Tamron 70-180mm vs 28-200mm Comparative Lens Review - Lab Testing and Real World

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- Intro 0:00
- Lens Specs Comparison: 0:23
- Lenses In Hand: 4:23
- Lenses Mounted to A7 III: 7:33
- Lab Testing Compared: 8:26
- Lab Minimum Focus Distance Test: 15:54
- Real World Photos Compared: 18:45
- 28-200mm Real World Photos: 22:42
- 70-180mm Real World Photos: 28:27
- Conclusions: 32:15

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[momchilyordanov]

The real advantage of the 28-200 is the size. I bought it on a whim really, based on some positive reviews. But when started using it, realized how convenient it really is. I carry my whole "system" (one camera and this lens) in the little messenger bag I used to carry my m4/3 gear in. And it's surprisingly capable. I had several 'superzooms' before, over, three camera brands. This is the first I would qualify as really good.

[martin]

I've had both lenses and finally sold my 70-180mm lens because I wanted a sharp all-around lens. With all the great software today, I can increase a little bit of contrast and work on the bokeh as well.
And I like shooting with my 135mm f1.8 for moderate close-ups at events and indoor sports. That f1.8 makes such a huge difference when raising the shutter speed.

[Moonbear]

I want to say that I'm super new to photography but your videos have not only been immensely helpful but also very easy to follow. I appreciate how through you are and you address concerns that I have going in and also bring up points that I wouldn't think of because I'm just starting. Again thank you so much for these videos!

[rcharlesflickinger]

This comparison review drew my attention because I have a Tamron 28-200mm 1:3.8-5.6 lens on my Sony A65. I've noticed similar quality as the 28-200mm lens in this video. Thanks for producing this, very happy to have found it.

[HappyHubris]

Really happy with the 28-200mm on my A7RIII. Insanely versatile with center sharpness that allows for impressive cropping.

[robertgiguere]

I use both these lenses on my a7iii. The 28-200 is a great all around: range, weight.
The 70-180 is better for indoor sports where light maybe in short supply

[whoisJackVolpe]

Believe it or not, the mistery camera is a Sony a6300 with the SEL50F18 lens and the smallrig 2082 cage with the wooden grip (yep, it's the wooden one). And the dude put a pokemon adapter ring around the lens just to confuse us 🤣 Apart from that, Jay, you rock the casbah, I freaking adore you and your videos. Respect!

[aronisink]

Great review.. I've watched at least 100 reviews in last week and yours is defiantly one of the best..

[leeaxon]

Hi. Watched this Sunday night (watched 4 reviews tbh!). Ordered on Sunday night. Arrived Monday. Played with it Monday and today. Honestly - it's fantastic!! Really really really happy with it and your review.

[garybrown]

2.8 don't need a tri-pod or stabilization
I want the 70-180mm
But if i buy the 28-200mm
I can buy 3 primes samyang
$250-18/2.8:145g
$250-45/1.8 162g.
$329-75/1.8 230g

[anon]

The fact that you are comparing a superzoom with a 2.8 70-200 lens and the main differences are based on aperture is insane. When you consider the price and weight it becomes crazier. I have both lenses and for landscape photos I usually us the 17-28 and 28-200 combo. These are my most used lenses and very happy with them.

[wawanbalik]

Had been following J from A7 days and still do enjoy his reviews. Never over the top and always to the point, concise, useful info. Thanks J! BTW, ordered the 28-200 yesterday and my first ever such a super-zoom (apart from Sony 24-105, if that can be called an SZ).

[jamalymall]

You just made my decision a little tougher but I’m still leaning to the 70-180 😅

[lucasdeaver]

Very comprehensive review. I am looking at both lenses and now I know what to expect from each. Im still on the fence but probably going with the 28-200. It's not really about price. Im planning a photo trip and think the light weight and versatility would best suit me for that. Like you said the fall off is still good and it produces sharp pictures, I may need to crop the edges a bit. P.S. I live in Westchester, I may need to plan a trip to Neversink river park for some photos.

[Nitish]

Nice review, would love to see your comparison of Tamron 70-180 f2.8 vs Tamron 70-300.

[CosminCraiova]

I just got a Sony mirrorless system with a A7R III and Tamrons 28-75 and 70-180 2.8 less than a week ago and already shot a few photo shoots with them. I just love the IQ comming from the sensor and the lenses. Cheers !

[robertgiguere]

Nice comparison! I’ve used the 28-200 on an a7ii for 3:years with solid results. I just upgraded to an a7iii and notice a significant increase in its performance. I need a faster lense for basketball photography in high school gyms, so I definitely am planning to add the 70-180.

[mrv]

Subscribed!

Even for experienced photogs it's not easy to compare lenses side by side the way you do, so thanks for that.
I'm in the process of deciding on a 70-200mm f/2.8 right now, (I own the Sony 24-105mm f/4 and need more reach) and I've been able to narrow it to two options (as the Sony equivalent is not a option at this point in time for me). So I'm torn between adapted vs third party Sony E mount.

1. Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM (adapted to my Sony a7rii) $800-900 with the adapter.
2. Tamron 70-180mm reviewed here.

At the end of the day I'll be spending about the same amount of money (a little less going with Canon). However there are other concerns that arise from these 2 lenses such as portability (I do a lot of landscape photography), durability, image stabilization, image quality, adaptation issues, higher resolution sensor... and whatnot. I need help!!!

Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards.

[anulearntech]

i remember when I had bought the a7iii last year along with the 17-28, i was planning to get the 24-240. I didnt get it because it wasnt in stock that day. Totally dont regret it after 28-200 came...!!! :-)

[Lizerator]

Yours is the channel that I go to for anything Sony. Thanks for your work