Tamron 17-70mm
Score: 82/100
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8
Score: 82/100Rankings
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.
The Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary is a compact, constant-aperture standard zoom for APS-C mirrorless cameras, offering sharp optics and close-focus capability. Its lack of image stabilization and reduced corner performance on very high-resolution sensors are notable trade-offs. Ideal for travel and street photographers who value portability.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
2.8best | 2.8best | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.19 m | 0.121 mbest |
| ↓ lower better | 525 g | 290 gbest |
4.1best | 2.8 | |
9best | 7 | |
0.2 | 0.4best | |
16best | 13 | |
12best | 10 |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(1) | ||
Mount Compatibility | Sony E-mount (APS-C) | L-Mount, Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon RF |
Features(2) | ||
Image Stabilization | true | false |
Autofocus Type | RXD | Autofocus |
Optics(7) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 17-70 mm | 18-50 mm |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 0.19 m | 0.121 m |
Zoom Ratio | 4.1 | 2.78 |
Macro Ratio | 0.21 | 0.36 |
Number of Optical Elements | 16 | 13 |
Number of Optical Groups | 12 | 10 |
Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 7 |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Filter Thread Size (mm) | 67 mm | 55 mm |
Weight (g) | 525 g | 290 g |
Length (mm) | 119.3 mm | 74.5 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 74.6 mm | 65.4 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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.
Professional reviewers commend the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN for its revolutionary compactness, sharp optics and bright constant aperture, calling it an "ultimate workhorse" that delivers excellent image quality in a tiny package. They also note its strong close-focus capability, but point out the lack of image stabilization, corner softness on very high-resolution sensors, and a slightly limited 18 mm wide-end compared with competing lenses.
Everyday users love the lens's pocketable size, sharpness for street and travel shooting, and the value it provides as a daily driver. Common praise centers on its lightweight feel, macro-style close-ups, and affordable price, while recurring themes of criticism include edge distortion, autofocus noise in video, and the missing stabilization feature.
“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.”
“ultimate workhorse”
