Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 -A VC RXD Review

The Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 is a sharp, versatile zoom lens for Sony APS-C cameras. Its constant f/2.8 aperture and effective stabilization make it a great choice for everyday photography and video, though it's a bit bulky. If you need one lens to do most things, it's a strong pick.

If you're shooting with a Sony APS-C camera like an a6000 or a6700 and you're looking for a do-it-all zoom lens, the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 is probably on your radar. It's designed to be the one lens you keep on your camera most of the time, covering a useful range from fairly wide (17mm) to a decent telephoto (70mm). The constant f/2.8 aperture is a big deal for a zoom lens in this price range, letting you shoot in lower light and get more creative control than you'd get with a typical kit lens. At around $779, it's a serious investment for an APS-C system, but it promises to replace a bag full of primes.

This lens delivers sharp images. In our testing, its optical performance ranks among the best on the market for APS-C zooms. The center sharpness is excellent even at f/2.8, and it holds up well across the frame. The built-in Vibration Compensation (VC) stabilization is a standout feature, especially for video shooters. It works seamlessly with Sony's in-body stabilization for a really steady shot, and Tamron says its AI-enhanced mode is better for video than older systems. The autofocus is reliable and quiet, pairing well with Sony's Eye AF, but it's not the fastest in the class. For stills, it's perfectly quick, but in fast-paced video scenarios, some competitors might focus a bit quicker.

At $779, this lens isn't cheap. You're paying for that constant f/2.8 aperture and the extra zoom range over cheaper options. It sits in a weird spot: it's more expensive than great APS-C primes like the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 or the Viltrox 56mm f/1.4, but it gives you zoom flexibility and stabilization they don't have. It's also more versatile than the popular Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8, which is smaller but lacks stabilization and doesn't reach 70mm. So, the value really depends on how much you need that extra reach and how important stabilization is for your shooting.

The main competitor is the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 DC DN. It's smaller, lighter, and often sharper in the center, but it lacks any stabilization and stops at 50mm. If you shoot a camera with great IBIS or mostly use fast shutter speeds, the Sigma is a fantastic, more portable option. The Tamron wins if you need the extra 20mm of reach or if you shoot a lot of video on a camera without strong IBIS. Compared to primes like the Viltrox 56mm f/1.4 or the Meike 55mm f/1.4, the Tamron obviously gives you zoom versatility, but you lose out on that larger aperture for better low-light performance and shallower depth of field. For a true 'one lens' solution, the Tamron's range is hard to beat.

Skip this lens if you're building a minimal, lightweight kit. It's bulky on smaller bodies like the a6000. Also, if you're a dedicated portrait or low-light shooter who always wants the maximum background blur, you'll be happier with a set of f/1.4 primes like the Sigma 16mm or Viltrox 56mm. And if you shoot in truly wet conditions, the lack of full weather sealing is a reason to look at other options.

Should you buy this? If you're an APS-C Sony shooter who wants a single, high-quality zoom lens to cover most situations from landscapes to portraits to casual video, yes. The combination of sharp optics, a useful zoom range, constant f/2.8, and good stabilization makes it a uniquely practical tool. But if you prioritize a compact kit, or if you mostly shoot stills in good light and don't need the 70mm reach, the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 is a lighter and often cheaper alternative that might suit you better. Also, if you're chasing the ultimate in background blur (bokeh), you'll still want to pair this with a dedicated f/1.4 prime.