This article dives into Tamron’s newly filed patent for a fast 28–70mm f/2 zoom lens, aimed at full-frame mirrorless cameras.
The patent outlines a bold attempt to combine prime-level brightness with the flexibility of a standard zoom. Tamron also tries to tackle old challenges like size, weight, and those tricky optical compromises.
If Tamron actually brings this lens to market, it could shake up what people expect from premium fast zooms.
A New Take on the Fast Standard Zoom
Fast standard zoom lenses usually come with pro-level bulk and a hefty price tag. Tamron’s patent hints at a shift—offering a constant f/2 aperture in something lighter and more compact.
For photographers and videographers, that combo sounds like a long-overdue sweet spot between performance and practicality.
The 28–70mm focal range covers most daily needs, from environmental portraits to short telephoto shots. Keeping f/2 across the whole range means you might get that lovely low-light capability and subject separation you’d expect from a prime.
Patent Details and Optical Ambitions
Patent publication P2025163723, first spotted by Asobinet, shows Tamron really focusing on optical correction. The design tackles chromatic aberration, distortion, and focus breathing—big headaches for both high-res stills and video.
The patent also describes a lightweight focusing group paired with a speedy actuation system. Tamron wants fast, accurate autofocus and solid subject tracking, which makes sense with hybrid shooting becoming so common.
How It Compares to Existing f/2 Zooms
Right now, only a handful of high-end lenses rule the fast standard zoom category. Tamron’s design would have to go toe-to-toe with these heavyweights.
Competition from Sony and Canon
Sony’s FE 28–70mm f/2 GM is a technical marvel, packed with floating elements and four linear motors. But at 918g and a price of $3,349.99, it’s really for pros willing to deal with the weight and cost.
Canon’s RF 28–70mm f/2L USM pushes performance even further, but it’s not exactly portable. It weighs about 1,430g and costs around $3,399, so most folks see it as a specialist tool.
Tamron’s Potential Advantage
Tamron has made a name for itself by delivering strong optics in friendlier, more accessible packages. If this patent becomes a real lens, Tamron’s big edge would probably be a more manageable size and a lower price.
That could open up f/2 zooms to more than just high-end professionals. Advanced enthusiasts, indie filmmakers, and working shooters who care about mobility might finally have a real option.
A Broader Industry Context
The article also brings up Sigma’s new 28–45mm f/1.8 DG DN Art lens as another sign of innovation here. Sigma goes for an even faster aperture, but gives up some zoom range, which just shows how manufacturers are always juggling trade-offs.
What Remains Uncertain
Like with all patent filings, Tamron might never actually release this lens. Nobody really knows yet which mirrorless mounts they’d support.
It’s also unclear how much a final product would stick to this patented design. That kind of uncertainty keeps people guessing.
Still, the idea itself shows Tamron wants to shake things up. If they pull it off, a small and budget-friendly 28–70mm f/2 could seriously disrupt the fast standard zoom market.
Here is the source article for this story: Watch out, Sony and Canon: Tamron has designed a 28-70mm f/2 lens to rival your US$3,300+ optics