Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS vs Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E)
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) opens to f/2.8 versus the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS's f/4.5 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 350mm vs 70mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.32x magnification vs 0.21x.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) opens to f/2.8 vs the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS is 70-350mm, Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) is 17-70mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) is 525g (1.16 lb) vs 625g (1.38 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS or the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) opens to f/2.8 versus the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS's f/4.5 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS?
Choose the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS if you need more reach — it goes to 350mm vs 70mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.32x magnification vs 0.21x. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Who should choose the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E)?
Choose the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
What is the main difference between the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS and the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E)?
Aperture: the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) opens to f/2.8 vs the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 70-350mm | 17-70mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 21 | 16 |
| Optical Groups | 16 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 23° – 5° | 80.6° – 23.3° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 105-525mm | 26-105mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | RXD |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 87 cm | 19 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.32x | 0.21x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $799 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 77mm | 74.6mm |
| Length | 142mm | 119.3mm |
| Weight | 625g (1.38 lb) | 525g (1.16 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
