Tamron 17-70 F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD

Sony E

Review

If you're in the market for a versatile and high-performance lens for your Sony E mount camera, the Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD is a strong contender. Positioned as a fast standard zoom lens, it caters to a diverse range of photographic styles, from landscape and architecture to portraits and event photography.

Build Quality and Design

The Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 boasts a sturdy construction with a moisture-resistant design, making it a solid choice for outdoor shooting conditions. The lens features a compact and lightweight profile, which is particularly advantageous for travel photographers who need to keep their gear manageable. The rubberized focus ring provides a comfortable grip, allowing for smooth manual focusing adjustments, while the overall aesthetic is sleek and modern.

Optical Performance

Optically, the Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 is impressive, offering excellent sharpness across the zoom range. Even at wide open apertures, images retain clarity, with minimal distortion. The lens benefits from a special coating to reduce flare and ghosting, yielding images with vibrant colors and good contrast. The 7-blade circular diaphragm also contributes to pleasing bokeh, making it suitable for portraiture where background separation is desirable.

Vibration Compensation

One of the standout features of this lens is its Vibration Compensation (VC) system, which effectively stabilizes handheld shooting, especially in low light conditions. This feature is a significant advantage for videographers and photographers who can't always rely on faster shutter speeds. The responsiveness of the autofocus system is commendable, with the RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent Drive) motor delivering quick and virtually silent focusing, a boon for both stills and video.

Versatility

The 17-70mm focal length offers considerable versatility. The 17mm wide angle is fantastic for capturing expansive landscapes, while the 70mm telephoto end is adequate for portraits and candid shots. This flexibility, combined with the constant F2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range, makes it an ideal all-in-one lens for many situations.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent optical performance with sharp images
• Constant F2.8 aperture for low-light versatility
• Effective Vibration Compensation for stability
• Quick and silent autofocus
• Compact and lightweight design

Cons

• No weather sealing, despite a moisture-resistant design
• Some users may prefer a wider aperture for specialized low-light work

Verdict

In conclusion, the Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD is a robust, versatile lens that beautifully complements Sony E mount cameras. It excels in various shooting environments, retaining sharpness and contrast while providing stable handheld shooting thanks to its VC system. While there are minor drawbacks, such as the lack of a wider maximum aperture and full weather sealing, the strengths of this lens clearly outweigh these considerations. It's a solid investment for any enthusiast or professional looking to expand their lens collection with a dependable all-rounder.