Viltrox AF 9mm F2.8 XF 9mm
Tamron Di III VC 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 70mm
What Buyers Say
Viltrox AF 9mm F2.8 XF 9mm
The Viltrox lenses receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their exceptional value, sharp image quality, and solid build. Users praise the fast apertures and autofocus performance, though some note issues with chromatic aberration in high-contrast scenes and noisy autofocus on certain models. Overall, these lenses are seen as a budget-friendly alternative that punches above their price point.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Sharp image quality wide open
- Solid metal construction
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Pleasing bokeh
Cons
- Chromatic aberration in high contrast
- Noisy autofocus in video
- Slow autofocus in low light
- No weather sealing
- Front-heavy on small bodies
Tamron Di III VC 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 70mm
The Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 G2 is widely praised for its sharpness, lightweight design, and excellent value compared to pricier OEM alternatives like the Sony 70-200mm GM II. Users highlight fast autofocus, effective image stabilization, and solid build quality, making it a favorite for sports, wildlife, and everyday telephoto shooting. A few concerns include the lack of a 200mm reach, potential dust ingress on the extending front, and isolated reports of gray market units without full warranty. Overall, it delivers professional-grade results at a fraction of the cost.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness across zoom range
- Lightweight and portable design
- Excellent value for money
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Effective image stabilization
Cons
- Lacks 200mm reach of competitors
- Extending front element may collect dust
- Gray market units without full warranty
- Not parfocal
- Incompatible with teleconverters
Scores
Specifications
| Viltrox AF 9mm F2.8 XF 9mm | Tamron Di III VC 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 70mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | wide-angle | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 9 mm | 70 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 9 mm | 180 mm |
| Elements | 13 | 20 |
| Groups | 11 | 15 |
| Aspherical Elements | 2 | 3★ |
| ED Elements | 3 | 4★ |
| Coating | HD multilayer nano coating | BBAR-G2 |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Fujifilm X | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.17 kg★ | 0.85 kg |
| Filter Thread | 58 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | STM★ | VXD |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 5 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 130 mm★ | 300 mm |
| Max Magnification | 1:6.66 | 1:2.6 |
Pros & Cons
Viltrox AF 9mm F2.8 XF 9mm
- Strong macro (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong build (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong social proof (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong aperture (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Tamron Di III VC 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 70mm
- Strong optical (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong social proof (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Strong versatility (78th percentile)
- Below average aperture (21st percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 6 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.