It's NOT QUITE The Lens I Hoped For... Tamron 17-70 f2.8 Sony APS-C Review

The Tamron 17-70 f2.8 is the lens that every sony APS-C shooter has been waiting for... ALMOST.
Check Out The Tamron 17-70 f2.8 here → geni.us/tamron1770
In this review, I'll talk about everything this exciting new lens has to offer, and how it disappointed me by falling short in one place! It is the ONLY sony apsc mid-range zoom that has BOTH an f2.8 aperture AND image stabilization built-in and that makes it quite the exciting lens for aps-c shooters! This could potentially be that ONE LENS that you carry around all the time for pretty much anything. But It would have been too easy if it were perfect...
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Relevant Links:
▸ Sony 18-105 Review → • Sony 18-105 F4 Review ...
▸ My All-Around Sony Full Frame Lens Review → • YOU Should Buy This IN...
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Table of Contents:
0:00 - Intro
0:18 - Let Me Know What You Look For In A Lens
0:38 - Tamron 17-70 f2.8 Overview
1:43 - Tamron Vibration Compensation
2:08 - Price
2:14 - What's the Problem?
2:30 - Sony 16-55 f2.8 G Lens
3:05 - Sony 18-105 f4 G Lens
3:44 - Other Sony APS-C Mid Range Zooms
4:05 - Tamron 17-70 f2.8 image quality.
5:05 - Tamron Stabilization Tests
5:52 - Should You Buy The Tamron 17-70 f2.8?
7:28 - Which one would you choose?
7:45 - Special Secrets For Fun
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Cameras:
▸ Sony A7Siii - geni.us/sony_a7siii
▸ Sony A7iii - geni.us/qLI5Ly
▸ Sony a6600 - geni.us/XIPEXXT
Full Frame Lenses:
▸ Sigma 24-70 f2.8 (best all around) - geni.us/O8eum
▸ Sony 16-35 f2.8 GMii (best wide angle zoom) - geni.us/aUDS
▸ Tamron 28-75 f2.8 (affordable all around) - geni.us/tamron28_75
▸ Tamron 17-28 f2.8 (affordable wide angle zoom) - geni.us/UaJIF33
Aps-c Lenses
▸ Sigma 16mm f1.4 (best wide angle) - geni.us/Dunna16mm
▸ Sigma 30mm f1.4 (great mid range) - geni.us/dunna30mm
▸ Sony 18-105 f4 (best all around) - geni.us/Dunna18105
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▸ Aputure 120d ii (rim/hair light) - geni.us/QEuqps
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Please watch: "Which Lens Is The Best Choice For YOU? Tamron 70-180 vs Sony 70-200 f4 Review."
• Head-to-Head Lens Comp...
~-~~-~~~-~~-~

[@yoankolev91]

Still looking for that 8mm - 2000mm, F1.2 that costs about $50-$100

[@Amogh-Dongre]

Lol

[@dunnadidit]

Constantly refreshing the rumor pages waiting for it

[@yoankolev91]

The date it comes out would be 3021

[@leokeller]

Has to be a pancake lens with image stabilisation

[@yoankolev91]

@@leokeller Will not complain for a body like 70-200, definitely OSS is a must! AND weather sealing, 10 custom buttons would be a bonus. Not to say it should be the sharpest lens ever... built in NDs. I would pay $150 no problem 😅

[@phucmapvlog]

I sold my 18-105, and bought this lens as soon as it came out. For me, I noticed a huge difference with that f/2.8 vs the f/4. Definitely satisfied with the results, especially when compared to the other options that are availabe. This will be my main zoom lens until the upgrade to full frame.

[@davidtran6475]

This is definitely my favourite lens coming from the 18 to 105 as well Love your videos By the way

[@JamesBondage]

i been seeing you everywhere. i can’t wait for the vietnam 14 day quarantine to end so me and my gf can fly there for a few months.

[@dunnadidit]

That’s awesome! Glad you’re loving it!

[@phucmapvlog]

@@JamesBondage come thru!

[@phucmapvlog]

@@dunnadidit hard to beat those primes though 💪🏻

[@bellabellabellabella]

im going with the tamaron -- for my field documentary work, the stabilization + f/2.8 seems more valuable to overall footage quality than the slight degrading image quality of shots pushing 60, 70 mm. really appreciate your videos

[@carloenix]

You were the one who brought this lens to my attention in your reply to one of my comments. I have since decided to make it my first lens purchase and I'm currently saving up for it. Can't wait to get my hands on it! 🙂

[@dunnadidit]

Nice! I'm sure you'll love it!

[@iamLucid]

The way you condensed all of the information I needed to make an educated choice on the lens in 8 minutes was amazing. Keep doing just that bro

[@JustinYarborough]

I've been shooting with my 18-105 for the past year and was looking forward to this lens. It came in last week and I've done a couple photoshoots with it so far and I'm happy with it. Spot on about when it starts to go out to the end of the range. I'm digging it and can't wait to do some more outdoor stuff with it. Nice B roll!

[@dunnadidit]

Glad you’re liking it so far!!

[@Cwookie_]

I'd say your lens is back-focussing at 70mm. If you pause at 4:32 there is a clear difference in sharpness. But if you look at the 70mm shot, the hairs in front of your ears are as sharp as can be. The focus is simply slightly behind your eyes.

[@dunnadidit]

I actually thought that too for a bit. But I shot a ton of tests with all sorts of different focus attempts (manual, af, front, back didn’t matter) and kept finding the same results of it being quite a bit softer at 50-70mm. I also heard this from a handful of other people too so it wasn’t just my unit. Unfortunately, the example that I chose to show maybe wasn’t the best one to demonstrate the point... that’s my bad 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@treyxaviermusic]

Why are all the best camera youtubers Canadian? Something in the maple syrup...

[@ezamabona7940]

lmao, im south african but this is hilarious

[@khoafish]

It's the bagged milk. And free health care. Yeah. The free health care. That's it.

[@Moshe_Dayan44]

I can't believe Americans don't have milk available in bags, too. So much cheaper per ml than cartons, and you get to have a milk jug in whatever colour you want for your milk bags.

[@EddieBarksdale]

After focal length, I’m always looking at f-stop first, as I always find myself in low light and just prefer that shallow DOF look. After that, generally my biggest concern becomes can I get a used copy, which helps with price and also makes it less of a bummer if I have to sell it. Stabilization is becoming more important for me, and pretty much everything else after that point I just assume one can make up for in post.

[@dunnadidit]

Good to know!!

[@alexhering1462]

For an all rounder budget lens I've always been happy with the Sony FE 28-70 F 3.5. About half the price but just got to make compensations to get similar shots. BTW the B Roll was great.

[@JordanExplores97]

I bought this lenses not too long ago and it just does everything great. It’s the best all around lens for the price, quality and APS-C, my only complaint is the weight and how it fits on most a6000 cameras. The body to lens ratio is a bit much, but you get used to it. Either way, it’s worth every penny and you cannot go wrong with the f/2.8. It’s a huge difference compared to the f/4

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jmckmedia6377]

Great review, and the B roll at the end had the best punch line to close it all out haha!

[@dunnadidit]

Haha thanks!

[@Jennlist]

I really appreciate your honesty because when it comes to lens I’m a complete beginner!

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks for saying that! I’m glad to hear that it’s helpful!

[@Cloudie9ae]

Excellent video, really informative! Loved the B-roll at the end!

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks for watching!!

[@venkatramanprasadnarumanch2245]

For me price is a very important aspect. If this lens were available at around 450-550$, it would enable many hobbyists like me will be willing to buy.

[@7784000]

Did you get the sigma 18-50 instead now?

[@zerowanted1]

Same here and the reason I ened with a 16-70 f4 from sony that I got for 400 and still have some old lenses to sell

[@eddiejafarian9284]

It's only sold for $555 in Japan. US imposes higher tax on Made in China products and as a result this is more expensive in the US and some other countries. I managed to get the similar price in Hong Kong, I think the seller imported from Japan.

[@sleepycuber]

Always top notch reviews. Love the B Roll.

[@alexbarron7227]

Thanks for the review, I was waiting to see them hit stores in thought of replacing my Sigma 16 and the Tamron 28-75 for the 17-70 and telephoto lens. I might wait to see how Tamron responds to the issue.

[@JayLippman]

I recently got the Canon Ef-S 17-55 2.8, and its got everything I need. Super sharp, image stabilization, constant aperture, perfect zoom range for APSC, and the colors don't shift (at least not noticeably) at the long end. Its basically everything I want in a lens. Especially that stabilization. The pocket 6k doesn't have ibis, other wise id be getting that 18-35 Sigma. Oh and that B-Roll sequence was freaking incredible.

[@dunnadidit]

That’s a killer combo for the pocket 6k!

[@followthefocusofficial]

And also has a bucket load of focus breathing which the tamron 17-70 doesn't

[@AlienDrones]

Hey friend, I dug the B-roll at the end, I think you should have featured it in the beginning, it was excellent! 👍

[@dunnadidit]

Haha glad you liked it!

[@argersgulka5761]

To me the 17-70 is by far the best lens I've bought which can easily substitute all my primes and pack lightly on a trip. Primes are a different story ( love the sigma 56mm 1.4 ) but I am very pleased with this lens performance this far. It is very sharp, VC is a good addition to my a6500's in-body stabilization which lets me shoot still in a lower shutter speed.

[@damonluvisi]

Do you keep a wide angle handy? What other lens would you keep in your bag with this one?

[@schnubbel76]

@@damonluvisi The one i always carry around as an addition is the Sony 35mmm 1.8 OSS. It is super small, nice sharp pictures, nice bokeh, stabilisation and not too expensive. The focal length of 35mm (52,2 mm on fullframe) allows for almost anything except animals or super-wide landscape. A must have imo for all Sony APSC users. One could argue that the Sigma 30mm f1.4 would be a better choice, but i saw a comparison between those lenses with focus on low light situations and it turned out that the 35mm 1.8 performed better than the sigma 1.4 even if the sigma has the faster aperture, but the stabilisation of the sony compensated for that and allowed a shorter time of exposure with the same ISO and lighting conditions. You can find that comparison on the channel of "that1cameraguy" Long story short: if i feel the need for a bit more sharpness and more soft bokeh without having a heavy backpack - Sony 35mm 1.8 OSS it is.

[@nikolouizos6818]

@@schnubbel76 I don't understand how did you come up with this conclusion.. Yes okay, if you don't have IBIS on your camera and adjusting your stutter speed in a dark room.... and still very close! But in overall the Sigma 30mm 1.4 is a sharper lens and the 1.4 gives creamier bokeh.

[@schnubbel76]

@@nikolouizos6818 I explained how i came to my conclusion, i dont know what else to tell you.

[@Olympiakos_Editor8]

@@schnubbel76 i was really wondering if stabilization helps … when did it come in handy ? Stills? Low light?

[@tomsezerietis]

Thanks for the review 🙏 How about sharpness comparision at 70mm between tamron and sony 18-105? Is the sony sharper at this focal range despite being softer in general?

[@markfleming9253]

Dunna, is there any possibility that you were reviewing a pre-release version because I am seeing so many reviews that don't seem to have such extreme concerns at 70mm? I mean I understand the idea that it might be getting softer when zoomed in, but most reviews don't seem to think it is enough softer to much criticize the lens; most everybody is highly praising it?

[@kaylaandmarkalan]

We have the 18-105 and we LOVE that lens!

[@artistjoh]

I’d like to see a comparison with the Tamron 17-28 and 28-75 f2.8’s. They might be for full frame but they are small by ff standards and a good choice for Sony APS-C.

[@marvinesguerra6834]

Thank you! Which is better sigma trio or this one. Is the softness recognize immedietely without zooming?

[@ultrapogi]

Bought it today and love it. Sharp, versatile, and perfect for my A6300. Total weight is around 950g for this lens with the A6300, while an A7C with equivalent FF lens is around 1.5kg. Overall the Tamron and APSC body is the better choice if portability is important to you

[@dunnadidit]

Awesome!!

[@elinavance3476]

the equivalent for ff would be the 24-105 f4 from sony. the combo with a7c would weigh 1170g, and you get slightly wider. but I still like the tamron A6000 combo!

[@hawaiianhaole]

I love my 18-105. Sold a few others but kept that one because it always comes in clutch.

[@videoart1496]

So true.. 18-105 is a must

[@PowerHippoStreams]

Cool to hear you’re from Edmonton, me too! Haha. Thanks for all the info brother. Looking to upgrade my streaming gear.

[@TheWoolyninja4]

This is interesting because other reviews I have watched suggested it was great sharpness wise except in the corners on the wide end.

[@sharikmarius]

My question is, how does the Tamron compare to the Sony 18-105 f4 or the Sony 18 -135 f3.5-5.6 when set to the same aperture?

[@dessa.almeida]

I recently upgraded my old Nikon 7100 to an A6500 + Viltrox 23mm F1.4. I used to photograph, but my goal now is to dive into filmmaking. I was doubtful about Tamron 17-70 versus a duo Viltrox 13mm 1.4 + Meike 85mm 1.8, both with autofocus. After your review, I decided I'll stick with the duo. I don't mind having to swap lenses to get better cinematic results and sharper scenes, and I'm thinking I'll have a great range covered with 3 small lenses (13, 23, and 85). Active stabilization won't be a missed, as my camera already has it and I work mostly with a gimbal (or tripods when I'm self-recording). Thanks for helping me set up my mind with this detailed video. I just subscribed 😀

[@rjmq06]

2.8 is really great specially on low light for that $150 savings i would go with tamron so i dont have to carry multiple lens while traveling and your sample pic after 50mm isnt so bad just need maybe a small tweak and it will become great. Ill save up for this lens for sure

[@yenchunlin1204]

Nice review!!!

[@GaryJahman]

Nice video man. Audio is also crispy, new mic?

[@cuonghong3331]

I really like your voice so clearly to understand thanks for the compare that hepl us chosse the right one

[@dunnadidit]

So nice of you. Thanks!

[@dainjah]

there is no better and more versatile lens in this price range. It's just a must have if you need only one lens.

[@TVe200]

I own both the 16-70 f/4 and the 16-55 f/2.8. I bought the 16-70 6 years ago, it is also soft at the long end. The 16-55 is exelent even if it is not so versatile.

I'd like see a directly com-paison of the 18-105mm f4 and the tamron to see the pictures differences

[@yulandahuang3480]

thanks for your review!! so it's now 2023 and im debating between sony 20-70mm f4 and tamron 17-70mm f2.8 for my sony a7cii. I am a hobbyist shooting landscapes, people, photo walks, etc. curious about your thoughts!! thanks!

[@konradkuch6507]

Been waiting so much for this video!

[@dunnadidit]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@konradkuch6507]

Sure! And btw i use sony 18-105mm, but really looking forward to get this one. F4 is painfull sometimes..

[@dunnadidit]

Yeah it’s tough hey. I’d say 80% of the time f4 is fine. But 20% of the time I wished I had the f2.8

[@jacoborozco4585]

Sharpness and vignette at most apertures possible, is key for me. Constant aperture is badass

[@dunnadidit]

Good to know!

[@JoshConnectMedia]

Thanks for the review dude, but looking at what you showed.. is that really bad??? When you are aiming for cinematic shots telling a story? How zoomed in would you doing with story telling ? 65mm or 70?

[@toomanyhobbies400]

When I look for a lens (prime or zoom) I consider the focal length of the lens, and how far the focal length can be extended with Sony's Clear Image Zoom. A stabilized lens is also very attractive.

[@dunnadidit]

Nice!

[@neiltuiza7095]

The B- roll sequence kinda cool sir dunna. 🤎 Great Video sir. 🎉

[@dunnadidit]

Haha thanks!!

[@Timotheoreviews]

Thanks Dunna! This was very helpful

[@dunnadidit]

Glad it was helpful!

[@colinphotovideo]

Can you try this Tamron lens on a gimbal? Really interested to see how it performs for video and can't find a video showing this! Thanks 🙏

[@jonhill9918]

🔥video. I love my tamron 28-75. Pity the aps-c version lacks in comparison. My next lens will be 70-200. Can’t decide between tamron 70-180 2.8 or Sony 70-200 f4. (Don’t have that G master money) any suggestions?

[@Sackbot342]

Awesome review I’ve been waiting for yours on this lens! The sharpness at 70mm is a little worrying but to me it is between the tamron and the Sony 16-55 G that I’m deciding between. I have the A6300 currently, do you think if for example I don’t go all the way to 70 and pretend it’s a 17-56 or something, then would the tamron be the better choice because of VC?

[@josephrossi4062]

For my A6400, I'm planning to buy the Tamron 17-70. VC, more versatile focal range, fast constant aperture. It is softer at 70mm.....ok... So what?... 16-55 doesn't reach 70mm!?!?.... And I think that if you close at f3.5-4 sharpness should improve.

[@Settoautofocus]

OSS is a must for me. I always do everything I can to find OSS and then the low aperture

[@Wyoutside]

I saw all the reviews that made mention of the long end sharpness shortcomings and bought it anyways. I personally haven’t found any problems with my copy for my use or standards.

[@dunnadidit]

That's great to hear! Maybe you got a lucky one haha.

[@aelbiltagi]

True! Its perfect lens no complaints for sure

[@Wyoutside]

@@dunnadidit that brings up a good point. There is something to be said with consistency and perhaps I do have a good copy, while others don’t. Hate that it’s a roll of the dice on which box is pulled from the shelf for shipping.

[@dunnadidit]

Yeah, manufacturing inconsistency in lenses isn’t unheard of for sure. But like you said, that’s a tough one as a consumer.

[@tobeecreative7007]

I think they deliberately sacrificed some sharpness in order to keep the lens at its price.

[@german2s]

I would take this lens anytime if I own any discontinued a6*** lineup or even the a6400. It is the best option for a f/2.8 on a budget. Also, if you are just moving from the kit lens you get this all-around, fits-most focal lenght, you would probably need to consider that any of those a6*** are less than usd 1000 (used), it would make sense for me.

[@dunnadidit]

I hear you for sure!

[@roserosita1950]

For the Sony Zv-e10 which lens is better the Tamron 17-70mm or the 28-75mm please?

[@TwDfp2010]

I just bought this today. I’ve been shooting an a6400 with just the Sigma 30mm 1.4 (which is quite literally the perfect crop lens IMO). I was really interested in a 24-70 but the overall performance vs. value really sold me.

[@dunnadidit]

Nice!

[@trialobite8573]

How does it compare after a month?

[@philreises]

I bought it for my 6600, because of the 2,8 Aperture and stabilization. I wanted one lens only to have a light setup that i can bring anywhere i go ( we do lots of hiking, ski mountaineering etc.). So far it has really impressed me to be honest. I use it mostly for filming and with the 6600 ibis and auto focus this lens is amazing. Fast, sharp, stabilized. I can see that it's not the sharpest as 70mm, but there is no other lens that checks all the other things. Was considering the 24-70mm GM, but it's way more expensive, not stabilized and heavier. Plus it's for full frame cameras.

[@dunnadidit]

Totally, I think lots of people will make the same decision

[@damonluvisi]

I made this same decision. I’m a hobbyist and have no clue what I’m doing. I think my wife and I will learn a ton from this Lense

[@Leukick]

Surprised you didn't cover that this lens is also practically a macro lens! You can get a crazy close focusing distance for macro shots; that's an insane feature

[@MsHaeda]

lol I wasn't expecting the dubstep B-roll at the end rofl like an end credit scene from watching a Marvel movie but I am virtually clapping LOL thanks for sharing this review

[@WeebGamerUnboxing]

We just started up KZbin last year! And I am using the Sony a6400 with a kit lens and a 30mm sigma prime lens. I was really looking at this lens for video and my all around lens so I don't have to swap lenses out. We are doing figure unboxings(in side) and supposedly you can almost put the glass up to your product before it loses focus on this new Tamron lens. If you have time to answer do you have any suggestions or do you think this lens would be pretty good for what we are doing? Thanks for the review btw!

[@explodingheavens]

It's like you get either no close focus at wide end or degraded quality(purple fringing at 17, less sharpness/contrast at 70). Depends which downsides can you handle or don't mind. Price, zoom, ois also play some role.

[@campa_t]

i wish you showed us this lens in a size comparison next to with the 18-105, the lens that i bought after your review

[@dunnadidit]

Unfortunately I no longer have that lens. But I did give you the dimensions so you could measure or look up specs to compare.

[@ckdesignlab]

Great review Dunna. I came here because the Tamron is now only $600 on Amazon. That's 25% off! It sounds like a no-brainer at this price and will fill a gap between my Sigma 16mm and Tamron 70-300mm lenses.

[@joshua4578]

I'm glad I already have the 16-55 because I would be so torn making the choice here. I love the quality of images the Sony produces.

[@dunnadidit]

Yeah the 16-55 is great!

[@GallaghersGrub]

My a6400 w the Sony 18-135 looks bad when compared to my A7iii with the Tamron 28-75. I need to bump sharpness up to 100, bump vibrance way up and saturation. Thinking I need this Tamron

[@pow9606]

What does the Tamron 28-75 look like on APS-C? obviously is will be a 42 - 112.5. IQ?

[@daindoboy]

When you don’t have the money to buy full frame I found out this lens will give your apsc sony (A6100) a major update!! So I guess this is the lens to buy, not to expensive, stabilisation and that 2,8 in the full range! With the 35mm F1,8 and this lens it makes my photography so much nicer as a allround setup. Especially when you compare it to people that stuck with the stock lens…. they are missing out mayor. First lens that I bought was the 35mm F1.8, happy to shoot without zoom because of the perfect image quality. Now with the Tamron as an addition it makes shooting everyday life with our small baby a little bit easier but still with a decent quality! Especially comparing it to lenses with a non constant amperture.

[@WildBushGrit]

I paused at 4:32... and took some time to compare.... I feel the focus is slighter further on the 70mm shot. If I look at the details in the green rim light... its looks pretty sharp to me... sharper than the 35mm. Maybe this is not the best image to compare image quality, any thoughts?

[@grumpyhighlander]

Been using the 28-200 for a couple off month as a pro photographer and living the results for full frame.

[@iandavis1355]

I was out shooting yesterday. I strapped on my snowshoes, put my camera backpack over my shoulders and headed into a park to shoot photos and video. There, the limitations of my current setup became very apparent. For my A6300, I have the Sigma trio of primes (16/30/56mm) and these are amazing f/1.4 lenses. They aren't the Art series hence they are not weather sealed and this proved to be an issue. Yesterday, the temperature was just below freezing and snow was falling lightly. Of course, as soon as a snowflake landed on my kit it melted. And changing lenses proved to be challenging as I really didn't want any moisture entering the camera (sensor dust is a real issue for me as I change my lenses a lot). I can't afford to have 4 lenses so I was seriously considered selling the Sigma lenses and getting the new Sony 16-55mm at $1550 in Ontario including taxes. I shoot mostly outdoors in low light conditions so while the constant f/2.8 is great it isn't the Sigma's f/1.4 Then along came the Tamron with image stabilization and a longer reach for $200 less (still at f/2.8 though). Hmm...decisions, decisions, decisions. Hey Dunna, have you had the chance to print any images taken on the Tamron? I have a Canon Pro-10 and print large regularly. If the image quality isn't nearly as good as the Sigma's then the 17-70mm isn't in the picture, pun intended.

[@behrouzalami1310]

Thanks for this video. I'm using a6600 and tamron 28-75mm. Does it make sense if I buy tamron 17-28 or tamron 17-70mm? which one could be the right option for me?

[@rollfast7]

I use the following on my a6500: Rokinon 12, Sigma 16, Tamron 28-70, and then the laser sharp Sony 70-350. If I was back at the beginning of choosing lenses for how I shoot most of the time on my APS-C body I could see running a two lens kit of this Tamron 17-70 and the Sony 70-350 - that would be really workable for how I shoot, especially for travel. Love the b roll, by the way!

[@damonluvisi]

What would you add for the focal lengths below 17mm?

[@lesteresver6233]

Hey thanks for this vide.. purchasing a6400 body soon was wondering which you wiuld recomend Sigma 16 & 30mm 1.4s or tamron 17-70 2.8???

[@asch3]

owning a 6500 (with IBIS) and my eyes are still on Sony 16-55, though it's kinda pricey, but that sharpness.. oh man

[@xuanfeng375]

Been waiting for this....😄❤️

[@dunnadidit]

I hope it’s helpful!

[@PaulFeinberg]

Great ending LOL.......I think I would go with the Sony 16-55mm and then the tamron 2nd. That 16-55mm is a great lens. Nice overview, not everything is sunshine and rainbows.

[@dunnadidit]

Haha thanks dude. Yeah, I think thats the call for certain people. I definitely wanted to make the "BEST LENS EVER" review but it didn't feel right haha.

[@mpikas]

I only really considered the Tamron and the Sony 18-135. Since the only real reason I entered the sony world (from Nikon) was for video, nothing I own has IBS, and I've been enjoying some faster lenses recently the Tamron was the only choice, and I've been happy with it (I've only had it about a week now). Interestingly your review about image quality at the long end does not match what I've seen from other reviewers, and even if it did it would not have changed my mind, and I'm not going to go and test my 17-70 to see if mine falls apart at the long end. In the Nikon world, I had a very nice sigma art midrange zoom f/4 which I sold because I rarely used it. My workhorse used to be a Tamron 18-280, and when the Tamron 18-400 came out I sold the older lens and replaced it with the 18-400 which I love. My general indoors do everything lens has been a Nikon 18-140 (smaller and lighter than the Tamron, I know that the colors aren't as nice from it as from the Tamron, but you can fix that on your PC), none of which the pixel peepers liked, while they loved that Sigma Art. For me, it's always been about what gets me the shot, not what's technically the best. I could care less if the lens didn't do well taking a picture of a test card if it got me the picture that I wanted when I'm shooting a bald eagle out of a kayak...

[@sundster_1796]

That ending sequence made me subscribe 😂

[@dunnadidit]

Haha well I’m glad I put it in there!

[@u.d.7543]

Main criteria for me is the size of the lens, assuming lenses produce sharp images. I like the size of Zeiss 16-70. Sony 17-55 f2.8 is just a little too big. If that lens had stabilization I would consider. I don't want to walk around with a chunky camera.

[@bicizizilla6242]

Currently, I'am looking for a lens for my A6700 for family video shooting. So I need a lens for indoors, outdoors, dark, sunny, fast moving subjects (dog, wife xD). I need razos sharp and stabilized 4K footage with perfect focus - all relative to the capabilities of the A6700. I was thinking that this Tamron lens is sharp enough for 4K footage (no still image pixel peeping will happen), but many reviews point out that there is a lot of geometric distorsion with this lens. I dont know whether these are corrected in-body or not, but the expected softness after the correction (in-camera or post process) scares me a bit. The other thing I'm not sure about is whether or not I need the f2.8 for low light video.

[@duchu1987]

Nice outro! Cool stuff. Thanks for honest review. It is important that the extra range on tele side is not a plus for Tamron in comparison with Sony G. But still, is it almost good at 17-50 range? It is cheaper and stabilized. Maybe buy it and don't use that on soapie range? ;P

[@shathan.10]

I just recently received the Tamron 28-75mm and once i saw this tamron in the video i will trade mine to get this for sure. The only thing that makes me uncomfortable is what he was saying about the quality after zooming it over the 50mm range. Is it bad? Is it noticeable if im not pixel peeping? I honestly love this more than my tamron 28-75mm cz of its wide range and stabilization but scared of that quality, plz lmk if it matters coming from tamron 28-75mm

[@BJGray7]

I feel like people are sleeping on that Sony Zeiss 16-70. I got one used (like new) from KEH for $775 and it's awesome! Yes it's only f4 but that hasn't really slowed me down.

[@dunnadidit]

Thanks for the input!!

[@RockWILK]

Great review. I have only prime lenses, other than my 16-50 kit lens, and I have been really going back and forth on whether to get this or the 18-105. At the end of the day, for me at least, a zoom lens is more for that spontaneous run-and-gun, you don't know what you're headed to, kind of situation. And so the fact that the 18-105 doesn't get bigger when you zoom in and out, made the decision easy for me. Zoom lenses are supposed to make things easier, and that fact alone makes the 18-105 better for me than the 17-70, even at a slower f-stop, I think with the iso capabilities of all of these cameras, it's not really that big of a deal. Plus, the 18-105 can be had for so much cheaper now, it was kind of a no-brainer for me. Now I have the 18-105 with a good set of primes, (Samyang 12mm, Viltrox 23mm, Sony 35mm, Sony 50mm) and I can make movies with no problem, and I can put any of these lenses on a gimbal if I want to, and not have to re-adjust it at all. If the Tamron didn't extend when you zoom it, maybe I would have spent the extra couple of hundred dollars.

[@videoart1496]

for video shooters, the 18-105 f4 is a must. I would never sell this lens. I m now trying to collect some money for the Tamron 17-70 f2.8 especially for lowlight.

[@MdWahidurRahmanOvi]

very honest and helpful. Respect ++

[@crisJnoni_9]

do you think the tamron 17-28mm 2.8 is much better? As for video quality, I don't know which one to buy

[@richardpcrowe]

This was exactly the review I was looking for! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE my 28-75mm Tamron on both full frame and crop (yes, I said CROP) sensor cameras. If the 17-70mm equaled or surpassed the IQ of the 28-75mm at the longer side, I would snap it up in a heartbeat and possibly shoot only with crop cameras (especially if the projected A6900 turns out to be a "Mini-A1" or a "Mini-A9ii"). But, I don't want to take a hit in the area around 70-75mm where I am often shooting just to have a wider short side... Besides (and that is a big BESIDES) I also use the 28-75mm lens on my A7iii...

[@avijitchakraborty3944]

Hey, A6400 + Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 is this worth it in 2022 ? Like, for someone who is buying their first camera but has decent knowledge about photography? I am getting this set up at around 1505 USD. Kindly suggest if there is a better setup to start with. Also, I don't have any brand preferences.

[@rossscobievideographer53]

Broll was class....thinking about this lens for video and weddings...

[@georgekamenov_]

As soon as I saw the announcement for this lens I knew I was going to get it. Picked up the 879th copy in the world as soon as it was listed as "In stock" at a local photo store while B&H still had it listed as "expected delivery". I had seen a few reviews talking about it underperforming in terms of sharpness past a certain point towards the long end and was worried that having such an early copy of it might mean mine is like that too, so I did a bunch of testing and my specific copy I'd say is just as sharp at 70 as it is at 17 and just generally across the entire range. I feel like the sharpness issue is one of those "you got unlucky with your copy" problems. Either way, for the price and feature set I'd say even if you get one that's a bit less sharp at the telephoto end, as long as you're not zooming into 300% and pixel peeping this lens will still be the best option (for this type of lens) for Sony APSC shooters on the market to date. But that's just my humble opinion 😅

[@dunnadidit]

Could be for sure! But I’ve heard enough people saying the same thing that they seem a bit too unlucky.

[@georgekamenov_]

@Dunna Did It Definitely possible, maybe it's just a case of me getting overly lucky but I'll take it haha 😁

[@euphoricmonk]

How to tell which Copy # you get? Does it say in the SN?

[@jijim6284]

May I know compared to sigma 18-35mm f1.8, which one most usable for wedding videographer?

[@LasseCLand]

thinking to buy this one for my a6000, got the kit, sony 50mm 1.8 and the 70-350mm. think it would be nice to change the kit and 50mm for 1 lens

[@CarlosMartinezxFulLxArsenaLx]

For me, it comes down to 3 things. Most important to me is sharpness, then utility, and last is cost. As someone who carries their 200-600mm every day, size and weight are something I don't care about lol.

[@_arorarohit_]

I have A6400, i am planning for Sony a7iv (Whenever it will release). I already purchased this lens. But i am still confused weather i should go for Tamron 28-75mm full frame so that i can also use that on my sony a7iv. OR stick with this one. I know i will use VC but trust me it isn't very good. I want this lens for mainly b rolls as for a rolls i have sigma 16mm 1.4 and that is a beast.

[@Vishal.blessingsflutes]

Hey brother, can you suggest a lens. Best for APSC- super sharp zoom lens, money dost matter but the quality does.

[@m.bauer2024]

Thanks for your honest review. When you are comparing 35mm and 70mm pics, there might be visible softness due to shallow dept of field, because I can see in certain dept your beard is pretty sharp (sides of your face). So even despite the sharpness might be lower, the difference between these pics is probably increased by slightly different focus point, at least to me as an observer.

[@evrythingis1]

It's true, his picture of it at 70mm is obviously back focused, his entire face is out of focus.

[@mulone214]

Good information and I liked the "B" role.

[@hylcob]

Regarding the quality at 70mm is it than worse or still better than the 18 to 105 at 70mm? (Considering replacing my 18-105 with this lens)

[@eddyg1794]

Can the softness of the lens past 50mm be fixed in lightroom with the sharpness slider?

[@DangLeProject92]

Do you think this gonna beast for wedding videographer use on A74 4k60 all day without changing lens ? 105mm is good enough for ceremony shot 😅

[@ravisingh19601]

Can you do a comparison with f2.8 mid range lens apsc vs full frame low light difference

[@toughkix6910]

1:16 what do you mean with its harder to get shallow depth of field on APSC? If I set this lens to f2.8 and put it on a FF the depth of field is exactly the same, the picture is just more cropped in

[@filipedeoliveira5196]

I have a Sony FX30. Should I use a Tamron 17-70mm f2.8 (APSC) or a Sigma 24-70mm f2.8 (full frame). The choice for the full frame lens would be for the following reasons: 1. Optical quality; 2. Being able to use this lens on a full frame camera that I intend to have in the near future. Do these reasons justify the biggest value I'm going to pay for the Sigma 24-70mm lens?

[@bradfordskeldorado]

I wish I could upload my receipt for my purchase of this lens solely based on the b-roll footage at the end. You win this time!

[@dunnadidit]

Haha! There is no Dunna Did It rebate unfortunately lol.

[@bradfordskeldorado]

@dunnadidit just picked it up and will be shooting a video tonight! Great content man!