Does Tamron know something we don’t? With all the Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras coming out one after another, including the A7C compact full-frame, is there still life for a new Sony APS-C mirrorless camera?
Apparently so, for Tamron has just announced what is billed as the world’s first 17-70mm (25.5-105mm equivalent) F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Model B070), a wide range 4.1x standard optical zoom lens with fast F2.8 aperture throughput the entire zoom range, and with Vibration Compensation, for Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras. Closest focusing distance is 19cm (7.5 in) at the wide-angle end and 39cm (15.4 in) at the telephoto end.
Since third-party lens manufacturers build lenses only for systems they are sure will continue, does Tamron has insider knowledge of an upcoming Sony APS-C mirrorless camera update? Though the two rumoured new Sony cameras are an A9 series and an RX series, won’t it be super if an APS-C model also shows up?
TAMRON turned 70 in November 2020
Tamron announces world’s first1 17-70mm F2.8, wide range 4.1x standard zoom lens with VC for APS-C mirrorless cameras
17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Model B070)
December 3, 2020, Saitama, Japan – Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Shiro Ajisaka), a leading manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces the launch of the 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A2 VC RXD (Model B070), a high-speed standard zoom lens for Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras on January 14, 2021. Due to the current global health crisis, the release date or product supply schedule could change.
Model B070
| PRODUCT NAME | 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Model B070) |
|---|---|
| DATE OF LAUNCH* | January 14, 2021 *Due to the spread of COVID-19, the release date or the product supply schedule could be delayed. |
1 Among interchangeable F2.8 standard zoom lenses for APS-C mirrorless cameras (As of November 2020: Tamron)
2 Di III-A: For APS-C format mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras
The new 17-70mm F2.8 is Tamron’s first high-speed zoom lens for mirrorless cameras with APS-C size sensors. It features a maximum aperture of F2.8 across the entire 4.1x zoom ratio that covers a focal length of 17-70mm that is ideal for regular use (a full-frame equivalent of 25.5-105mm), and superb optical performance. It is a small, lightweight lens that is also equipped with Tamron’s VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism to minimize camera shake. This VC mechanism leverages AI technology when shooting video.
The lens features Moisture-Resistant Construction, Fluorine Coating and a φ67mm filter size – the same as the Tamron series of lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras. Compatible with many of the features that Sony builds into its cameras, including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF, the lens is the ideal everyday zoom lens for a multitude of situations. It is a highly practical lens that enables photographers to attain high image quality while enjoying the benefits of the large F2.8 aperture.
Product Information
- World’s first high-speed standard zoom lens for APS-C cameras with the focal length range of 17-70mm 4.1x zoom ratio
The Model B070 has a focal length range of 17-70mm, equivalent to 25.5-105mm on full-frame cameras. It is the first F2.8 high-speed zoom lens in the world for APS-C mirrorless cameras to achieve a 4.1x zoom ratio. - Outstanding optical performance
The optical construction of the new 17-70mm F2.8 features 16 elements in 12 groups. Two GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) lens elements and one hybrid aspherical lens element are precisely arranged to maintain high-resolution performance from edge to edge. - Upgraded VC effective in combination with Sony APS-C mirrorless cameras, leveraging AI for video shooting
The 17-70mm F2.8 features Tamron’s proprietary VC mechanism. Additional sophisticated algorithms optimized for this model and a dedicated, independently operating MPU all combine to superbly compensate for vibration. This feature is available when the lens is used with cameras with or without in-body image stabilization. When shooting video, by leveraging AI technology, image stabilization performance improves compared to conventional models. - Close focusing−MOD is just 0.19m (7.5 in) at wide-angle end
The 17-70mm F2.8 zoom focuses close, down to 0.19m (7.5 in) MOD (Minimum Object Distance). This is far superior to the performance achieved by conventional high-speed zoom lenses for APS-C cameras. In addition, the 0.39m (15.4 in) MOD at the 70mm telephoto end ensures good close-range shooting performance allowing photographers to enjoy compelling close-up shots. - A highly portable compact design
The 17-70mm F2.8 zoom measures a scant 119.3mm (4.7 in) in length and 74.6mm in maximum diameter and weighs only 525g (18.5 oz). This is remarkable for a lens with built-in VC image stabilization. When used with Sony’s APS-C mirrorless cameras, this zoom is nicely balanced and provides a comfortable user experience. - The RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) stepping motor unit is exceptionally quiet and perfect for video use
- Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating provide extra protection
- Compatible with many camera-specific features and functions, including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF
Specifications
| Model | B070 |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 17-70mm (for APS-C frame mirrorless format) (for full-frame mirrorless format: 25.5-105mm equivalent field-of-view) |
| Maximum Aperture | F2.8 |
| Angle of View (diagonal) | 79° 55′-23° 00’ (for APS-C frame mirrorless format) |
| Optical Construction | 16 elements in 12 groups |
| Minimum Object Distance | 0.19m /7.5 in (WIDE), 0.39m /15.4 in (TELE) |
| Maximum Magnification Ratio | 1:4.8 (WIDE) / 1:5.2 (TELE) |
| Filter Size | φ67mm |
| Maximum Diameter | φ74.6mm |
| Length* | 119.3mm (4.7 in) |
| Weight | 525g (18.5 oz) |
| Aperture Blades | 9 (circular diaphragm)** |
| Minimum Aperture | F22 |
| Standard Accessories | Flower-shaped hood, Lens caps |
| Compatible Mounts | Sony E-mount |
* Length is the distance from the front tip of the lens to the lens mount face.
** The circular diaphragm stays almost perfectly circular up to two stops down from maximum aperture.
Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. are subject to change without prior notice.
This product is developed, manufactured and sold based on the specifications of E-mount which was disclosed by Sony Corporation under the license agreement with Sony Corporation.