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Tamron has announced the launch of the 17–70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD, a standard zoom lens for Fujifilm X-mount camera systems based on the same lens announced for Sony E-mount camera systems back in January 2021.
The lens offers a 25.5–105mm full-frame equivalent field-of-view and is constructed of 16 elements in 12 groups, including two Glass Molded Aspherical (GM) elements and one hybrid aspherical element. It features a minimum focusing distance of 19cm (7.5″) at the wide end and 39cm (15.4″) at the tele end.
The lens is optically stabilized with Tamron’s proprietary VC mechanism that works alongside a dedicated Micro Processor Unit (MPU) to compensate for movement in stills and video shooting. Autofocus is riven via Tamron’s RXD stepping motor mechanism.
Other features include a nine-blade circular aperture diaphragm, a 67mm front filter thread size and an aperture range of F2.8 through F22. The lens is also ‘moisture-resistant’ and has a fluorine coating on the front element to keep dirt and debris at bay as much as possible.
The lens measures 74.6mm (2.9″) in diameter, 12cm (4.7″) long and 530g (18.7 oz).
Tamron’s 17–70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD is expected to go on sale starting July 8, 2022 for $799. However, Tamron does note that ‘due to the current global health crisis, the release date or product supply schedule could change.
Press release:
TAMRON Announces the Launch of the World’s First1 Wide Range 4.1x Standard Zoom Lens for FUJIFILM X-mount
17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Model B070)
June 15, 2022, Commack, NY – Tamron announces the launch of the 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Model B070), a fast-aperture standard zoom lens for FUJIFILM X-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras. The lens is scheduled to be on sale on July 8, 2022, at $799. However, due to the current global health crisis, the release date or product supply schedule could change.
This new lens is the FUJIFILM X-Mount version of the 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Model B070) released in January 2021 for Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras. It features a maximum aperture of F2.8 across the entire 4.1x zoom ratio that covers the focal length range of 17-70mm (full-frame equivalent of 25.5-105mm), and superb optical performance. It is a small, lightweight lens equipped with Tamron’s VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism to minimize camera shake. The VC mechanism leverages AI technology when shooting video.
It is also equipped with the quiet RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) AF motor and has minimal focus breathing. These features enable videographers to shoot comfortably when using a mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera. For added versatility, the 17-70mm F2.8 offers an exceptional MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 7.5” at the wide-angle end, Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating. Its 67mm filter size is the same as most TAMRON lenses for mirrorless cameras. It is a highly useful lens that delivers high image quality for photography and videography with its fast F2.8 aperture.
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
1. World’s first fast-aperture standard zoom lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras with the focal length range of 17-70mm (4.1x zoom ratio)
The Model B070 has a focal length range of 17-70mm, equivalent to 25.5-105mm on full-frame cameras. It is the first F2.8 fast-aperture zoom lens in the world for APS-C mirrorless cameras to achieve a 4.1x zoom ratio.
2. Outstanding optical performance
The optical construction of the 17-70mm F2.8 features 16 elements in 12 groups. Two GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) and one hybrid aspherical lens elements are precisely arranged to maintain high-resolution performance from edge to edge.
3. VC mechanism optimized for both still images and video shooting
The 17-70mm F2.8 features TAMRON’s proprietary VC mechanism. Additional sophisticated algorithms optimized for this model and a dedicated, independently operating MPU (Micro Processor Unit) all combine to superbly compensate for vibration. This feature is available when the lens is used with cameras with or without in-body image stabilization. When shooting video, by leveraging AI technology, image stabilization performs automatically to best compensate for different shooting situations.
4. Exceptionally quiet RXD stepping motor
The 17-70mm F2.8 incorporates TAMRON’s proprietary RXD stepping motor. Remarkably quiet, the lens facilitates photography and videography in conditions that require silence. Supporting stress-free focusing from the wide-angle to the telephoto end of the zoom range, RXD technology enables the camera’s focus tracking of moving objects to perform superbly.
5. Suppresses focus breathing
The 17-70mm F2.8 has minimal focus breathing, an undesirable phenomenon in which the angle of view changes depending on the focusing distance during videography. By counteracting focus breathing, the 17-70mm F2.8 empowers users’ expression of their creative intentions to the fullest degree.
6. Close focusing MOD is just 7.5” at wide-angle end
7. A highly portable compact design
8. Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating provide extra protection
1 Among interchangeable F2.8 standard zoom lenses for APS-C mirrorless cameras (As of May, 2022: TAMRON)
2 Di III-A: For APS-C format mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras
| Principal specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens type | Zoom lens |
| Max Format size | APS-C / DX |
| Focal length | 17–70 mm |
| Image stabilization | Yes (Vibration Compensation (VC)) |
| Lens mount | Fujifilm X, Sony FE |
| Aperture | |
| Maximum aperture | F2.8 |
| Aperture ring | No |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 9 |
| Aperture notes | Circular diaphragm |
| Optics | |
| Elements | 16 |
| Groups | 12 |
| Special elements / coatings | Two GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) elements and one hybrid aspherical lens element. |
| Focus | |
| Minimum focus | 0.20 m (7.68″) |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Motor type | Stepper motor |
| Full time manual | Yes |
| Focus method | Internal |
| Distance scale | No |
| DoF scale | No |
| Physical | |
| Weight | 530 g (1.17 lb) |
| Diameter | 75 mm (2.94″) |
| Length | 120 mm (4.72″) |
| Sealing | Yes |
| Colour | Black |
| Zoom method | Rotary (internal) |
| Power zoom | No |
| Zoom lock | No |
| Filter thread | 67 mm |
| Hood supplied | Yes |
| Tripod collar | No |
Author:
Gannon Burgett
Source: Dpreview
