Tamron is expanding its renowned 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD APS-C zoom lens to support Canon RF and Nikon Z mirrorless camera systems. This marks a significant development for photographers utilizing these platforms, offering a premium zoom solution that was previously exclusive to Sony E-mount users since its debut in late 2020. The lens retains its defining characteristic as the world's first APS-C zoom lens to combine a 4.1x zoom ratio with a consistent f/2.8 aperture across its range.
The integration of this Tamron lens into the Canon RF and Nikon Z ecosystems brings a versatile focal length equivalent to approximately 25.5-105mm on Nikon's 1.5x crop APS-C sensors and 27.2-112mm on Canon's 1.6x crop APS-C sensors. This broad range, coupled with its fast f/2.8 aperture, positions it as an excellent choice for a diverse array of photographic pursuits, including capturing expansive landscapes, dynamic travel scenes, and compelling portraits. Notably, this offering fills a void, especially for Canon RF-S users who have largely been limited to slower, variable-aperture zoom lenses, underscoring Canon's strategic decision to open its RF mount to third-party APS-C autofocus lenses. This move enables Canon to concentrate on its full-frame lens development while ensuring its APS-C clientele has access to high-performance optics.
Beyond the new mounts, the core design and optical characteristics of the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 remain consistent with its E-mount predecessor. It incorporates 16 elements in 12 groups, a nine-bladed circular aperture, and a 67mm front filter thread. The RF-mount version weighs 530 grams, while the Z-mount variant is slightly heavier at 540 grams, both measuring around 120 millimeters in length. The construction includes moisture resistance and a fluorine coating on the front element for enhanced durability. For close-up photography, the lens offers a minimum focusing distance of 0.19 meters at the wide end and 0.39 meters at the telephoto end, achieving maximum magnification ratios of 1:4.8 and 1:5.2, respectively. Set to launch on July 2nd, both versions will be available for $749, presenting a compelling option for photographers seeking quality and versatility.
This expansion by Tamron empowers more photographers with advanced optical tools, fostering creativity and enabling the capture of high-quality images across various genres. The lens's balanced performance and broad utility reinforce the idea that innovation and accessibility can significantly enhance the photographic journey for enthusiasts and professionals alike.