Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) vs Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical (Canon RF)
The bottom line
The Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) is a zoom (17-70mm) and the Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical (Canon RF) is a 40mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.2 vs f/2.8) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
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 40mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 40mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 17-70mm zoom covers what the fixed 40mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Choose the Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical (Canon RF) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 40mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 287g (10.1 oz) it's lighter than the 525g (1.16 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical (Canon RF) opens to f/1.2 vs the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) is 17-70mm, Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical (Canon RF) is 40mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) is a zoom (flexible framing), the Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical (Canon RF) a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›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 Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical (Canon RF) is 287g (10.1 oz) vs 525g (1.16 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) or the Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical (Canon RF) better?
The Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) is a zoom (17-70mm) and the Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical (Canon RF) is a 40mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.2 vs f/2.8) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
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 40mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 40mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 17-70mm zoom covers what the fixed 40mm can't reframe. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Who should choose the Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical (Canon RF)?
Choose the Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical (Canon RF) if you want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 40mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 287g (10.1 oz) it's lighter than the 525g (1.16 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) and the Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical (Canon RF)?
Aperture: the Voigtlander NOKTON 40mm f/1.2 Aspherical (Canon RF) opens to f/1.2 vs the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 17-70mm | 40mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 16 | 10 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | − | 12 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 79.9° – 22.7° | 57° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 27-112mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Focus Motor | RXD | − |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 19 cm | 40 cm |
| Max Magnification | − | 0.13x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $799 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 49mm |
| Diameter | 74.6mm | 63.3mm |
| Length | 119.3mm | 59mm |
| Weight | 525g (1.16 lb) | 287g (10.1 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
