Tamron Di III VXD AFA068S-700
The Di III VXD 17-50mm F4 is the first lens to cover ultra-wide to standard focal lengths at a constant aperture, weighing 460g with weather sealing and a VXD linear motor for silent AF. Its 0.19m minimum focus distance at the wide end and moisture-resistant construction make it a practical walk-around for both stills and gimbal-mounted video. Best for macro photographers needing close focus and professionals seeking a compact, full-frame zoom with consistent exposure across the 17-50mm range.
Over deze Lens
About Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD 17-50mm, the world’s first1 lens covers from ultra wide-angle through to the standard range The 17-50mm F/4 Di III VXD (Model A068) covers a versatile zoom range from ultra-wide through standard focal lengths—no need to switch lenses. From landscapes containing dynamic compositions of sprawling vistas to casual snaps and portraits in the standard range, you'll be amazed by the rich variation that's possible with a single compact lens. The angle of coverage near the 50mm end closely approximates normal human vision. What’s more, this zoom lens provides an F4 aperture throughout the zoom range even when you zoom in or out, making it ideal not just for still images but also video shooting. The 17-50mm F4 will dramatically expand your range of possible expression, paving the way to all-new creative photographic experiences.1 Among zoom lenses for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras (As of August, 2023: TAMRON)
Advanced optical performance with rich bokeh at F4The optical construction of the 17-50mm F4 consists of 15 elements in 13 groups. With the precise arrangement of special lens elements, including three LD (Low Dispersion), one GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) and two hybrid aspherical lens elements, chromatic and other aberrations are effectively suppressed. The resolving power across the entire frame with clarity and sharpness, and full use of the rich bokeh delivered by the F4 wide-open aperture get you close to that perfect shot.
Compact, lightweight body and internal zooming for comfortable shootingThe 17-50mm F4 weighs just 460g (16.2oz) and is a compact 114.4mm (4.5in) long, a size that's well-balanced even when attached to a Sony mirrorless camera body. The lens has a fixed barrel length and internal zoom mechanism that minimizes changes to the center of gravity while shooting. It’s easy to maintain framing while shooting still images and video, and it can be easily balanced when paired with a video rig or gimbal stabilizer.
High-speed, high-precision AF is extremely quiet and ideal for shooting video and still imagesThe lens’s AF drive uses the VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism. The AF drive features high-speed operations and achieves positional accuracy in miniscule 0.005mm increments. Equipped with high-speed and high-precision autofocus among the best in its class, the 17-50mm F4 ensures you won’t miss a shot when out and about or traveling.
Minimum Object Distance of 0.19m (7.5in) to capture tiny subjects in vivid detailThe 17-50mm F4 achieves an astounding MOD of 0.19m (7.5in) and maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.6 at the wide end, and 0.3m (11.8in) and maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.8 at the 50mm end. With a working distance of around 5.7cm (2.3in) at the 17mm end, you can practically get as close to the subject as you wish.
Features Zoom lens that covers ultra wide-angle to standard focal length at constant F4 apertureHigh optical performance and image quality throughout the entire zoom rangeCompact for easy handling with internal zoom for superlative balanceFast and accurate AF for still and video shootingOutstanding close-range shooting performance expands versatilityAdditional features for greater convenienceProprietary software tool TAMRON Lens Utility expands the possibilities of still imaging and video captureUser-friendly features (Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating)67mm filter size, same as most other TAMRON lenses for mirrorless cameras Warranty InformationThis product has a limited warranty of 72 months.https://www.tamron-usa.com/support/warranty.html800-827-8880CompatibilityDesigned for use with: Sony A7,Sony a7 II,Sony a7 III,Sony a7 IV andJoin VIP PROEarn 2X Points + Exclusive Perks!Request a CallbackChat one-on-one with an expertSell or Trade your GearGet started in 3 easy stepsKey FeaturesExperience exceptional image quality with this Tamron lens, perfect for Sony E-mount cameras.Capture stunning detail with the 17-50mm focal length, ideal for versatile photography needs.Enjoy smooth, quiet autofocus thanks to the VXD linear motor in this amazing Tamron lens.Create beautiful bokeh with the f/4 aperture, enhancing portraits and close-up photography.Compact and lightweight build quality makes this Tamron lens perfect for travel and everyday use.Get creative with wide-angle to standard zoom, a great lens for landscapes and street photography.What's in the box:Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD LensSP Front Lens Cap (67mm)Rear Lens CapLens HoodTamron 6 Year Limited Warranty
- Included In the Bundle -Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD Lens Comes with in-box accessories as well as accessories such as, Dust off Blower, Essential Cleaning Kit, 67mm Protection – Digital HD
- Please NoteA signature confirmation is required upon delivery of this item. The delivery Personnel may ask for verification with a Photo ID as well. Shipping to addresses where an adult is available to sign for the package is highly recommended to avoid any potentials delays.
- Ideal ForThe Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD Lens is ideal for both video and photography, with a unique focal length range that includes an ultra-wide 17mm position
- Constant f/4 Maximum ApertureAdaptability is backed up with a constant f/4 maximum aperture, which prioritizes portability and makes this a perfect walkaround lens
- Close-up PhotographyThe Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD Lens has a 7.5" minimum focusing distance at the wide end and 11.8" at the long end, making it ideal for working with close-up subjects
The 30-Second Version
The Tamron 17-50mm f/4 is a brilliant all-in-one zoom for Sony shooters, with near-instant autofocus and a range that covers everything from ultrawide landscapes to standard portraits. It's best at f/8, where sharpness really shines, and the internal zoom keeps it compact. Grab it if you find a deal under $500—but it's not the lens for low-light work or pixel-peeping corners.
Overview
Tamron's 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD is the first constant-aperture zoom to cover this specific range on full-frame, and it fills a gap many Sony shooters didn't know they had. From sweeping 17mm scenes to natural 50mm framing, it replaces two or three primes in a single, 460g package that's light enough to carry all day.
Weighing less than a pound and barely longer than your palm, the lens uses an internal zoom mechanism so nothing telescopes out, which is a huge plus for gimbal work and dusty trails. The VXD linear motor nails focus instantly and silently, and weather sealing adds peace of mind—though you'll want a protective filter for the front element to seal the extending barrel gap.
Performance
Optically, this lens sits near the top of our database—93rd percentile for optical quality, and autofocus is a best-in-class 98th percentile. Stop down to f/8 and you'll get crisp, contrasty results across the frame. But wide open, especially at 17mm, there's noticeable vignetting and corner softness. Distortion at the wide end is visible too, and without in-camera corrections (a known Sony omission), you'll need to fix it in post. The f/4 constant aperture is fine for daytime but struggles in dim light, and the lack of stabilization means you'll rely on body IBIS or a tripod for slower shutter speeds.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and compact for an all-day travel zoom. 92th
- Internal zoom design keeps the kit balanced on a gimbal. 83th
- Autofocus is fast, silent, and deadly accurate. 82th
- Sharp across the frame at f/8, especially in the 24–35mm sweet spot. 70th
Cons
- Soft corners wide open, especially at 17mm. 21th
- No optical stabilization for handheld video or low-light stills. 24th
- Lens correction profiles aren't baked into Sony bodies. 30th
- The bundled software doesn't play nice with Mac systems. 35th
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 17 |
| Focal Length Max | 50 |
| Elements | 15 |
| Groups | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 |
| ED Elements | 3 |
| Coating | Fluorine coating |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | 22 |
| Min Aperture | 4 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
Build
| Mount | Sony E |
| Format | full-frame |
| Weather Sealed | Yes |
| Weight | 0.5 kg / 1.0 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 67 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | VXD |
| Stabilization | No |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 191 |
| Max Magnification | 1:4.6 |
Value & Pricing
You'll see this lens listed anywhere from $461 to a baffling $140,071—yes, that's a six-figure outlier that's probably a placeholder or a bundle glitch. Realistically, the best deal sits around $460, and at that price it's an absolute steal for the image quality and AF performance you get. Even at $600–$700 it's competitive, but if you see it climbing north of $800, you're paying a premium for the novelty of that 17-50mm range.
vs Competition
No other full-frame Sony zoom covers 17mm to 50mm at constant f/4, which gives Tamron a unique edge. The Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS is faster and stabilized, but it's heavier, pricier, and stuck on Canon bodies. The Nikon Z 18-140mm is a superzoom with more reach but a slow variable aperture and softer optics. Sigma's 10-18mm f/2.8 is a stunning ultrawide, but it's APS-C only and can't touch the standard range. For Sony shooters, the closest alternative is the Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G—it gives up 3mm at the wide end but gains 20mm at the long end and adds lens corrections. If that extra width matters, the Tamron wins.
| Spec | Tamron Di III VXD AFA068S-700 | Sigma Sports 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS | Meike Neo Series MK-5514STM-Z | Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S | Panasonic LUMIX S S-R28200 | Canon RF-S RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 17-50mm | 70-200mm | 55mm | 14-24mm | 28-200mm | 18-150mm |
| Max Aperture | 22 | 2.8 | f/1.4 | f/2.8 | f/4 | 6.3 |
| Mount | Sony E | Sony E | Nikon Z | Nikon Z | L-Mount | Canon RF |
| Stabilization | false | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | true | true | false | true | true | false |
| Weight (g) | 454 | 176 | 280 | 649 | 413 | 621 |
| AF Type | VXD | HLA | STM | stepping motor | Autofocus | STM |
| Lens Type | zoom | telephoto | prime | wide-angle | macro | zoom |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Af | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | User Sentiment | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamron Di III VXD AFA068S-700 | 53.3 | 24.1 | 70.1 | 82.7 | 92.1 | 20.9 | 30.2 | 81.6 | 41.4 | 34.5 |
| Sigma Sports 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Compare | 53.3 | 87.2 | 93.2 | 46.2 | 99.7 | 79.1 | 62.7 | 79.6 | 89.9 | 99.9 |
| Meike Neo Series MK-5514STM-Z Compare | 85.5 | 94.9 | 72.8 | 94.6 | 49.7 | 94.8 | 79.9 | 34 | 89.9 | 79.7 |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S Compare | 85.5 | 81.2 | 55.5 | 97.6 | 82.5 | 79.1 | 0 | 69.2 | 89.9 | 79.7 |
| Panasonic LUMIX S S-R28200 Compare | 53.3 | 71.9 | 73.7 | 87.8 | 91.2 | 65.6 | 0 | 95.9 | 89.9 | 99.5 |
| Canon RF-S RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Compare | 85.5 | 54.6 | 38.6 | 84.9 | 87.2 | 55.2 | 0 | 97.1 | 89.9 | 94.5 |
Common Questions
Q: Is this lens good for video on a gimbal?
Yes, the internal zoom keeps the center of gravity stable, and the autofocus is silent enough for video. However, there's no built-in stabilization, so you'll rely on your camera body's IBIS for smooth footage.
Q: Can I use this on an APS-C Sony E-mount camera?
Absolutely. It's a full-frame lens, so on an APS-C body you'll get an effective 25.5–75mm field of view, which still works great for portraits and general shooting.
Q: Is the lens fully weather sealed?
Tamron says yes, but owners note that the internal zoom mechanism can draw in dust unless you screw a UV or protective filter onto the front. For true dust resistance, keep a filter on.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this lens if you frequently shoot in dim interiors or after sunset—the f/4 aperture and absent stabilization will frustrate you. Macro enthusiasts should look elsewhere since 1:4.6 reproduction is barely close-up. And if you need razor-sharp corners wide open for architecture, you'll be disappointed; save up for a premium prime instead.
Verdict
This lens is tailor-made for Sony full-frame shooters who want a single do-it-all optic for travel, street photography, and landscapes. It's light enough to forget it's in your bag, and the internal zoom makes it a quiet partner for video. Just plan to shoot at f/5.6 or f/8 for critical sharpness, and bring a tripod when the sun drops.
