Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR vs Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR is 8mm, the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X) is 17-70mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR for wide-angle, the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X) for standard zoom.
Choose the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 8mm vs 17mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 8mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 215g (7.6 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 want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 8mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 17-70mm zoom covers what the fixed 8mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
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 8mm f/3.5 R WR's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR is 8mm, Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X) is 17-70mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X) is a zoom (flexible framing), the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Stabilisation: only the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X) has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X) reaches 0.41x magnification vs 0.07x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR is 215g (7.6 oz) vs 525g (1.16 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR or the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR is 8mm, the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X) is 17-70mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR for wide-angle, the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Fuji X) for standard zoom.
Who should choose the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR?
Choose the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R WR if you shoot wide — it starts at 8mm vs 17mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 8mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 215g (7.6 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 want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 8mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 17-70mm zoom covers what the fixed 8mm can't reframe. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
What is the main difference between the Fujifilm XF 8mm f/3.5 R 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 8mm f/3.5 R WR's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 8mm | 17-70mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 19 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 15 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Fujifilm X | Fujifilm X |
| Angle of View | 121° | 80° – 23° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 12-12mm | 26-107mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | − | RXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 18 cm | 19 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.07x | 0.41x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $799 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 62mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 68mm | 77.6mm |
| Length | 52.8mm | 119.3mm |
| Weight | 215g (7.6 oz) | 525g (1.16 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
