Tamron vs Sony | 17-70mm f/2.8 vs 16-55mm f/2.8 zoom lens comparison

Fast standard zoom lenses absolutely rule - let's see how these two popular choices compare.
Links to full reviews:
Tamron 18-70mm f/2.8: • Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 D...
Sony 16-55mm f/2.8: • Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 '...
Buy them here (Amazon affiliate links - thank you for your support!):
Tamron 18-70mm f/2.8: geni.us/Tamron...
Sony 16-55mm f/2.8: geni.us/sony1655
All pictures taken by me on Sony a5100 and a7R III cameras.
Support me on Patreon! / christopherfrost
Equipment I use to make my videos (Amazon affiliate links):
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Canon EF-RF Adaptor: geni.us/CanonE...
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 'Art': geni.us/Sigma5...
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS STM: geni.us/CanonR...
Marumi Fit and Slim CPL Filter: geni.us/Marumi...
AudioTechnica AT2020USB+ Microphone: geni.us/AT2020...
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Music:
'Sidewalk Shade', Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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[@momchilyordanov8190]

In terms of sharpness, they are so close, I believe the difference would be unperceivable in real life use. For me the deal-breaker is the IS system. Very useful for both stills and video.

[@keystonebrotherb]

The Tamron rarely leaves my 6400. It’s a phenomenal value at $800. Can’t wait for the 24 1.8 FF lens to arrive. Tamron is really making a splash. 🌊

[@beachdweller3378]

The optics and smaller size of the sony16-55 look incredible. I didnt know the sony had that kind of barreling 16-19mm. I went with the tamron because I have an a6000 and the tamron has built in stabilization, the weather sealing, and price. They both look like phenominal lenses. The tamron really brought my a6000 to life and pics are clean and sharp as my 50 prime in some cases. which after comparing my prime shot photos with non prime shot photos, I realized I need a mid range lens with a lower aperture like the tamrons 2.8. Other lenses I used were the sony 18-55 f3.6-5.6, 18-135 f3.5-5.6, and 55--210 f 4.5-6.3 kit lenses but they were both slower lenses compared to tamrons f2.8. I dont mind the weight of the tamron either, i think it helps keep the camera stable while taking photos. With the money I had left from buying the tamron over sony I put it towards buying a sony g 70-350mm. now Im covered from 17-350mm and I feel like I have a new camera.

[@cvbattum]

Will you test the new Tamron 11-20 that's coming out soon? Would love to see your review on that one!!

[@christopherfrost]

Sure

[@muratbasc8302]

Tamron kills the competition in my opinion, even both were the same price

[@yellit1975]

I got the 16-55 when it first came out, very happy with it but wished that I’d waited a bit longer for the Tamron.

[@danielerichfischer4634]

I think in terms of image quality and autofocus, the sony has the crown. The only thing i really wish on the sony is stabilization because damn, it can make a huge difference, especially in video😂 but despite that, the sony is perfect i guess

[@Jgheiler]

@@danielerichfischer4634 I had the tameron but replaced it with the sony. The tameron was huge! Felt way to heavy and uncomfortable in an apsc body

[@paulclarke4571]

So did I but a shop in Sydney had some öpen box lenses ie repaired lenses and I traded the Sony in and got the Tamron and the Tamon 11 20 for only a few dollars. Both have worked perfectly and come with a full warranty

[@jochenpaulissen]

Great comparison. The Sony 16-55 is now available for 1029€ where I live. The Tamron costs 869€. Only 160€ difference! Still people keep saying the Sony costs almost double? :-) I sold my 18-105 and bought the 16-55. Never looked back, it's a great allrounder. Perfect for landscape, portret, and everything in between.

[@Antonybec]

Totaly agree with you, today on amazon france the sony cost 960€ and the tamron 849€ ! So i would buy the sony On the different review, the sony looks a bit sharper on all situation !

[@cvbattum]

I think it's a bit of a problem of the current times, with the chip shortage and all. The Sony has been around for longer and has bigger stocks, the Tamron was released at a time when semiconductors were already becoming a problem. Wouldn't be surprised if the price dropped in a year or two. In any case, I still chose the Tamron because it has the image stabiliser and bigger zoom range! 70mm is great when you're traveling and just wanna take one lens. Also, the image stabiliser is really solid on the a6600. Definitely worth the slightly inferior image quality to me! I'll get perfect quality with a solid prime like one of the Sigma's, just for when I need it.

[@danielerichfischer4634]

I own the Sony. I had the choice between those 2 lenses and i don't regret my decision, because in terms of autofocus and image quality the Sony kills it. It's such a killer lens for apsc. The only thing i miss is image stabilization, especially for video. Thats the only thing i really miss. Despite that the lens is perfect. And you can even increase the range with clear image zoom if you really need more range. For video thats a killer feature because it's lossless zoom, but for photo you get i think 10 mp rather than 24 mp, still great tho.

[@chesslover8829]

Today, Amazon USA offers the Sony at $1,298 and the Tamron at $729. The Sony is 78% more expensive than the Tamron with what I judge to be no more than about a 5% improvement in corner sharpness over the Tamron, which under most circumstances will not be visible in the final image. Note that the careful use of a software sharpness tool in post processing can narrow the corner sharpness gap still further between these two lenses.

[@ShanShiuam]

The Tamron really did a good job! Is the review of Tamron 11-20 f2.8 coming soon?

[@KuruGDI]

Christopher Frost: "Sure"

[@HappyHubris]

It's a shame you didn't compare 55mm vs 55mm instead of pushing the Tamron to 70mm.

[@patrick.771]

both at 55mm and then the tamron switching to 70mm would have been great ...

[@djchips]

Maybe he was just trying to give the Sony a fighting change 🤣

[@ryanbeer5262]

Then cherry picking the best corner of the Sony, might have been nice to see the other corners

[@keystonebrotherb]

Get the Tammy.

[@11roji]

Better comparing both at 17 - 30 - 55 and then adding 16 and 70 to see the difference in range. Though in the end the judgement would be the same, both great lenses. If you have A6400 Tamron is by way the better choice because you get stabilization. With A6500/6600 it depends. Prices at the moment are nearly the same (in Germany), Sony around 920-930, Tamron 869, but Tamy will be cheaper by x-mas. I have the 1655, love it, but maybe would have taken the Tamy if it would have been available at the time.

[@TexpatOTG]

I had been looking at the Tamron ... the Sony is not in my budget. I really appreciate the comparison. The VC feature in the Tamron is really a big benefit. Cheers.

[@sushi_donut]

I wish Sigma would make/adapt their 18-35mm f1.8 for sony native :*( That is, if they address the focus noise lol

[@NakkyNapoo]

i wish sigma make adapter like mc11 not only for canon 18-35

[@tridinh1011]

the focus noise is not even noticeable, unless you're using the onboard mic for some reason, but you wont even be using AF when you're doing video anyway

[@professionalpotato4764]

@@tridinh1011 Sometimes you do want AF, sometimes you don't. Depends. The noise is very noticeable. Not everyone can afford a focus puller and sound guy with boom poles for generic low budget shoots.

[@professionalpotato4764]

I rather they re-engineer a new version for all mirrorless mounts. A 16-35 f/2 would be nice. Having the 24mm fov on the wide end is pretty useful.

[@tridinh1011]

@@professionalpotato4764 yeah a cheap 50$ mic can filter out the af noise easily

[@Adventure_Together]

Great comparison video, Chris!

[@cyrilhamel8289]

Good test again (as always 😊). Ideally you'd show us the difference in framing between Sony's 16mm and Tamron's 17mm. Watch you soon

[@JeromeLaignel]

I was just struggling between the two and this video made me state my mind 🤗 thanks a lot and I think I will go for the tamron ☺️ good job on your vids they are always super helpful in choosing the best gear

[@coughargh4788]

i am getting 1 of them that allowed me to keep my kidney.

[@Silverheartsmusic]

Like many, I'm a fan of (wildlife) video over stills. Always dealing with handheld shake, lighting changes, focusing in live video. It would make a good video(s) to compare lens/camera combinations in regard to the IS system, AF system, handling lighting & ISO changes, MF & zoom smoothness. All regarding the video experience as compared to sharpness and CA of stills - if you want to venture there.

[@igoryudnikov6198]

I was 2 weeks in Armenia and most of the shots were done with that tamron. It is very good lens. The only issue for me was dust, because I took single body, and switched too often

[@balajinaidu1687]

Please do the review on sigma 18-50mm vs tamron 17-70m

[@alginmike7484]

Tamron 17-70 vs sigma 17-50 please

[@professionalpotato4764]

Any chance of a Fuji 16-55 vs Sony 16-55 and Tamron 17-70? Would be interesting to see the top 3 standard APS-C zooms compared.

[@patrick.771]

The price of the Sony lens is crazy even though it is really good. But it also has no IBIS. Amazon Germany sell it for 995 € which is much cheaper than the price for US and UK you have in your video and "just" 15 % more expensive than the Tamron 17-70.

[@Antonybec]

Totaly agree with you, today on amazon france the sony cost 960€ and the tamron 849€ ! So i would buy the sony On the different review, the sony looks a bit sharper on all situation !

[@NickL0VIN]

I like the Sony cause it’s smaller. If I wanted something “big” like the Tamron then might as well go full frame and use the Tamron 28-75 (it’s the same size).

[@lionellow105]

That's a pretty weird way of thinking. It's not about wanting something big, it's about having a longer range and stabilization. With that long of a range this could even be put against the 18105 which is way bigger and only f4

[@realmoonknight]

People will carry their decades of emotional baggage around but die when a few grams of extra weight is added to their lens

[@muhammadobaid7500]

I think you should have compared the sony with tamron both at 55mm, Not at the tallest focal length of each. Tamron's 55mm should be compared to sony's 55mm. Any degradation in quality that Tamron exhibits at 70mm shouldn't count , cuz it offers it out of Sony's range after all!

[@alchemist_x79]

I watched this to kill some time while I'm waiting for my Sony 135 GM to be delivered today. Different lens, I know, but the QC on the more expensive Sony lens now has me a little nervous. Guess we'll see...

[@bozmundarts2614]

the tamron has a more reach and also image stabilization. while the sony has perfected more its image quality department. which matters more to you... is up to you of course

[@Princeton_James]

Yup. I just ordered the Tamron to give it a try, but the Sony is one of the sharpest I have ever owned.

[@Wyoutside]

Tamron owner, couldn’t be happier!

[@oshoosho8466]

Tamron 17-28 f/2.8 should be the next😎

[@loldart]

Sony is very affordable in Canada. So i would take that over the tamron(assuming i owned a6500/a6600)

[@Int3rimo]

Which store do you buy it from? I can't find good deals.

[@loldart]

Im a cheap bastard and will buy it used. Can find it for 1000-1100 CDN on most second hand. Most stores sell it for 1350 CDN plus tax. The tameon is 1150 cdn plus tax. If you are in the US. Order it bestbuy.ca and it can be cheaper then buying it retail in the US.

[@Eikenhorst]

The completely black corners at 16mm for the Sony is just crazy. Basically at 16mm you are nowhere near using the full sensor, probably only 90% of it. The pincushion distortion on the Tamron at 70mm isn't that bad and fixing it doesn't throw out a serious chunk of your sensor surface. I would have like to see how the Tamron does at 55mm vs the Sony, the 56-70mm range is just a 'free' extra of the Tamron when you compare these two lenses. I personally would have loved it if it was a 16-70 or even 16-65mm, as I really do shoot at 16mm quite a lot and 4degree FOV is quite substantial :(

[@tugatomskanimation6370]

Excellent comparison, as always. I wonder if you're going to review the new Tamron 18-300mm for the APS-C X-mount once it's available.

[@deemas3.711]

I hope you do comparison between 17-70mm f2.8 and 24-70mm f2.8

[@gordonyz4]

Had Sony lens, sold only because upgraded to ff 24-70. The 55mm corners can look very soft for photo stitching (very notifiable at f/4) but fantastic lens otherwise

[@marcusmichel84]

Best lens compare in the World wide Web. As always, the usual quality. Thanks

[@KtmDesignz]

damn, id love that tamron with an EF mount

[@chamithathukorala1985]

Please Try 200 to 600 G

[@amithrajapaksha7854]

Great!! And did u reviewed sigma 105 f1.4 for sony mount lens?

[@christopherfrost]

Yes, look on my channel or type that lens with my name into the KZbin search bar

[@derTommy]

Great video als always. But why do you compare 55 with 70 mm and not 55 with 55mm as well? This is a little unfair.

[@trym2121]

Because the 55mm is most likely almost similar to 35mm. Zoom lens is always the best in the middle range and most likely to deteriorate at the long and wide end just as seen at this video

[@GaryJahman]

Back at it again with the shemampamp!

[@Zieloniwpodrozy]

Just what I needed!

[@networm64]

You are the very first one I see giving the bokeh advantage to the Tamron. Bokeh balls on the Sony lens are way more nicer. And really the build quality looks the same apart from those extra buttons??? Plastic is plastic?

[@christopherfrost]

That's what I saw in my test pictures - an edge of smoothness to the Tamron. And yes, apart from the extra buttons, the build quality is essentially the same

[@networm64]

@@christopherfrost Thanks for the quick reply!

[@Robert-ub7mc]

Very nice video, thank you. I would like to know if the digital zoom works by combining the Tamron 17-70 VC lens with the Sony alpha 6600 ? I use the RMT-P1BT remote and use the zoom bottom during my videos. With the Sony lens, this works perfectly. Thank you.

[@CorsairCrazy]

I already have zeiss 16-70. Should I get Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 ?

[@saifaldin_]

Before this review came out, I was thinking that the Sony beats the Tamron in both AF & image quality. With that kind of QC issue, I might not get either of them (Tamron QC can be disappointing as well) The Sony is cheaper in my country (about usd 1000), while the Tamron sells for about 900. I guess I’ll have to keep swapping primes for a while longer..

[@saifaldin_]

Update: finally bought a 1655 used.. for about usd730. Sharp, well centered, blazing fast AF, and it’s looking to be worth the purchase..

[@mattpallet]

Is it possible to turn off the VC? I can't seem to find out.

[@Aalochak]

you should compare it to the fujifilm xf 16-55

[@p4ul.f708]

Imagine Sony introducing the new apsc camera with a new lens with f2.8 and Image stabilization like they did with the a6600 !🤯

[@explodingheavens]

Bokeh shooters got only sigma option. Was eyeing zoom but then compared f1.4 and G2.8 again, it's another world, colors, bokeh, noise. Depends a lot on what you shoot.

[@paulclarke4571]

I think there is another issue that should be considered. Which company is continuing to develop for APS C today ? Sony show no interest in A6xxx and Tamron does. Why support Sony?

[@pizzablender]

Hi Christopher, why does the video description mention a Canon EF lens? I think that description if for another video...

[@christopherfrost]

Oops, I'll change that

[@Princeton_James]

Im glad I got my 16-55 when it came out. I think it outperforms the 17-70 according to your review. It's really the only lens I need on my A6600. It doesn't come off.

[@kismat_rana]

I also have a6600 and 16-55 G but want to replace with tamron for little extra coverage!!

[@stefpix]

Thank you have you ever tested the Sony Zeiss 16-70 f4?

[@christopherfrost]

Yes - check out my review

[@kartikarora5082]

Hey,I am planning to buy sony a6400. I have a question for you:- Give the ratings (from 1-10) to the lenses based on sharpness (center&corner). 1)sony 16-55 kit lens 2) samyang 12mm f2 af 2) sigma 16mm 1.4 3)sony 18-105 f4 4)sony 18-135 5)sony 16mmf2.8 6)sony 10-18 f4 I have seen your videos but I am not able to come to a conclusion.... Please reply to me, Thanks in advance❤️

[@andreas1701d]

I can help here as Ive owned all of these, but not the 16-55 2.8 in this video. 1) Kit lens 16-50 PZ: 5 center / 3 corner 2) 12mm: 8 / 6 3) 16 1.4: 9 / 9 4) 18-105: 7 / 5 5) 18-135: 7 / 5 6) 16 2.8: 4 / 2 7) 10-18: 8 / 6

[@kartikarora5082]

@@andreas1701d thankyou so much brother....

[@NicoCrown]

Forget the zoom lenses. Buy the 16mm 1.4 sigma, 30mm 1.4 and the 56mm 1.4 and you have the best lenses produced for the sony aps c. Cheers

[@phule8737]

with a6000 which one will you recomend? i already have sel50 sigma16 and kit lens, thank you

[@euphoricmonk]

Tamron sell the kit lens..

[@alessandrocaviola1575]

I'd Switch to Sony for that Tamron lens Alone if Only i had 2000 € to spend for this hobby. The Only affordable alternative for Canon dslr is the sigma 17-70 2.8-4 which Is not as bright, not as sharp, and 6+ years older ☹️

[@Fynal666]

Looks like Sony put the pricing down, maybe because of competition from Tamron. Right now on amazon price is £805.62 and you can add voucher £70, but it's not all Sony have Summer Cashback program. Sony give £100 back from cashback, so at the end you pay £635 for that amazing leans.

[@Fynal666]

Not sure if amazon order qualifies for cashback, it doesn't show on list of retailers.

[@rishikksh20]

Please review Nikon Z 24 200 f4-6.3 🙏🏼

[@lexbraxman9270]

How can anyone be satisfied with worse (even though its very close) image quality? Get the Sony, it's the better long term investment. If you don't have IS upgrade your body in the future and you'll have the best IQ lens.

[@TheRedSatan10]

Tamron only require ⅓ of the liver

[@MarkHuynh7]

Sigma 18-50mm all day

[@somevideoguy99]

Why do you have a Korean book? nice review by the way.

[@christopherfrost]

I lived in Korea for nearly 2 years

[@somevideoguy99]

@@christopherfrost Oh wow. That's awesome man.

[@georgesmith3022]

so sony is a bit sharper on the edges

[@andrewkawlni6125]

Tamron👌👌

[@setaside2]

Tamron: matches the Sony lens's picture quality, in the aggregate, about 98.5% plus brings the better range, the stabilization, and the better weather sealed construction. Sony lens Labeled as "spectacular," Tamron lens labeled as "decent." I don't understand how this computes.

[@lau1812]

You must be color blind if you can’t see the purple fringing on the Sony images.

[@summonedfist]

The black corners at 16mm are a deal-breaker for me personally

[@tridinh1011]

Sony's lenses are way too expensive considering they're for their cheaper APS-C lineup

[@Antonybec]

Too expensive ? Today on amazon france the sony cost 960€ and the tamron 849€ huummm

[@Pixel112]

congrats on beatiful wife :)

[@user-fp4nc1zh7j]

통일을 위한 코이노니아 1:20 ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ 형이왜 거기서나와...

[@fjp2000]

Im not the first:/

[@billyjunks]

Pwned by Tamron

[@brucewilhelm5092]

Oollll

[@stanleeger4711]

Sucks that the Sony is decentered. Poor quality control for a $1400 lens.

[@diegorivera2711]

First!

[@HPISRP]

wow that sony performed poorly

[@LuisPerez-fy6up]

Just returned my a7iii. The canon R6 is light years ahead takes super sharp photos even with kit lenses the AF really makes a huge difference.

[@mralexlex]

Nonsense...

[@hedydd2]

What possible motive have you for posting such abject nonsense?

[@HappyHubris]

The A7III is also 3 years old and $500 cheaper than the R6. I pity the R6 that is put up against the A7IV. Personally, I would never spend

[@LuisPerez-fy6up]

@@HappyHubris the canon R6 iso can go up to 25600 and no Noise. While the Sony only goes to 15000 and has massive noise for video and photo. The R6 also has Ant eye AF really outstanding I am capturing photos I could never with Sony. 20-24mp is not a big difference at all and you get better low light cleaner images with 20mp I think it’s worth it.

[@LuisPerez-fy6up]

@@koka7647 Sony is good I like the compact metal alloy frame also the 4K video quality is nice I wonder what the a7iv will be like.

[@airjaff]

No thank you Sony.try again!