Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Canon RF) vs Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF)
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 Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Canon RF) if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 11mm vs 17mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 335g (11.8 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 (Canon RF) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 20mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Canon RF) is 11-20mm, Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) is 17-70mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Canon RF) is 335g (11.8 oz) vs 525g (1.16 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Canon RF) or the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) 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 Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Canon RF)?
Choose the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Canon RF) if you shoot wide — it starts at 11mm vs 17mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 335g (11.8 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 (Canon RF)?
Choose the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) if you need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 20mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. 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 Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Canon RF) and the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF)?
Focal range: Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Canon RF) is 11-20mm, Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) is 17-70mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 11-20mm | 17-70mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 16 |
| Optical Groups | 10 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | − |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 104° – 71° | 79.9° – 22.7° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 18-32mm | 27-112mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | RXD | RXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 15 cm | 19 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.26x | − |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | 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 | 74mm | 74.6mm |
| Length | 86.2mm | 119.3mm |
| Weight | 335g (11.8 oz) | 525g (1.16 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
