Tamron 16-30mm F2.8 G2 Review for Sony a1 – Real-World Use and First Impressions
If you’re shooting on the Sony a1 and want an ultra-wide zoom that’s sharp, fast, and lightweight, the Tamron 16-30mm F2.8 G2 is worth a serious look. This is Tamron’s latest ultra wide-angle zoom lens for Sony E-Mount full-frame cameras, and it’s the follow-up to their popular 17-28mm F2.8. I’ve owned the original since it launched, so I was curious if this upgrade would be worth it. After using it, I can say Tamron didn’t just tweak the old design—they genuinely improved it in ways that matter.
Why the Tamron 16-30mm G2 is a Great Match for the Sony a1
The Sony a1 is a beast of a camera—50 megapixels, blazing fast burst rates, and top-tier video specs. A lens like the Tamron 16-30mm F2.8 G2 keeps up with it. The resolution is sharp edge to edge, even wide open at F2.8, so you’re actually getting the detail the a1 can deliver. The new VXD autofocus motor is fast and silent, which is exactly what you want if you’re shooting high-speed action or recording video. And it stays lightweight, which means you can keep your setup agile instead of turning it into a front-heavy brick.
The Big Change from the 17-28mm
On paper, going from 17mm to 16mm at the wide end doesn’t seem like much, but in ultra-wide photography it’s a noticeable difference. You get a wider field of view for interiors, landscapes, architecture—anything where you’re trying to capture more of the scene. At the long end, jumping from 28mm to 30mm might not sound like much either, but in real use it gives you just a little more framing flexibility. That extra reach is perfect when you don’t want to swap to your standard zoom.
Size, Weight, and Handling on the a1
This lens is compact and travel-friendly. It’s only 4 inches long and weighs 440g. The internal zoom design keeps the length the same whether you’re at 16mm or 30mm, which helps with balance on gimbals (I’m using the DJI RS 4) or when shooting handheld video. Like most Tamron mirrorless lenses, it uses a 67mm filter thread, so you can swap filters between your other Tamron lenses without buying new ones. Which is clutch, because I am always losing mine.
The build quality feels like a step up from the older version. The finish is a glossier black that hides fingerprints and resists scratches. The zoom and focus rings have a new grip texture that feels smoother but still secure in the hand. You also get a Focus Set Button, which can be customized using Tamron Lens Utility software for added control.
Image Quality on the Sony a1
Sharpness is where this lens really shows off on the a1’s high-resolution sensor. Even at F2.8, the corners hold detail, and stopping down makes the whole frame razor-sharp. Flare and ghosting are well controlled, and distortion is minimal for an ultra-wide. For astrophotography, stars look crisp with minimal color fringing. The constant F2.8 aperture also means you can shoot in lower light without pushing ISO too far.
Autofocus Performance with the a1
The new VXD linear motor is faster, more accurate, and quieter than the RXD system in the 17-28mm. On the Sony a1, it locks focus instantly and tracks moving subjects without hesitation. For video, the focus transitions are smooth and completely silent, which is huge if you’re recording in quiet environments.
Where This Lens Works Best
Since picking it up, I’ve used the Tamron 16-30mm F2.8 G2 for:
Travel photography with the Sony a1 where size and weight matter
Gimbal work for video thanks to the internal zoom and quiet autofocus
Landscape and architecture shots where the 16mm wide end really shines
Events where the 30mm long end gives you flexibility without swapping lenses
Night photography and astrophotography with that fast F2.8 aperture
Price and Final Thoughts
At $929, it’s not the cheapest wide-angle zoom for Sony E-Mount, but for what it delivers—sharpness, speed, and portability—it’s hard to beat. If you already own the 17-28mm and shoot a lot with the Sony a1, this upgrade makes sense for the better autofocus, improved handling, and wider range. If you’re buying your first ultra-wide for the a1, skip the old version and get this one.
The Tamron 16-30mm F2.8 G2 feels like a lens designed for shooters who want pro-level results without carrying extra weight. On the Sony a1, it delivers the kind of image quality and responsiveness that lets the camera perform at its best. For me, it’s an easy choice to pair it with the Tamron 28-75mm G2 and 70-180mm G2 to complete a fast-aperture travel kit that covers everything from ultra-wide to telephoto without compromise. Or if you are like me, you can skip those two and jump straight to the Tamron 35-150!
