Tamron Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony Review
The Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 offers a zoom range no other lens can match for Sony APS-C cameras. But is it sharp enough to justify the price?
The 30-Second Version
The Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 is the most versatile zoom for Sony APS-C, thanks to its unique range and constant bright aperture. Its stabilization is great, but autofocus and optical scores are just average. Worth it if you need an all-in-one lens.
Overview
The Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 is the only lens of its kind for Sony APS-C cameras. It gives you a constant f/2.8 aperture across a super useful 17-70mm zoom range, which is a killer combo for a do-it-all lens. It's basically designed to be the one lens you leave on your camera for most situations, from wide shots to portraits.
Performance
The versatility is the star here, landing in the 93rd percentile in our database. That 17-70mm range is genuinely useful, and the constant f/2.8 aperture is great for low light and background blur. The Vibration Compensation (VC) is solid, scoring in the 86th percentile for stabilization. But the autofocus is just okay, sitting in the 46th percentile, and the optical quality scores are middle-of-the-pack at the 35th percentile. Don't expect to shoot bugs with it either, as macro performance is in the bottom 18th percentile.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The 17-70mm f/2.8 combo is unique and incredibly versatile. 95th
- Image stabilization works very well for handheld shots. 92th
- Constant f/2.8 aperture is great for low light. 92th
- Build quality feels solid and reliable. 88th
Cons
- Autofocus speed and accuracy are just average.
- Optical sharpness isn't class-leading.
- It's not weather-sealed, so keep it dry.
- Macro capability is basically non-existent.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 17 |
| Focal Length Max | 70 |
| Elements | 16 |
| Groups | 12 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
Build
| Mount | Sony E Mount |
| Weight | 0.5 kg / 1.2 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 67 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | Yes |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 70 |
Value & Pricing
At $699, it's not cheap, but you're paying for that unique zoom range with a constant bright aperture. For a Sony APS-C shooter who wants one lens to cover almost everything, it's a compelling package. You could buy a couple of prime lenses for the price, but you'd lose the convenience.
vs Competition
The main competitor is the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8. The Sigma is smaller, lighter, often sharper, and cheaper. But you lose the extra 20mm of reach on the long end and the built-in stabilization. If you need that reach or shoot a lot of handheld video, the Tamron wins. If you prioritize portability and peak sharpness, go Sigma. The Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G is another option, but it's even more expensive and also lacks stabilization.
| Spec | Tamron Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony | Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF | Nikon Nikon S-Line Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Lens (Nikon Z) | Canon Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens | Sirui Sirui Sniper 56mm f/1.2 Autofocus Lens (Sony E, | Viltrox VILTROX 35mm F1.7 f/1.7 Air AF Lens for Fuji X |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 17-70mm | 55mm | 24-70mm | 24mm | 56mm | 35mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 | f/2.8 | f/1.8 | f/1.2 | f/1.7 |
| Mount | Sony E Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z | Canon RF | Sony E | Fujifilm X |
| Stabilization | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | true | false | false | false |
| Weight (g) | 544 | 281 | 676 | 269 | 422 | 400 |
| AF Type | Autofocus | STM | Autofocus | Autofocus | Autofocus | STM |
| Lens Type | Zoom | - | Zoom | Zoom | - | - |
| Product | Af | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamron Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony | 46.5 | 59.3 | 66.2 | 87.2 | 91.7 | 54.8 | 92.3 | 94.5 | 88.1 |
| Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF | 95.8 | 82.1 | 83.1 | 89 | 68.8 | 88.3 | 37.4 | 92.4 | 88.1 |
| Nikon Nikon S-Line Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II Lens (Nikon Z) | 46.5 | 71.6 | 74.7 | 71.8 | 97.1 | 54.8 | 85.2 | 95.1 | 88.1 |
| Canon Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM Lens | 46.5 | 82.1 | 88.7 | 80.7 | 83.4 | 75.9 | 37.4 | 86.4 | 99.9 |
| Sirui Sirui Sniper 56mm f/1.2 Autofocus Lens (Sony E, | 46.5 | 96.5 | 75.9 | 51.3 | 80.8 | 95.9 | 37.4 | 98.4 | 88.1 |
| Viltrox VILTROX 35mm F1.7 f/1.7 Air AF Lens for Fuji X | 95.8 | 73.6 | 65.1 | 93.2 | 75.2 | 80.7 | 37.4 | 92.4 | 88.1 |
Common Questions
Q: Is this lens weather-sealed or weather-resistant?
Tamron calls it 'moisture-resistant,' but it's not fully weather-sealed. It can handle a light splash, but you shouldn't use it in heavy rain without a cover.
Q: How does it compare to the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8?
The Sigma is smaller, lighter, and often sharper. The Tamron gives you more zoom reach (70mm vs 50mm) and has image stabilization, which the Sigma lacks.
Q: Is the autofocus fast and quiet for video?
The autofocus is decent but not class-leading. It's quiet enough for video, but don't expect the absolute fastest tracking for sports or fast action.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this if you need top-tier autofocus for sports or wildlife, or if you're a pixel-peeper who demands the absolute sharpest optics. Also, if you shoot in terrible weather often, the lack of full sealing is a real drawback. And obviously, if you shoot full-frame Sony, this isn't for you.
Verdict
Buy this if you're a Sony APS-C shooter (A6000 series, ZV-E10, FX30) who wants a single, versatile lens for travel, events, or everyday use and really values that extra reach and built-in stabilization. It's the practical choice.