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Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RX D: B&H Photo / Amazon / Adorama

Expand your photo experience with an advanced standard zoom lens
The world’s first117-70mm F2.8, large aperture standard zoom lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras

The 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A2 VC RXD (Model B070) is a large aperture everyday zoom lens for Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras. Fast, sharp, quiet, and small—this new APS-C zoom lens is extraordinarily versatile and perfect for everyday photography. The lens was created to achieve a broad zoom range and excellent image quality. With a focal length range of 17-70mm (a full-frame equivalent of 25.5-105mm), it’s the world’s first 17-70mm F2.8 standard zoom lens with a 4.1x zoom ratio for APS-C cameras. The 17-70mm F2.8 includes Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation). When shooting video, by utilizing AI technology, image stabilization performance improves compared to conventional models. Designed specifically for use with APS-C mirrorless cameras, the lens is light weight and compact, even with VC. Its small size and versatility make it a great choice for outdoor, travel and vacation photography, where compact camera bags are preferred, and of course for daily use. Additionally, photographers / users can take advantage of a close working distance. It features an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 0.19m (7.5 in) at the wide-angle end and 0.39m (15.4 in) at the telephoto end. The lens is equipped with Tamron’s RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) AF drive system, a high-speed, precision stepping motor unit. It also incorporates a wide variety of other features, including Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating for added durability. In your everyday life and on your trips to distant places, this lens captures all the excitement and discoveries with the finest possible detail.

1 Among interchangeable F2.8 standard zoom lenses for APS-C mirrorless cameras (As of November 2020: Tamron)
2 Di III-A is the new designation for Tamron’s line of lenses exclusively for APS-C mirrorless cameras.

Focal length of 17-70mm for shooting in a broad range of situations
This versatile zoom lens lets you enjoy shooting in a multitude of genres, from wide-angle scenes to telephoto moments. With a focal length range of 17mm to 70mm (a full-frame equivalent of 25.5-105mm), this is the world’s first large aperture F2.8 standard zoom lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras to achieve a 4.1x zoom ratio. It’s ideal for a variety of scenarios, from portraits and street snapshots, to landscapes and even close-ups.

Fast F2.8 aperture available throughout the entire zoom range
The 17-70mm F2.8 maintains its large F2.8 maximum aperture throughout the entire zoom range (unlike variable aperture lenses that darken as you zoom). Thanks to F2.8 and high optical performance, 17-70mm F2.8 allows you to capture your subjects with clear details from wide angle to telephoto. The three main advantages of a large F2.8 aperture are: A) ability to shoot successfully in lower light levels, B) beautiful and dreamy bokeh, and C) better control of depth-of-field which is particularly useful when intentionally limiting depth-of-field to improve portraits by blurring the area behind the main subject. Structurally, the optical formula includes 16 elements in 12 groups. It was created in pursuit of superior optical performance, utilizing an effective allocation of two GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) lens elements and one aspherical hybrid lens element. The optical design ensures high resolution and high contrast not just in the center of the frame but also in corners and at the edges.

VC for stable photography and video shooting
The 17-70mm F2.8 utilizes Tamron’s highly regarded, proprietary VC image stabilization system to maximize the inherent optical performance of the lens. It reduces the degradation of picture quality caused by minute camera shake that is likely to occur during handheld shooting at slow shutter speeds under low-light conditions indoors or at dusk. When shooting video, by leveraging AI technology, image stabilization performance improves compared to conventional models.

Focuses close – MOD of 0.19m (7.5 in) at the wide-angle end
This advanced lens focuses extremely close for a standard zoom lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras. The MOD (Minimum Object Distance) is just 0.19m (7.5 in) at the wide-angle end and 0.39m (15.4 in) at the telephoto end. When shooting very close to the subject, the lens enables expressive imagery with highly blurred backgrounds, a feature unique to large-aperture lenses. This allows you to create one-of-a-kind photo of a variety of subjects, from snapshots to portraits, landscapes and even architectural photography. Close-up shots of scenery taken at the 17mm end maximize the unique perspective only true wide-angle lenses can deliver.

Compact, lightweight design is perfect match for APS-C mirrorless cameras
This lens was created through the uncompromising pursuit of portability optimized for use with APS-C Sony E-mount cameras. Even with the inclusion of high-performance VC, the 17-70mm F2.8 is extremely light weight and compact, with an overall length of just 119.3mm (4.7 in), maximum diameter of 74.6mm, and weight of 525g (18.5 oz). It is a very versatile lens for travel, where small bags are preferred, and is a great portable lens for daily use.

High performance autofocus system means you’ll own every shooting opportunity
The AF drive on the 17-70mm F2.8 includes an RXD motor unit to help you stay focused on the action. RXD uses an actuator to precisely control the rotational angle of the motor, allowing it to directly drive the focusing lens without passing through a reduction gear. A sensor that precisely detects the position of the lens enables high-speed and accurate AF, which is ideal when shooting continually moving subjects or recording video. And with a focusing system that is both smooth and quiet, the 17-70mm F2.8 lets you shoot free from stress not worrying the drive sound in a quiet environment.

Built with Mirrorless in Mind
Tamron’s new 17-70mm F2.8 is compatible with many of the advanced features that are specific to mirrorless cameras. This includes:
– Fast Hybrid AF
– Eye AF
– Direct Manual Focus (DMF)
– In-camera lens correction (shading, chromatic aberration, distortion)
– Camera-based lens unit firmware updates

* Features vary by camera. Please consult your camera’s instruction manual for details.
*As of November, 2020

Photorumors received a letter from Tamron Germany confirming the new Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RX D will be announced on December 3rd, 2020 (8:30 pm CET live on their Tamron Europe YouTube channel). The Livestream will feature British photographer Luke Stackpoole who has been shooting with the lens.

“In this first week of December, we have two live streams on offer: On December 3rd. At 8:30 p.m. we can finally present our latest Tamron lens to the public. What exactly will it be? Switch on, let yourself be surprised, and find out in the interview what experiences our photographer Luke Stackpoole from England has already had with the lens.” – Photorumors

The lens should be 93,500 yen or $895.50.

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