Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z) vs Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z) is 17-70mm, the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) is 90mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z) for standard zoom, the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) for zoom.
Choose the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 90mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 17-70mm zoom covers what the fixed 90mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Choose the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 90mm prime over a zoom.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z) is 17-70mm, Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) is 90mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z) is a zoom (flexible framing), the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Stabilisation: only the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z) has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
Frequently asked
Is the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z) or the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z) is 17-70mm, the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) is 90mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z) for standard zoom, the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) for zoom.
Who should choose the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z) if you shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 90mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 17-70mm zoom covers what the fixed 90mm 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 Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) if you shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 90mm prime over a zoom.
What is the main difference between the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z) and the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z)?
Focal range: Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z) is 17-70mm, Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Macro (Nikon Z) is 90mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 17-70mm | 90mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 16 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | − | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 79.9° – 22.7° | 27° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 26-105mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | RXD | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 19 cm | 29 cm |
| Max Magnification | − | 1x |
| 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 | 67mm |
| Diameter | 74.6mm | 74mm |
| Length | 119.3mm | 117mm |
| Weight | 525g (1.16 lb) | 500g (1.10 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
