Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony E Mount: Pre-Order Price, Specs, and More

The Tamron USA has announced the world’s first 17-70mm zoom with a continuous light intensity of 1: 2.8 and with VC image stabilization for APS-C mirrorless cameras. The Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony E Mount is the first fast 4.1x standard zoom for mirrorless cameras with APS-C sensors. It offers a universal focal length range from 17 mm to 70 mm or 25.5 to 105 mm to KB and a consistently high light intensity of 1: 2.8 as well as a high image quality.

Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony E

The zoom has an image stabilization system developed by Tamron and known as Vibration Compensation (VC for short) to avoid blurring when taking photos. In the case of the 17-70mm, this uses artificial intelligence (AI) -based technology to ensure calm images when filming.

The lens is exceptionally compact and light. It is also protected against splash water and has a front glass with a water-repellent fluorine coating. Like the other models in the “Tamron E” series, the 17-70mm F2.8 also has a 67 mm filter thread, so that a polarization or gray filter fits all of these Tamron lens models. The lens is also compatible with Sony’s advanced camera features such as Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF, making it an ideal choice for many everyday shooting situations. The Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD was developed based on the specifications of the E-Mount made available by Sony Corporation under license from Sony Corporation.

Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony E

The 17-70 mm zoom of the new lens corresponds to a focal length range of 25.5 mm wide-angle when converted to 35mm format up to the 105 mm telephoto. It is the world’s first 4.1x zoom for mirrorless APS-C cameras with a constant light intensity of 1: 2.8 (*Compared to standard zoom interchangeable lenses with a light intensity of 1: 2.8 for mirrorless cameras with APS-C sensor, according to research by Tamron in November 2020).

The optical structure of the 17-70mm F2.8 comprises 16 elements in 12 groups, including two GM elements (Glass Molded Aspherical) and a hybrid asphere. The arrangement of these special optical components ensures a high resolution over the entire image area.

Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony E

The new standard zoom lens is equipped with Tamron’s proven image stabilization “Vibration Compensation” (VC for short). It uses its own processor to effectively compensate for camera movements and has been supplemented with a newly developed advanced algorithm. Depending on the camera function, the VC image stabilizer works either independently or in conjunction with the internal stabilization of the camera. When filming, the artificial intelligence (AI) -based algorithm ensures extremely effective video stabilization that is superior to conventional technologies.

The shortest setting distance of the lens is only 19 cm in the wide-angle position. With the new zoom lens, the subject can thus be photographed from a smaller distance than with conventional high-speed zoom lenses for APS-C cameras. With a 70 mm telephoto focal length, impressive close-ups are possible with a minimum distance of 39 cm.

The 17-70mm F2.8 weighs only 525 g and is exceptionally handy with a length of just 119.3 mm and a diameter of 74.6 mm for a zoom lens with integrated image stabilization. In conjunction with a Sony APS-C mirrorless camera, it forms a well-balanced unit that is extremely easy to use. Thanks to the RXD technology (Rapid eXtra-silent), the autofocus works without annoying focusing noises, which is ideal for video recordings.

Price and availability

The new Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony E mount is now available to pre-order on the Bhphotovideo.com for $799 and will be shipped from January 15, 2021.

Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Specifications

  • Focal Length: 17 to 70mm (35mm Equivalent Focal Length: 25.5 to 105mm)
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/16
  • Lens Mount: Sony E
  • Format Compatibility: APS-C
  • Angle of View: 79° 55′ to 23° 0′
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 19 cm
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.21x
  • Optical Design: 16 Elements in 123 Groups
  • Diaphragm Blades: 9, Rounded
  • Focus Type: Autofocus
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Front Filter Size: 67 mm
  • Dimensions: 74.6 x 119.3 mm
  • Weight: 1.2 lb / 525 g

Recently, Tamron has also announced the 70-300mm f4.5-6.3 Di III RXD Telezoom lens for mirrorless full-frame cameras with Sony E-Mount, priced at $549.

About Ankeet Solanki

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