Introduction

The Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 DI III-A VC RXD lens for Sony has generated significant buzz since its release. Promising versatility, speed, and image stabilization in a compact package, I’ve spent the last few weeks putting it through its paces to see if it lives up to the hype. This review details my experiences, covering image quality, autofocus performance, build quality, and overall usability.

Key Features

The Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 boasts a compelling feature set. Its constant F2.8 aperture throughout the entire zoom range provides excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field capabilities, crucial for both stills and video. The built-in Vibration Compensation (VC) system is effective at minimizing camera shake, delivering sharper images and smoother video footage. The RXD stepping motor ensures quick and near-silent autofocus, making it ideal for both stills and video work. Its compact size and lightweight design are welcome additions for those who value portability.

Performance & Image Quality

In my testing, the lens consistently delivered sharp images across the zoom range. Even at the wider apertures, sharpness was impressive. Chromatic aberration was minimal, and distortion was well-controlled. The VC system proved highly effective, noticeably reducing blur in low-light situations and during video recording. Autofocus was snappy and accurate, rarely hunting, even in challenging lighting conditions. I used this lens for various scenarios, from landscape photography to street portraits and even some video work. The results consistently impressed me, especially considering the lens’s compact size and relatively affordable price point.

I did notice a slight softness in the corners at the widest aperture (F2.8) when shooting at the telephoto end of the zoom range. This was easily mitigated by stopping down to F4 or F5.6, which yielded excellent corner-to-corner sharpness.

Video performance was equally commendable. The silent autofocus was a boon, making it ideal for capturing smooth, professional-looking video. The VC system effectively stabilized footage, keeping things smooth even when walking or shooting handheld.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Constant F2.8 aperture, effective VC image stabilization, fast and quiet autofocus, compact and lightweight design, sharp image quality, excellent value for money.
• Cons: Slight softness in corners at widest aperture (F2.8) at the telephoto end, requires some stopping down for optimal sharpness.

Final Verdict

The Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 DI III-A VC RXD is a fantastic all-around lens for Sony mirrorless cameras. Its combination of versatility, image quality, and performance makes it a strong contender in its class. While there’s a minor softness issue at the widest aperture at the telephoto end, it’s easily correctable, and the overall benefits far outweigh this minor drawback. I wholeheartedly recommend this lens to both beginners and experienced photographers looking for a versatile and high-performing standard zoom. Its compact size and lightweight design make it my go-to lens for daily shooting.