Tamron
17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
Sony E Mount
17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD — 17–70mm f/2.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the tamron lineup.
$899
Launch priceReleased Jan 2021
Tamron
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
Sony E Mount
An incredibly popular third-party zoom updated with vastly improved sharpness and autofocus.
$899
Launch priceReleased Aug 2021
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 is 7 months newer.
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Wins
17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
Wins
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
2 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- A17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- B28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has lower Min focus distance (18 cm vs 38 cm)
- B28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has higher Max magnification (0.37 × vs 0.25 ×)
- A17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD has lower Diameter (65 mm vs 76 mm)
- B28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has lower Length (118 mm vs 124 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD supports it
- ✓
Diameter
65 mm vs 76 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
525 g vs 540 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose the 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 LD, 2 GM
- ✓
Min focus distance
18 cm vs 38 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Custom function button
Only 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 supports it
- ✓
Max magnification
0.37 × vs 0.25 × — higher is better
- ✓
Length
118 mm vs 124 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Max aperture (Wide)
Both f/2.8
Max aperture (Tele)
Both f/2.8
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
Pros
- ✓Superb value for money compared to first-party options
- ✓Excellent sharpness throughout the range, even at f/2.8
- ✓Very lightweight and compact (only 540g)
- ✓Fast VXD linear motor focus drive
- ✓Customizable lens functions via Tamron Lens Utility software
Cons
- –Starts at 28mm instead of the wider 24mm standard
- –Slightly weaker corner sharpness at 75mm wide open
- –Weather sealing is basic compared to Sony GM lenses
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD and 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 at major authorized retailers.
Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.