Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR vs Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X)
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X) opens to f/2.8 versus the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR gives that up to stay lighter (440g (15.5 oz)). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR if…
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Choose the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.41x magnification vs 0.25x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X) opens to f/2.8 vs the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR is 16-80mm, Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X) is 17-70mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR is 440g (15.5 oz) vs 525g (1.16 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR or the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X) better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X) opens to f/2.8 versus the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR gives that up to stay lighter (440g (15.5 oz)). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR?
Choose the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
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 want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.41x magnification vs 0.25x.
What is the main difference between the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR and the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X)?
Aperture: the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X) opens to f/2.8 vs the Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 16-80mm | 17-70mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 19 |
| Optical Groups | 13 | 15 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Fujifilm X | Fujifilm X |
| Angle of View | 83° – 20° | 80° – 23° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 24-122mm | 26-107mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Linear | RXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 35 cm | 19 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.25x | 0.41x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $799 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 72mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 78.3mm | 77.6mm |
| Length | 88.9mm | 119.3mm |
| Weight | 440g (15.5 oz) | 525g (1.16 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
