Sony SEL2470GM
Score: 82/100
Tamron 17-70mm
Score: 82/100Rankings
Sony's FE 24-70 mm f/2.8 G Master delivers professional-grade sharpness, constant aperture and robust weather sealing for demanding full-frame work. The lens is heavy and large, and lacks built-in stabilization, which can be a drawback for handheld or gimbal use. Best for professionals needing a versatile, high-performance standard zoom.
The Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD is a versatile, constant-aperture zoom with built-in vibration compensation and weather-sealed construction, delivering sharp images across a useful focal range. Minor vignetting and by-wire focus quirks are its main trade-offs. It excels for APS-C mirrorless shooters needing a fast, all-round travel lens.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
2.8best | 2.8best | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.38 m | 0.19 mbest |
| ↓ lower better | 884 g | 525 gbest |
2.9 | 4.1best | |
9best | 9best | |
0.2best | 0.2 | |
18best | 16 | |
13best | 12 |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(1) | ||
Mount Compatibility | Sony E-mount full-frame | Sony E-mount (APS-C) |
Features(2) | ||
Image Stabilization | false | true |
Autofocus Type | SSM | RXD |
Optics(7) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 24-70 mm | 17-70 mm |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 0.38 m | 0.19 m |
Zoom Ratio | 2.92 | 4.1 |
Macro Ratio | 0.24 | 0.21 |
Number of Optical Elements | 18 | 16 |
Number of Optical Groups | 13 | 12 |
Coating | Nano AR | Fluorine, BBAR |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Filter Thread Size (mm) | 82 mm | 67 mm |
Weight (g) | 884 g | 525 g |
Length (mm) | 134.6 mm | 119.3 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 87.6 mm | 74.6 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consistently praise the SEL2470GM for its G Master-level resolution, robust weather-sealed build, and quiet, precise SSM autofocus, noting that it delivers studio-quality sharpness and beautiful bokeh across the zoom range. However, they also flag its considerable weight and lack of focus-limiter features, and some question whether the 2016 design remains the best choice now that lighter, newer GM II variants are available.
Everyday users celebrate the lens's versatile focal length, fast aperture, and reliable AF, especially for weddings, events, and portrait work, while repeatedly mentioning its heavy build and size as a drawback for long handheld sessions, travel, and gimbal mounting. Corner softness at 70 mm and the absence of a focus limiter also surface as common concerns.
Professional reviewers commend the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 for its travel-friendly size, constant fast aperture, and the added benefit of VC, which together deliver high-resolution, homogenous images and quiet, responsive autofocus. The lens is praised as a well-balanced, versatile option that feels solid in hand, though critics point out its noticeable vignetting, slight edge softness at 70 mm, and the quirks of its by-wire focus system.
Everyday users love the lens's portability, sharpness and the ability to shoot handheld in low light thanks to the f/2.8 aperture and VC. They frequently cite its "do-it-all" range as a major value, while repeatedly noting the need to correct vignetting and occasional autofocus oddities as the main pain points.
“Constant f/2.8 maximum aperture enables consistent exposure and depth-of-field control.”
“Built-in Tamron Vibration Compensation provides up to approximately five stops of image stabilization.”
