Tamron 17–70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD - A Versatile Companion

Tamron launches the world’s first zoom lens with a wide aperture for APS-C systems, the 17–70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD. Nilofer Khan puts it on BP’s test bench.

Over the past few years, Tamron has shown its continuous commitment to the growing mirrorless camera market, including Sony’s full-frame systems. In a short span of time, the company has launched a range of lenses for E-mount users, the focal length of which varies between 20mm to 300mm. Last month, they proved their dedication for E-mount cameras with the introduction of their first APS-C lens, the 17–70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD. This is also said to be the world’s first zoom lens with an f/2.8 aperture and 4.1x zoom ratio for crop frame bodies.

Features

Designed using 16 elements in 12 groups, including two LD (Low Dispersion), two GM (Glass Moulded Aspherical), and one Hybrid Aspherical element, the 17–70mm has a circular nine-bladed diaphragm. It has a minimum object distance of 0.19m at the wider end, and 0.39m at the tele end. As for the maximum magnification ratio, it is 1:4.8 on the wider end and 1:5.2 on the tele end.

The lens incorporates an RXD (Rapid eXtra-Silent Stepping Drive) motor unit to enable quick AF. The front surface of the lens element is coated with a protective fluorine compound that is water- and oilrepellent. It also has a BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) Coating. The 17–70mm has VC (Vibration Control) image stabilisation along with Dual MPU (Micro-Processing unit). The lens also enables Direct Manual Focus (DMU), which enables users to change the focus manually while using autofocus. You have to choose the DMF setting in your camera, and half-press the shutter button to change the focus manually. It also comes with a lens hood.

SPECIFICATIONS

Model name Tamron 17–70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD