Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR vs Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X)

The bottom line

These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to what you shoot, and let size, price and handling break the tie.

Choose the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR if…

  • You value portability — at 240g (8.5 oz) it's lighter than the 525g (1.16 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Choose the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X) if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You like close-focus work — 0.41x magnification vs 0.27x.

Where they differ

  • Focal range: Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR is 16-50mm, Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X) is 17-70mm — different framing and reach.
  • Weight: the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR is 240g (8.5 oz) vs 525g (1.16 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.

Frequently asked

Is the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR or the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X) better?

These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to what you shoot, and let size, price and handling break the tie.

Who should choose the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR?

Choose the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR if you value portability — at 240g (8.5 oz) it's lighter than the 525g (1.16 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Who should choose the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X)?

Choose the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X) if you need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.41x magnification vs 0.27x.

What is the main difference between the Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR and the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X)?

Focal range: Fujifilm XF 16-50mm f/2.8-4.8 R LM WR is 16-50mm, Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X) is 17-70mm — different framing and reach.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length16-50mm17-70mm
Lens TypeZoomZoom
Optical Elements1419
Optical Groups1115
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum Aperturef/22f/22
Aperture Blades99
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageAPS-CAPS-C
Lens MountFujifilm XFujifilm X
Angle of View83° – 32°80° – 23°
35mm Equivalent24-76mm26-107mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorLinearRXD
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchNoNo
Min Focus Distance15 cm19 cm
Max Magnification0.27x0.41x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingYesNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$799$799
Filter Size62mm67mm
Diameter63mm77.6mm
Length74.9mm119.3mm
Weight240g (8.5 oz)525g (1.16 lb)
Weather SealedYesYes
Tripod CollarNoNo