Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony E APS-C Mirrorless Cameras
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AI Verdict
This 1.2-pound, 17-70mm f/2.8 constant aperture lens with VC is for Sony E APS-C users needing a versatile, stabilized zoom.
The constant f/2.8 aperture and 17-70mm focal range, combined with Vibration Compensation, make it a highly capable all-around lens for Sony APS-C users, especially those with bodies lacking in-body stabilization. Its 1.2-pound weight is a trade-off for its features.
If the 1.2-pound weight is too much, look for lenses with a smaller constant aperture or a shorter zoom range.
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Pros
- Constant f/2.8 aperture across the 17-70mm focal range allows consistent light gathering and shallow depth of field.
- Features Tamron's Vibration Compensation (VC) for effective image stabilization in stills and video.
- Delivers sharp images from 17mm to 70mm, even when shooting wide open at f/2.8.
- Equipped with an RXD stepper motor for fast and quiet autofocus performance.
- Offers close focusing capability with a Minimum Object Distance of 7.5 inches at 17mm.
- Built with moisture-resistant construction and a fluorine coating on the front element for durability.
Cons
- Weighs 1.2 pounds (525g), making it comparatively large and heavy for an APS-C lens.
- Lacks physical switches on the lens barrel for autofocus and VC modes, requiring camera menu adjustments.
- Exhibits strong barrel distortion at 17mm and pincushion distortion at telephoto focal lengths.
- Manual focus is electronic 'focus-by-wire' and can feel 'sticky' or 'jerky' during fine adjustments.
- Optical stabilization does not function during manual focusing, resulting in a shaky magnified view.
Dimension Scores
Sharpness is very good across the frame at f/2.8 from 17mm to 70mm, with excellent detail rendition.
The RXD motor provides fast and quiet autofocus, with good accuracy even wide open.
The upgraded VC system leverages AI for video shooting, and the quiet RXD autofocus is beneficial for video recording.
At 1.2 pounds (525g) and a length that can be longer than some full-frame lenses, it's considered large and heavy for an APS-C lens.
Best For
- Sony a6400 and a6100 users who require in-lens stabilization for handheld shooting.
- Hobby photographers seeking a single lens for diverse subjects like portraits, street, and landscapes.
- Videographers needing a constant f/2.8 aperture, effective VC, and quiet autofocus.
- Shooting in low-light conditions where a wide f/2.8 aperture is crucial.
Not Recommended For
- Users who prioritize an extremely compact and lightweight lens setup for their APS-C camera.
- Photographers who frequently rely on physical switches for quick changes between AF/MF or VC on/off.
- Videographers requiring highly precise and tactile manual focus control without stabilization interference.
Watch Out For
- No physical switches for AF/VC modes, requiring menu navigation for changes.
- Manual focus is electronic 'focus-by-wire' and can feel 'sticky' or 'jerky' when making small adjustments.
- Optical stabilization doesn't work during manual focusing, making magnified view shaky.
- Strong barrel distortion at 17mm and pincushion distortion at telephoto, requiring post-processing correction.
- Some users report dust accumulation behind the front element.
- At 1.2 pounds (525g), it can feel bulky on smaller APS-C bodies like the A6000.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B08PFNNKCC |
| Brand | Tamron |
| Batteries | 1 12V batteries required. |
| Lens Type | Standard |
| Item Weight | 1.2 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Tamron |
| Item model number | AFB070S700 |
| Product Dimensions | 4.7 x 2.94 x 2.94 inches |
| Compatible Mountings | Sony E |
| Camera Lens Description | 17-70mm |
| Focal Length Description | 17-70mm |
What Buyers Say
Many users highlight the lens's constant f/2.8 aperture and extended 17-70mm range as a game-changer for Sony APS-C cameras, especially for those without in-body stabilization. While praised for its sharpness and effective VC, some find its 1.2-pound weight and lack of physical switches less ideal. The electronic manual focus can be a bit clunky, and distortion is noticeable without corrections.
“Dude, this lens is a beast for my A6400, the f/2.8 and stabilization are clutch for my kids' indoor sports, but man, it's a chunker and I wish it had an AF/MF switch on the side.”
Common Praise
- Constant f/2.8 aperture allows shooting in low light without high ISO.
- Built-in VC stabilization makes handheld shots tack sharp.
- Image quality is crisp from 17mm all the way to 70mm, even wide open.
- Autofocus is fast and silent, perfect for both stills and video.
- The 17-70mm range is awesome for portraits, landscape, or street photography.
- Moisture-resistant construction provides peace of mind in less-than-ideal conditions.
Common Complaints
- It's large and heavy for an APS-C E-mount lens, weighing 1.2 pounds (525g).
- No physical switches for AF or VC modes on the lens barrel.
- Manual focus is electronic and can feel sticky or jerky when making small adjustments.
- Strong distortion at 17mm (barrel) and telephoto (pincushion) requires post-processing correction.
- Optical stabilization doesn't function during manual focusing, leading to a shaky magnified view.
- Some users report dust accumulating behind the front element over time.
Ownership Tips
- The lens can extend slightly when pointed straight down due to gravity after some use.
- The lack of physical switches means more time in camera menus to change settings.
- While sharp, correcting the distortion in post-processing is a regular task.
- The 67mm filter thread is becoming standard for Tamron, making filter sharing easier if you have other Tamron lenses.
- The fluorine coating really helps keep the front element clean from smudges and water drops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this lens have image stabilization?
Yes, it features Tamron's Vibration Compensation (VC), which is effective for both stills and video, and works in conjunction with Sony's in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
Is this lens weather-sealed?
Yes, it has moisture-resistant construction and a fluorine coating on the front element to repel water and fingerprints.
Is the autofocus fast and quiet for video?
Yes, it uses an RXD stepper motor for fast and quiet autofocus, which is suitable for video recording.
What is the filter thread size?
The filter thread size is 67mm.
Can I use this on a full-frame Sony camera?
While it's designed for APS-C, it can be used on full-frame cameras in APS-C crop mode, but you won't utilize the full sensor.
Buying Guide
When picking a lens, especially a zoom, you're balancing focal range, aperture, and size. A constant f/2.8 aperture means you get consistent light gathering across the entire zoom, which is huge for low light or getting blurry backgrounds. The focal range dictates how much you can zoom in or out without changing lenses. Image stabilization helps keep your photos sharp when shooting handheld, especially in dimmer conditions or at longer focal lengths.
17-70mm focal length (25.5-105mm full-frame equivalent)
This range covers wide-angle shots for landscapes or group photos (17mm) all the way to short telephoto for portraits or isolating subjects (70mm), making it a versatile 'walk-around' lens. It's like having a few different prime lenses in one.
f/2.8 constant maximum aperture
This means the lens lets in a lot of light across the entire zoom range. It's crucial for shooting in dim environments without cranking up your camera's ISO, and it helps create that creamy, out-of-focus background (bokeh) that makes your subject pop.
Vibration Compensation (VC)
VC is Tamron's built-in image stabilization. It physically counteracts camera shake, allowing you to shoot at slower shutter speeds handheld without blurring your photos or videos. Think of it as a steady hand, even when yours isn't.
Weight: 1.2 pounds (525g)
This is how much the lens weighs. A heavier lens can feel more substantial but might make your camera setup feel unbalanced or tiring to carry all day, especially on smaller APS-C bodies.
Alternatives
If you need a more compact and lighter lens, look for options with a smaller maximum aperture (like f/4) or a shorter zoom range. If you need even more reach, consider a telephoto zoom lens.
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