Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
Announced December 3, 2020
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD is a versatile, constant-aperture zoom that serves as an effective all-in-one solution for APS-C photographers. Although its size and weight can feel unbalanced on smaller bodies, it remains a highly recommended, feature-rich choice for both photo and video.
Weighted from 19 reviewer scores
Pros
- Sharp image quality with minimal focus breathing
- Fast, quiet, and reliable autofocus performance
- Effective built-in vibration compensation
- Versatile focal range with a constant f/2.8 aperture
- Durable weather-resistant construction with fluorine coating
Cons
- Noticeable vignetting and distortion at wider focal lengths
- Larger and heavier physical footprint than some alternatives
- Complex or busy bokeh quality
- Lacks physical switches for focus or stabilization control
- Softness and performance drop-off at the longer end of the zoom
- Launch price $799 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 17-70mm f/2.8
- Mount & coverage Sony E, Nikon Z, Canon RF, Fujifilm X APS-C
- Stabilization Optical IS
- Close focus 19 cm (0.21x)
- Filter thread 67mm
- Autofocus motor Stepper motor
- Weight & size 525g (1 lb 2.5 oz) · 74.6 x 119.3 mm (2.94 x 4.70 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 19 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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[V]ery pleased with this lens as far as that goes.
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The Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD is a welcome addition to the Fuji X-mount standard zoom options.
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So if you're an APS-C shooter and you want one lens to do it all, this is absolutely the top choice in my estimation.
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I can fully recommend this because I love the range, I love the 2.8, it's gonna help you get fantastic results as long as what you're doing.
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It's at a great price, it has the most versatile range with a constant aperture of f/2.8, it's got lens stabilization, really it hits a lot of the marks that most people are looking for in a zoom lens.
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Now, as far as a travel lens is concerned. This lens pretty much nails everything I'd ever want in a single lens, for get up and go, one lens only photography. It's a fantastic lens for every day photo and video shooting.
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The Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 suits APS-C shooters who want one lens for travel, family, and everyday work.
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[...] I think considering the price point and range this lens offers, it's a really good balance between cost and performance and is a great do-it-all option for APS-C users for both photo and video.
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Really is a compact, easy lens to carry with you in your bag. So, that's what I love about it the most is just how absolutely lightweight this lens is.
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Is it a one and done lens? Yes, most certainly it is.
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Now I am very impressed with the quality of this lens, like it is by far the best all-around lens for its price and quality for the APS-C cameras in Sony at the moment.
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It works great and is extremely handy if you need a fast midrange zoom for APS-C.
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[F]or the price point and for its optical quality, it's very hard to beat this lens in the focal range lineup.
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The lens’s features are typically found on glass that costs twice as much, including the constant f/2.8 aperture and the Vibration Compensation. It also offers remarkably sharp image quality considering its cost.
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When you look at it, this lens, even with its disappointments, does really fill a gap in the market, and it does it at a reasonably affordable price.
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Now personally, I think this lens has a lot of good things going for it, and dare I say it's a better option for a lot of videographers shooting on APS-C this mirrorless, and I've owned it for about 2 years.
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Nevertheless, going back to the question, after two months with the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD, do I still think that this is worth the upgrade? With all the good and the not so good things about this lens, I'd say it is still a yes for me, like so far so amazing.
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Other than that it's really hard to recommend anything else at the moment with this particular price point and feature set. There's nothing else like it.
- Light And Matter 8.9/10
Considering its image quality, the Tamron 17-70 f/2.8 VC is a bargain at $799. It is lightweight, fast focusing, and covers a very useful zoom range.
