Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD vs Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E)
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 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD if…
- ✓You value portability — at 420g (14.8 oz) it's lighter than the 525g (1.16 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓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 need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 28mm 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 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD is 17-28mm, Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) is 17-70mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD is 420g (14.8 oz) vs 525g (1.16 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD or the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) 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 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD?
Choose the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD if you value portability — at 420g (14.8 oz) it's lighter than the 525g (1.16 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. 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 need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 28mm 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 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD and the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E)?
Focal range: Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD is 17-28mm, Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) is 17-70mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 17-28mm | 17-70mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 13 | 16 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 104° – 75° | 80.6° – 23.3° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 26-105mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | RXD | RXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 19 cm | 19 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.19x | 0.21x |
| 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 | 73mm | 74.6mm |
| Length | 99mm | 119.3mm |
| Weight | 420g (14.8 oz) | 525g (1.16 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
