In recent years, Tamron has demonstrated its boldness in stepping out of the conventional path, bringing innovative solutions in the development of new lenses and their focal lengths. Its strategy of going against the current and doing things differently than its competitors is paying off, positioning it among the leading innovators in the field of visual creation. Following successful models such as the Tamron 35-150mm F2-2.8 Di III VXD, Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD, and Tamron 50-400mm F3.5-5.6 Di III VXD VC, Tamron is now introducing another unique lens to the market. The new Tamron 17-50mm F/4 Di III VXD (Model A068) is the first lens in the world to cover a range from ultra-wide shots to standard focal lengths (ending at the popular 50mm, also known as the “nifty fifty”).
The lens is designed to meet the diverse needs of photographers and videographers - from landscape photography to everyday life shots, making it an ideal choice for those seeking one versatile lens capable of covering a wide spectrum of photographic situations.
First, let's explain what all these abbreviations mean:
Di III (Digitally Integrated Design) - lenses specifically designed for mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses, in this case for Sony Full Frame E-mount, or Sony FE.
VXD (Voice-coil Extreme-torque Drive) - a linear motor focusing mechanism for extremely fast and highly precise movement (compared to the conventional drive system, the linear motor significantly reduces noise and vibration). Currently, it's the best autofocus system Tamron offers.
Design and Construction
With a length of 114.4mm, a maximum diameter of 74.8mm, and a weight of 460g, the Tamron 17-50mm F4 Di III VXD is an ideal travel companion. Additionally, it has maintained a filter diameter of 67mm, common to most Tamron lenses, making filter sharing exceptionally easy. Its robust construction, along with an elegant design (in the spirit of the new Tamron G2 series), gives a sense of durability and reliability. Tamron generally prides itself on using high-quality materials (high-quality plastics and resins combined with precisely shaped glasses) and perfect processing, guaranteed by a 5-year factory warranty (products must be registered within 2 months of purchase on the Tamron website).
The body is sealed against dust and moisture at all critical points, including the USB-C port. Tamron standardly integrates this into all its new lenses for firmware updates or customization of lens features, such as focusing methods (non-linear/linear), comfortably at home using the free downloadable Tamron Lens Utility software. Between the focusing and zoom rings, there is also a programmable focus/hold button that provides additional options for customizing the lens to your needs and creative style.
During zooming, the lens maintains a constant length thanks to its internal zoom mechanism, which will be appreciated by many videographers, eliminating the problem of constantly balancing the gimbal.
The 17-50mm F4 is pleasantly resistant to glare and internal reflections thanks to BBAR-G2 technology (Broad Band Anti Reflection, i.e., multiple coatings of magnesium fluoride layers. Even when shooting against the light at various apertures, I didn't notice anything dramatic. The front element is also coated with a fluorine layer for protection against contamination and easy cleaning from fingerprints and possible dirt.
A few basic parameters of the Tamron 17-50mm F4 Di III VXD:
Model designation: A068
Focal length: 17-50mm
Lens brightness: F4
Optical construction: 15 elements in 13 groups
Number of aperture blades: 9
Minimum focusing distance: 0.19m (WIDE) / 0.3m (TELE)
Filter diameter: 67mm
Weight: 460g
Length: 114.4mm
Sealed against moisture and dust
Compatible with TAMRON Lens Utility software - firmware update and lens function optimization
Image Quality and Performance
One of the main attractions of the 17-50mm F4 is its ability to cover a wide range of important focal lengths while providing sharp images even on high-resolution sensors such as the new Sony a7RV. Although the maximum aperture of f/4 may not seem too attractive at first glance, in reality, it won't be a problem for you, especially thanks to the high ISO capabilities of modern cameras. It's a small price to pay for compact dimensions and an affordable price.
The optical construction of the 17-50mm F4 consists of 15 elements arranged in 13 groups, including three low dispersion (LD - Low Dispersion) lenses, one aspherical (GM - Glass Molded Aspherical) lens, and two hybrid aspherical elements to effectively suppress chromatic aberration. The optical performance is very high, providing high sharpness and contrast across almost the entire zoom range. The pictures are full of details and color-accurate.
The center of the image is extremely sharp and at 17mm, sharpness is maintained to the edges of the images. At 50mm, the lens performs very similarly, although the corners of the image are softer compared to 17mm.
Significant barrel distortion at 17mm, where the lens also vignettes more noticeably, must be mentioned. However, both can be corrected during post-processing using software tools.
Fast focusing is ensured by linear VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) motors. VXD motors offer greater torque compared to traditional RXD motors, which means that autofocus refocuses almost instantly. In addition, the focusing system is very quiet.
Automatic eye focusing works perfectly for both people and animals and holds even while vlogging against very distracting backgrounds. The F4 aperture at 50mm still allows for a pleasant separation from the background, both for photo and video.
Pros:
Range of focal lengths
Internal zoom mechanism for trouble-free balancing on gimbal
Image quality across almost the entire range
Great minimum focusing distance
Sealed against moisture and dust
Strong VXD motors and very precise autofocus
USB-C port for firmware updates and user settings
Excellent color rendition and contrast
Ergonomically shaped body
67mm filters
Price
Cons:
At 17mm, noticeable barrel distortion and more pronounced vignetting (however, removable in post-processing)
Conclusion:
The Tamron 17-50mm F4 Di III VXD offers a unique combination of ultra-wide to standard zoom at a very pleasant price.
Thanks to its wide range of focal lengths and good optical performance, it is ideal for a wide range of genres, from landscape photography to portraits. It is therefore a great choice for photographers looking for one quality zoom lens that can handle most everyday situations. Quality construction and resistance to adverse weather conditions ensure that the 17-50mm F4 Di III VXD will serve you for many years.
If you want to expand your options even further, a great choice is to combine it with the Tamron 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD lens, giving you an extremely flexible duo that allows you to capture practically any subject from landscapes and architecture to wildlife and sports."
Happy shooting and until next time!
Mike