Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) vs Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2
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 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 28mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Choose the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 if…
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.34x magnification vs 0.21x.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) is 17-70mm, Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is 28-75mm — 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.
- ›Durability: the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) or the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 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 17-70mm 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 shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 28mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Who should choose the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2?
Choose the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 if you like close-focus work — 0.34x magnification vs 0.21x. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
What is the main difference between the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) and the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2?
Focal range: Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Sony E) is 17-70mm, Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is 28-75mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 17-70mm | 28-75mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 16 | 17 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 14 |
| 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 | APS-C | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 80.6° – 23.3° | 75° – 32° |
| 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 | 18 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 0.34x |
| 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 | 75.8mm |
| Length | 119.3mm | 117.6mm |
| Weight | 525g (1.16 lb) | 540g (1.19 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
