotography.

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