Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Review: The Stabilized APS-C Zoom for Sony and Fujifilm

The Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD is the APS-C zoom that does most things well. Constant f/2.8, a range that covers wide angle to short telephoto, and optical stabilization, all for about $799. Tamron released it for Sony E-mount at the end of 2020 and for Fujifilm X-mount in 2022, and it’s become a favorite of A6700 and X-S20 owners and video creators on the Sony FX30.

On APS-C, 17-70mm gives the field of view of roughly 26-105mm on full frame. That’s a wider and longer range than most standard zooms, at a fast aperture.

The stabilization is the key feature. Many APS-C bodies, like the ZV-E10 II and X-M5, have no in-body stabilization. On those, this lens makes handheld video and low-light stills much easier.

Video review: Dustin Abbott

What it does well

Sharpness is good across the range, especially in the center, from f/2.8. It’s a reliable lens for travel, events, family and run-and-gun video.

Vibration Compensation is effective. Reviewers estimate around five stops of benefit, enough for steady handheld shots at slow shutter speeds.

The RXD stepping motor focuses quietly and smoothly, good for video and fine for everyday stills tracking.

Close focus is 19 centimeters at the wide end, for 1:4.8 magnification. Handy for details and products.

It’s moisture resistant with a fluorine-coated front element, and uses Tamron’s common 67mm filter size.

What to accept

Size. About 525 grams and 119 millimeters long. On a small body like the ZV-E10 II or X-M5, it’s front-heavy. It suits the A6700, X-S20, X-T5 and FX30 better.

There are no switches on the barrel and no aperture ring, even on the Fuji version, where an aperture ring is usual.

Autofocus is quick but not as fast as linear-motor lenses for fast action.

Who should buy it

APS-C shooters on Sony or Fuji who want one fast, stabilized zoom for nearly everything. Video creators and small production teams. Travelers who want a single lens with real range at f/2.8.

The Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 is much smaller and lighter but has no stabilization and a shorter range. Fuji’s XF 16-55mm f/2.8 II is sealed and sharper but costs more and lacks stabilization. If you want one stabilized do-it-all zoom on APS-C, this Tamron is the default answer.