Tamron, a prominent lens manufacturer for various camera systems, including Sony E-mount, continues adapting to new advancements. After Sony’s recent release of the high-speed a9 III, which supports continuous shooting at 120 frames per second, third-party lens makers have been working on updates to match this capability. The Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 telephoto zoom lens is the latest to receive such an update.
Limitations of the 120 FPS Drive Mode
The new firmware introduces compatibility with the a9 III’s 120 FPS drive mode, though it comes with a key limitation. Like other non-Sony lenses updated for this feature, the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 G2 can only achieve 120 FPS in specific modes such as AF-S, DMF, and manual focus. Continuous autofocus (AF-C) is not supported at this speed, posing a challenge for action or sports photography. However, the lens remains suitable for other shooting scenarios.
Additionally, the update enhances autofocus performance during zooming in AF-C mode, benefiting both still photography and video recording.
Third-Party Lenses and Sony a9 III Compatibility
Since the a9 III’s release, Tamron has updated several lenses, though not all support the flagship camera’s maximum frame rate. Despite firmware improvements across its lineup, the 70-180mm f/2.8 G2 stands out as an exception regarding a9 III compatibility.
Notably, lenses without full 120 FPS support can still be used with the a9 III, albeit at reduced frame rates when operating in AF-S or manual focus.
Third-party lenses continue to face restrictions when paired with Sony’s fastest shooting modes. Sigma, another major lens manufacturer, made strides over the summer by enabling 120 FPS support for some lenses on the a9 III. Yet, like Tamron, Sigma’s lenses are restricted to AF-S and manual focus in this mode, with no support for AF-C.
For now, action and sports photographers using non-Sony lenses remain hopeful for future updates that might unlock full autofocus capabilities at high speeds. Meanwhile, Tamron and Sigma strive to narrow the gap between third-party and native Sony lenses.