Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD: the stabilized f/2.8 standard zoom for Sony APS-C

Bright standard zooms for Sony's APS-C cameras are few, and fewer still add stabilization. Tamron's 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD, Model B070, was made to fill that gap. It covers the equivalent of 25.5–105mm on Sony E at a constant f/2.8, with Tamron's VC stabilization built in, so it suits bodies without IBIS as well as those with it.

That range does a lot of work. At 17mm it's wide enough for rooms and landscapes, and at 70mm it's a short portrait tele, with f/2.8 all the way for low light and background blur. It focuses down to 0.19 m at the wide end, which helps with food, details and tabletop shots. Autofocus uses Tamron's RXD stepping motor, which is quiet enough for video, and the lens is built to suppress focus breathing. There's moisture-resistant sealing, a fluorine-coated front element and Tamron's standard 67 mm filter thread.

The cost is size. At 525 g and 119.3 mm long, it's much bigger than a kit zoom, so it can feel front-heavy on a small body. Tamron lists AF/MF and VC switches only for the Canon RF version, so the Sony E barrel has none. If you want one lens that stays on an APS-C Sony such as the a6700 for travel, events and everyday work, it's an easy recommendation.

Tamron announced the 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD on December 2, 2020 (US) as its first fast zoom for APS-C mirrorless cameras, calling it the world's first 17-70mm F2.8 4.1x standard zoom with VC for APS-C mirrorless cameras, with a January 14, 2021 release (Tamron). DPReview reported a $799 US price (DPReview).

It started as a Sony E-mount lens. Tamron has since listed versions for Fujifilm X, Nikon Z and Canon RF on the product page, where the Canon RF version gains AF/MF and VC switches. This guide covers the Sony E version.

Six photos taken with the Sony E version (B070) on Sony a6600 bodies by independent photographers, shared under Creative Commons licenses. Select a photo to enlarge it. More samples from Tamron