Update on the Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens

Vignetting, flare and distortion test results along with specs and measurements have been added to the Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens page.

Notably (and disappointingly) missing are the image quality results. We captured a full set of ISO 12233 test chart images from this lens using three cameras, processed and loaded them into the image quality comparison tool ... and I had a hard time believing what I was seeing. Unfortunately, not for a good reason. The corner image quality looked very bad, worse than I remember seeing in a long time.

Closer analysis of the RAW images indicated that all four corners were performing relatively similarly in terms of image quality, but I still have a hard time believing that the results are indicative to how this lens should perform. Therefore, I have taken the results down and await delivery and testing of another copy of the lens.

Assuming that the lens indeed has a problem ... while 100% perfection cannot be expected in lenses, most disturbing to me is that we had a similar problem with this lens' predecessor, the Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Lens. As explained in that review, it took two lenses and two repairs (the second repair appeared to be resolved with a replacement) to get a good version of that lens.

Big coincidence? Or quality control problem? It is painful to think of the number of hours we have spent testing these bad lenses.

The Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens is in stock at B&H | Amazon | Adorama | WEX (preorder).

But, you might want to wait for our second set of tests before making your decision to go with the Tamron G2.