Expanding upon the success of the highly acclaimed TAMRON 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A046), the G2, 2nd-generation emerges as an advanced 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Model A064). While broadening the zoom range, it 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. It’s also compatible with TAMRON Lens Utility™, allowing you to 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. Experience the unique creative expressions that only a fast, ultra wide-angle lens can offer.
Read the 16-30mm F2.8 G2 Review >
The 16-30mm F2.8 G2 extends the zoom range from 17mm to 16mm at the wide end and from 28mm to 30mm at the longer end. This enhancement provides a broader field-of-view, offering greater freedom for creative expression.
On the wide-angle side, it’s perfect for capturing powerful architectural and landscape shots, emphasizing perspective and depth. It also excels in portrait photography, incorporating the spacious backgrounds that are unique to ultra wide-angle shots. On the 30mm end, the focal length delivers a more natural angle-of-view, making it ideal for family, street and travel photography.
With just this one lens, you can flexibly adapt to a variety of outdoor and cramped indoor shooting scenarios.
The 16-30mm F2.8 G2 has an expanded zoom range and introduces key upgrades including a linear motor, Connector Port, and Focus Set Button. Even with these enhancements, the lens maintains the incredibly lightweight and compact design points (440g/15.5oz, 101.8mm/4in length,1 φ67mm filter diameter) of its predecessor, ensuring excellent portability. Additionally, a component that enhances rigidity is used to optimize the balance between compactness and rigidity.
Moreover, the latest optical design and support for in-camera lens correction functions2 ensure high image quality throughout the entire zoom range. Thanks to these innovations, this highly portable zoom can be used to enjoy high-quality photography and video in a variety of situations, from everyday life to travel.
Furthermore, the internal zoom (non-extending zoom) mechanism stabilizes the center of gravity, making handheld shooting, vlogging with a grip, capturing selfies, or gimbal use smoother than ever.
1 Length and weight are for Sony E-mount lenses.
2 When shooting with the camera’s lens correction function enabled.
Featuring construction of 16 elements in 12 groups, the 16-30mm F2.8 G2 includes one XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion), two LD (Low Dispersion), and three GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) lenses to minimize chromatic and various other aberrations. This design provides sharp, high-resolution images throughout the zoom range, capturing even the finest details in landscapes (starry skies) and architecture.
Another feature is the dreamy bokeh produced by the fast F2.8 aperture. The natural bokeh in front of and behind the subject enhances the sharpness of the subject, making it possible to create impressive images even in close-up photography. The fast aperture also enables low-light shooting without excessively high ISO settings, thereby delivering clear, noise-free images even in dim lighting conditions.
Additionally, the BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) Coating reduces ghosting and flare in backlit situations, providing clear, sharp images.
The AF drive uses TAMRON’s fastest and most precise VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism. It excels at tracking fast-moving subjects, making it ideal for skateboarding, dance performances and other dynamic scenes. With exceptional subject tracking, this zoom captures fast action with reliability. The quiet operation also makes it perfect for concerts, weddings, and other noise-sensitive environments, ensuring smooth performance for both stills and video shooting.
With an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 0.19m (7.5in) at the ultra-wide end and 0.3m (11.8in) at the longer end, this lens provides impressive close-up results with its maximum magnification ratio of 1:5.4–1:7. The short working distance* (approx. 7–18cm/2.8-7.1in) makes it perfect for tabletop and indoor photography, even in tight spaces.
Take advantage of the expansive perspective for dramatic compositions or get up close to create stunning subject isolation with beautifully blurred backgrounds, thanks to the fast F2.8 aperture. Explore the unique and amazing world of ultra wide-angle close-up photography.
*Working distance: The distance from the front end of the lens to the subject.
The 16-30mm F2.8 G2 is compatible with the dedicated TAMRON Lens Utility software (for PC and Android™ 3 OS) that was developed in-house by TAMRON.4 TAMRON Lens Utility for mobile is especially useful for outdoor shooting.
This software enables you to assign practical functions5 to the lens for both video and still photography using a PC, smartphone or tablet, eliminating the need for traditional video equipment. Designed to be intuitive and easy to use, TAMRON Lens Utility increases lens functionality and elevates your creative experience. The PC version also allows you to update your lens firmware.6
◆Additional Key Features of the 16-30mm F2.8 G2
- Astro Focus Lock (Astro FC-L) Supports Precise Astrophotography
The focal point will automatically be fixed at infinity to maintain the focus point for astrophotography.
*The focus ring is disabled until Astro FC-L is released to prevent focus deviation due to incorrect operation.
- Select AF/MF
By assigning this function to the Focus Set Button, switching between AF/MF is attained. This makes operation easier when shooting scenes that require frequent use of AF/MF switching.
3 Android is a trademark of Google LLC.
4 To connect your PC and lens, use the TAMRON Connection Cable (USB Type-A to Type-C/ Model CC-150, or USB Type-C to Type-C/ Model CC-350) sold separately.
To connect your smartphone and lens, use the TAMRON Connection Cable (USB Type-C to Type-C/ Model CC-350) sold separately. Check your smartphone's instruction book to determine which cable is required to connect to the USC Type-C input on TAMRON lenses.
5 The ring function (Focus/Aperture) is not supported for Nikon Z mount.
6 Lens firmware updates are not supported by the mobile version. Performing firmware updates requires the TAMRON Lens Utility for PC.
TAMRON Lens Utility >
- Enhanced Exterior Surface
Our engineers carefully considered the structure and all key parts right down to the finest details, resulting in an enhanced design that updates both operation and ergonomic considerations. The surface of the lens exterior is shiny and glossy black. Improved abrasion resistance makes the lens harder to scratch and resists fingerprints. The material on the zoom and focus rings are also updated to offer better grip performance with deeper grooves. The smoothly curved, glossy surface of the brand ring creates a dignified appearance with a design that signifies functional beauty and high quality.
Design details >
Design concept >
- Zoom Ring, Focus Ring: Improved Grip Texture and Smoother Overall Operation
The smooth ring operation featured on the 90mm F2.8 MACRO (Model F072), is inherited and offers the enhanced ring torque with comfortable resistance from the zoom and focus ring. Compared to the 1st-generation, operation is further refined. By carefully choosing the right material in the internal mechanism, adjustments are now smoother and more precise, allowing for effortless, accurate control over focus and zoom.
Nearly all TAMRON mirrorless lenses have a 67mm filter size. This allows you to use the same filter among a wide range of lenses. PL and ND filters are typically expensive, so sharing saves money. Additionally, this eliminates the need to search for caps with different diameters when switching lenses. All lenses in this series are compact, lightweight and extremely portable, making it easier when carrying multiple lenses at the same time.
Mirrorless Lenses with 67mm filter diameter >
With the release of the 16-30mm F2.8 G2 ultra wide-angle zoom, the fast G2 trinity, “Daisangen” is now complete,7 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. All three lenses share a 67mm filter diameter, ensuring portability and convenience. Even when carried together, their total weight is just 1.8kg (63.5oz),¹ minimizing fatigue during extended shoots. Plus, with a constant fast F2.8 aperture across the entire zoom range, they deliver consistent high image quality in any situation and allow pinpoint subject isolation.
Experience the perfect blend of performance and functionality, making professional-level photography more accessible than ever.
7 For Nikon Z mount, available only with 16-30mm F2.8 G2 and 28-75mm F2.8 G2 as of June, 2025.
What is Daisangen?
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.
For Sony E-mount Includes:
- Fast Hybrid AF
An autofocus system that combines the traditional Contrast Detection AF with Phase Detection AF.
- Eye AF
A feature that allows the camera to automatically focus on the eyes of a subject.
- Direct Manual Focus (DMF)
A feature on Sony cameras that allows you to adjust focus after the camera's autofocus system has locked onto a subject.
- In-camera Lens Correction (Shading, Chromatic Aberration, Distortion)
- AF Assist
A feature that combines autofocus and manual focus to help you focus on your subject. It's especially useful for videographers.
For Nikon Z mount includes:
- Hybrid AF
- Eye AF
- M/A Mode
Autofocus with a manual override. You can manually change focus without having to change to manual.
- In-camera Lens Correction (Shading, Chromatic Aberration, Distortion)
* Features vary by camera. Please consult your camera’s instruction manual for details.
* Please update the firmware to the latest version. Please consult your camera’s instruction manual for details.
* As of June, 2025
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BBAR G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) Coating Innovative coating technology that prevents ghosting and flare
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Circular Aperture A several-blade diaphragm is configured to retain a smooth, circular-shaped aperture opening even when stopped down by two stops from the wide-open aperture
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Internal zoom mechanism An internal zoom provides stability by minimizing changes to the center of gravity while shooting
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Moisture-Resistant Construction Leak-resistant seals throughout the lens barrel help protect your equipment when shooting outdoors
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Engineering Plastics Technology Polycarbonate is the material used whenever TAMRON produces high-precision components that require the strength to withstand rigorous use
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GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) lens elements GM lens elements have a significant impact on minimizing distortion and enhancing the sharpness of the image at its periphery
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XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) lens elements XLD lens elements made from specialized ultra-high-grade glass allow much greater control over chromatic aberration and magnification aberrations
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LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements The characteristic of less of a tendency to separate a ray of light into a rainbow of colors effectively compensates for chromatic and lateral chromatic aberration
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Fluorine Coating A highly durable protective fluorine compound that is water- and oil-repellant
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VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) A linear motor focus mechanism for the highest levels of autofocus speed and precision
Accessories
Catalog Download
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General Lens Catalog
Published December 2024
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16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2
Published July 2025