Best Mid-Range Zoom: Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 vs Fujifilm XF16-55mm f/2.8 vs XF16-80mm f/4.

I had the opportunity to test the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD zoom lens for Fujifilm X Mount. At $799 USD (as of Sept 2022) this lens is a bargain compared to Fujifilm's own native X Mount zoom lenses. However, because this lens was initially designed for Sony APS-C E-mount, how well does it work on a Fujifilm body? Watch this video as I compare the Tamron zoom lens with two of Fujifilm's very popular mid-range zooms, the professional XF16-55mm f/2.8 R WR and my personal XF16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR. Also check out my article at Fujilove Magazine for a more detailed review:
fujilove.com/how-good-is-the-...
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#Tamron1770 #fujifilmxseries #10yearsofxmount

[@Princeton_James]

Love the music, intro pics and review. Thank you.

[@dirkstadil8621]

Great video! Answers all my questions for this lens!

[@wynstunsuk]

Thanks Taco. Love this video and I hope to see more Tamron zooms like a 35-150 equivalent for apsc.

[@bigheadtaco]

That would be a great lens to test!!

[@pouchboy1]

Great review, hit all the right points. I do think I’ll get the Fuji 16-80. Good article on Fujilove, too.

[@bigheadtaco]

thanks for watching. Ya I love the versatility of my 16-80mm, even though it's not the sharpest of the bunch. But at f/8 they're all the same sharpness :-)

[@RyanH0809]

The primary attraction to the Tamron lens, for me, is the close focusing ability. I'm so jealous of Nikon and Panasonic systems right now... They both have a super zoom that will do semi-macro work, 24-120mm and a 24-105mm respectively. Both of those lenses are native to the system and are very consistent optically. With the recent introduction of this lens, Tamron 17-70mm and the Sigma 18-50, we get something worth considering - f/2.8, good image quality at the wide end, close-focusing ability wide & telephoto... but both lenses have relatively poor close-up image quality at the telephoto end, which is where I like to be for small subjects. Not saying that this lens or the Sigma aren't worth their price, all things considered, but makes me wish Fujifilm would come out with a 16-70 f2.8 or f4, with near .5x magnification at least at the telephoto end, if not at both ends of the zoom range, like Nikon and Panasonic have done recently.

[@CP-nu1dn]

It would be nice of you to update your comparison by including the sigma 18-50

[@fredschmidt8609]

This was great overview of these lenses. Your viewpoint is more valuable than all I've seen so far in other reviews because you actually have experience in using all the Fujifilm lenses mentioned and you have learned how to get the most out each of them.

[@bigheadtaco]

Thanks Fred. I try my best to review as many lenses as possible so I can give a balanced report. I asked Fujifilm to send me the XF16-55mm f/2.8 just for this review :-)

[@leearden5289]

Can the vc in the tamron 17 70 work together well with the fuji xh1 IBIS? I've seen sony body with ibis don't work well with the e mount version of this lens 😢

[@mehmetb389]

First of all, thank you for your review. Can you share the photos you took from the review in a link? for comparison in lightroom

[@JeffGillis-lv1rz]

Great video, is there an asymmetrical lens for the xs20?

[@luismeyer400]

Great video! I have an x-t5, and i want to buy the 16-55 f2.8.. But some people are saying im internet that they are having bad experiences with this zoom and the new sensor, because this lense cannot resolve well the 40 mpx? What is your experience? Do you see any difference in sharpness and overall image quality between yourX-T4 (26 mpx) and your X-T5 (40 mpx)? Thanks!

[@KW124]

Does the Tamron 17-70mm support the old camera X-T1? Thanks!

[@AlrosAvellana]

how is the OIS with this lens for vlogging with the XT4?

[@nAcolz]

Based on tamrons and Fuji's specs, the 16-80 is actually 90g lighter?

[@marcosv8426]

LOL. Your stated reasons you'd go 16-55/2.8 over 17-70 is why I would stick with the 16-55/2.8. Love that aperture ring and am very glad that going back to the PASM dial with the X-H2 doesn't mean I have to give up on controlling the aperture with a lens ring. Still waiting for justification to buy a Tamron lens; it has been a very long time...

[@bigheadtaco]

I really think the Tamron 17-70mm is competing against the XF16-80mm f/4 lens, considering they're selling at the same price. The XF16-55mm f/2.8 R WR is a pro lens with pro build quality and the ergonomics that pro Fujifilm shooters are looking for. Saying that the Tamron is not optical slouch. Great IQ, especially for the price. Much better than the XF16-80mm, although distortion correction was better on the Fujifilm.

[@brownhansolo]

Great informative video! I have the 16-80 and it doesn’t really impress me with its sharpness but the versatility of the focal range is the best. Besides, if I wanted the sharpest image possible I would just use a prime lens.

[@bigheadtaco]

My thoughts exactly. I use it for almost all of my product photography, overhead video, and talking head video. Since I'm usually stopped down to f/5.6-8, it's plenty sharp for me and my needs...

[@anonymousl5150]

The 16-80 rates very high in sharpness tests. Just avoid mechanical shutter for shutter shock causing the OIS to shake, and can cause blurry images.

[@brownhansolo]

@@anonymousl5150 that’s really interesting because I only ever use mechanical shutter so I’ll definitely have to give this a try, thank you!

[@adambaileyshow361]

Very cool video. Do we know yet if the Tarmron 17-70 for Fuji allows for the 40 megapixels on the new XH2?

[@bigheadtaco]

thanks for watching. No, that's what I want to test, but looking at how sharp it was, my feeling is that it will render sufficiently at 40MP. Please wait for my full review though :-)

[@adambaileyshow361]

@@bigheadtaco sounds good. Looking forward!

[@mossa_avenue]

@@bigheadtaco Hey can you do a test of the lenses that are good for the new 40MP XH2 and XT5?

[@TungstenOvergaard]

I have the 16-80 and I love it. Best selling zoom lenses since launch; clear. Except for low light (although OIS definitively does the job), my All-around.

[@bigheadtaco]

Love mine too!!

[@michalmaly7794]

But I am kind of discouraged by the sharpness of the 16-80. I have one as well and it is not sharp, not very good. It might be a bad copy but how do you test that and deal with it…selling and trying to buy a new lens? :) I think the 16-80 was a miss and compromise with optical quality. And i think Fuji has a lot misses with the zooms - 16-55 has no OIS and very heavy, 16-80 has bad optics, 18-55 is bad optically and has no WR. The Tamron / Sigma dont have the aperture ring and no WR so basically there is still no a perfect standard zoom, sadly. I want no compromises

[@jmtphotographymedia]

I have the Tamron. It think its a perfect event photography "one lens to do it all". Good range, good aperture.

[@bigheadtaco]

that's awesome. Did it replace an existing Fujifilm lens, if so which one?

[@jmtphotographymedia]

@@bigheadtaco it didn't replace a lens but I typically use two cameras and two primes 23, 56 for events so if I didn't want to carry 2 cameras this would be the lens I choose. Also thinking about it as an alternative to my 18-135. Not the same type of lens but find that its collecting dust and I can make due with the 17-70 for the same usage case for my needs.

[@bigheadtaco]

@@jmtphotographymedia the Tamron is definitely sharp enough for pro work. Just getting use to the ergonomics in comparison to native XF lenses, and build quality not the same either. But optically its great!

[@Eyeofkamau]

@@bigheadtaco replaces the 18-55 for sure

[@DavidRey10]

Is it very big for travels? How it is compared to 16-80 f/4

[@9Mtikcus]

I own the 16-80 F/4 got it bundled when I purchased an XT-3, and at the time it added just £300 to the price of the body only. I like the lens, but I don't love it... I love the 35 F/1.4 The 16-80 is probably my most used walk around lens and I have taken some professional photos with it, but in my small studio, it is hard to not use the 35 F/1.4 for almost all my portrait work I'm more interested in the new 18-120 as for the video work I do, with camera on a gimble that is balance once regardless of zoom. The 16-80 at least my copy zoom creeps occasionally when on the gimble, being able to lock the zoom into position would be great (shame i can't), and for the same reason I am not looking at the 16-55 for the Tamron for my work. The 10-24mm is probably my most used video lens, and that has the internal zoom, so there is no issues there, just wish it was a stop or two brighter, having said that my fuji cameras 4K 24p is great quality even at iso 6400 so having to shoot at F/4 is not the end of the world tldr.. I'm still waiting for the perfect zoom lens

[@RM.TokyoPhotographer]

what bothers me a hell lot 16-80mm user is the barrel that sticks out that distance...it kinda wants me to scream sometimes since its longer than i expected and the 16-55mm and the 17-70mm both dont extend too far out....when zoomed in so im on a fence unfortunatly The Fujifilm 16-55mm F2.8 should really get an update ASAP if they can make it smaller + extend the range to 16-75mm it would be a NIche lense and then make a 75-150 or 180

[@NJM1948]

Nice comparison vid. I have the 16-80 and really like the versatility and excellent results. I think the new 18-120 should be included too. This looks an awesome lens and it is definitely compatible with the new 40mp sensors

[@bigheadtaco]

The XF18-120 is a great lens but very specialized. I am actually considering buying it for all my studio and product photography work. I hope to have a sample unit soon 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@NJM1948]

@@bigheadtaco That surprised me - I thought it would be a great general purpose lens much like the 16-80 and that is what I would have replaced it with. What makes it "very specialized"?

[@bigheadtaco]

@@NJM1948 it's more videocentric with the programable buttons and toggle, but no dedicated aperture ring. It's also a non-telescoping zoom lens, which again is great for video (great for balancing all your rigging with no center of gravity shifting) but not great for stills photographers who probably want it as compact as possible when not completely zoomed out. Saying that, it's not like you can't use it exclusively for stills because you totally can. Optically it's great and would not stop anyone from buying it for a stills lens.

[@bigheadtaco]

@Josh Schermer I tried the lens for some impromptu portrait work and it looks great, although for some f/4 might not be enough for separation of subject from the background, especially as you go wider. I liked it personally. Check out my article on Fujilove for samples.

[@NJM1948]

@@bigheadtaco Many thanks - I am a stills photographer and waiting to see what the XT5 looks like before choosing between that and the XH2....the 40mp sensor requires the recommended glass for optimum performance and that is why I was strongly considering this lens in exchange for the 16-80. Strangely, that lens in not on their recommended list, yet they are selling it as a kit combo with the XH2 !!!!!

[@anonymousl5150]

The 16-80 should be about 100 grams lighter than Tamron 17-70 according to google?

[@Kusanosuke1]

Nice comparison. Although zooms are not my normal thing, I do have specific usages for them from time to time, especially when traveling and may need more versatility than from my X100V/don't want to haul around a bunch of primes. You talked me into getting the 16-80mm a couple of years ago, shortly before I went to Kyoto to see the foliage. It didn't disappoint. No regrets about picking up this lens and it will be staying in my kit to be called upon when needed, for many more years to come. Thanks again for that recommendation and reaffirming it with this review.

[@Snapit551]

Great video 👌 how about the Fujifilm xf18-135mm ?? How would that compete

[@mixeddrinks8100]

doesn't even compare to 16-80 which is what i replaced it with, pairs well with the 70-300.

[@bigheadtaco]

XF18-135 is really a super-zoom cover a range of wide to telephoto. If you need that lens, then I don’t think these other options are good enough. I think comparing against Fujifilm’s own XF18-120mm f/4 would be a more appropriate comparison.

[@michaelwhiles5282]

I’ve always referred Tamron to Sigma glass but recently I’ve had to return a Tamron super zoom which was expensive, great spec but soft as hell and lacking contrast - very disappointed. Before now I’ve only had two lenses completely pack up - a Sigma and. Nikon kit lens 😵‍💫

[@bigheadtaco]

sorry you had a bad experience with Tamron? Maybe you just got a dud? Happens to even the best manufacturers. But glad you found a Sigma you liked :-)

[@TheGuin]

First like and comment. Love your content. 🙌🔥🔥🔥🙌

[@bigheadtaco]

thanks :-)

[@JulioMartinsL]

Did you noticed any problem when zooming the tamron one? Some weird Focus stuff? Even on manual, when i change the focal distance it simply blur everything and then when I stop focusing it comes back to normal. Just want to know if this is common among these, or it's a problem with my one

[@billygutierrez9301]

It’s normal

[@bikecommuter24]

Nice, Me personally If Im doing street photography sometimes I really don't want my best-most expensive lens on my camera , a lightweight, affordable mid range zoom might be the best choice.

[@bigheadtaco]

Good point!

[@bunmeng007]

I absolutely agree that fuji should prioritize updating the 16-55. Their competitor already has a mark ii of the 24-70 equiv

[@mixeddrinks8100]

am i the only one that wish it had OIS?

[@bigheadtaco]

Definitely needs an update, especially that motor. I didn’t mention in my video, but you can hear it focusing… not noisy, but the other two lenses are dead silent

[@mskedarnath]

In the 18-55 range, Tamaron 17-70mm F2.8 vs Fuji 18-55mm f2.8-f4 Which one is better?

[@bigheadtaco]

I didn’t have the XF18-55mm f/2.8-4 lens to compare against the Tamron, but I have used Fujifilm’s amazing ‘kit’ lens. Saying that, the Tamron is closer in performance to the XF16-55mm f/2.8 than the XF18-55mm f/2.8-4 except for internal flare and distortion. Sharpness wide open is it’s strength.

[@mskedarnath]

@@bigheadtaco Thank you

[@VincentTse]

meanwhile we can also wait for the sigma 18-50 f2.8 later this year, especially if u use smaller fujifilm body

[@bigheadtaco]

Yes at first I thought the range was limiting, but if the size and weight is greatly reduced, then it’s a contender for sure!! Let’s see what happens :-)

[@duhbiyung]

I bought this lens and it seems the distortion is quite bad, cannot get straight line when at all focal length. Weird :(

[@bigheadtaco]

make sure the firmware is updated on both the camera and lens and that the lens is compatible with the body you're using.

[@RockyColaFizz]

I have the 17-70. Great for photography. For video though, the focus and exposure stepping as you move through the range is terrible.

[@bigheadtaco]

Thanks for your input on video. I didn’t test video as I had no interest in it as a video lens. But good to know about the stepping.

[@Flinches]

When is fuji going to update their 16-55?

[@_o__o_]

why? no need

[@Flinches]

@@_o__o_ lol yes there is. Better AF and sharper across the frame

[@michalmaly7794]

And lighter and adding ois :)

[@professionalpotato4764]

Tried both, picked the 17-70. OIS, smaller package, sharper, overall makes it a good deal. The 16-55 is a bit too chonky and heavy (same weight as a Sony 24-70 GMii) for an APS-C lens. It does have worse distortion on the wide end but easily fixed in post. Funny how a 3rd party lens is sharper. Maybe it's time for a 16-55 mark ii? kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5-1pomti7CLhLM Would love to see maybe a 14-50 f2.8. I think having a 20-75mm equivalent would be pretty nice.

[@bigheadtaco]

thanks for your thoughts. From my test I felt the XF16-55mm had a sharper centre but Tamron had better sharpness across the entire field. However, when stopped down, I liked the overall rendering of the XF16-55 vs the Tamron. Saying that, for $799 USD no complaints here. I will test again using the new 40MP sensor on the X-H2 though. Let's see if the Tamron can render that much detail. My guess is that it can. I was impressed. I can understand why the XF16-80mm f/4 is not on the list of recommended lenses for the new X-H2.

[@professionalpotato4764]

@@bigheadtaco I agree with the rendering on the 16-55. The Tamron has a slight blooming around harsh highlights which may lead to some kind of softness depending on the scenario.

[@Vinterloft]

The 17-70 is only sharper than the 16-55 at the telephoto end. On the wide end, the Fuji is sharper, which is the correct design decision because that's where you take your landscapes, and that's literally the only genre of photography where you want sharp corners at larger apertures. It doesn't matter for product or model photography, because you'll stop down and use flash.

[@TylerAldrich]

I'm kind of surprised at the disconnect with Tameron and Sigma and the Fuji base. Both are great companies but how can they overlook the aperture ring? Don't they know that a little piece of every Fuji shooter dies when they have to use a command dial?

[@BalkanBiker]

No we don't. I couldn't care less about the aperture ring and also am annoyed at lenses that include it. I keep accidentaly moving it.

[@_o__o_]

1:35 but the video already started at 0:00 🤔

[@73smoo]

No. Too plasticy, too long, missing aperture ring and 1mm wide angle. It's out for me. Thought about swapping my 16-80 into the 16-55. But also bad, slow and crunky autofocus, no stab, less reach. And money on top. Probably have to wait for the new version of the 16-55. Or selling the zoom and buying some primes (have 12mm Samyang, 27mm, 35mm 1.4). Maybe the 16 2.8? The 80mm? The 16-80 is much too often in my camera...

[@ivanchan7337]

When the xf1655 new version?

[@sumitagg1]

The 16-80 was optically worse for me than even the 18-135 for travel.

[@rakoksy]

it is

[@v_stands_for_value124]

If it's a good performer is cool but I won't buy it because it look like a lens made for an old reflex, 16-55 looks so much better while being so old

[@Eikenhorst]

So why is the Tamron not a great lens for Street Photography? Because it has the shape of a beer can? I don't see that matter that much.

[@ericrjennings]

No aperture ring kinda kills it for me

[@bigheadtaco]

For sure, for many traditional Fujifilm X Series shooters, it’s a no go.

[@himanshusuthar7158]

"Optically" x100