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
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD
Sony E Mount
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD — 70–180mm f/2.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the tamron lineup.
$1,199
Launch priceReleased May 2020
17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD is 8 months newer.
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Wins
17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
Wins
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD
4 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- A17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- A17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD has lower Weight (525 g vs 815 g)
- A17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD has lower Length (124 mm vs 164 mm)
- A17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD has lower Diameter (65 mm vs 81 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
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD supports it
- ✓
Weight
525 g vs 815 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
124 mm vs 164 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
65 mm vs 81 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD
- ✓
Control ring
Only 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD supports it
Shared specifications
Max aperture (Wide)
Both f/2.8
Max aperture (Tele)
Both f/2.8
Min focus distance
Both 38 cm
Max magnification
Both 0.25 ×
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
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
- ✓Native Sony E mount compatibility
Cons
- –No optical stabilization — relies on body IBIS
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD and 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD at major authorized retailers.
Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
Tamron 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.