Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD vs Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
It's a trade-off
The Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD and Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD differ mainly in focal length — 11-20mm versus 17-70mm — so the right choice comes down to the field of view you want rather than one lens outperforming the other. The Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD offers a lower price (£95 less), a lighter body (190g less) and closer minimum focusing, while the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD offers built-in stabilization. Both share a compatible lens mount.
Our take: If you're unsure, the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD is the safer value pick — step up to the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD only if you want more reach (17-70mm) and built-in stabilization.
Which should you buy?
It really comes down to field of view — 11-20mm versus 17-70mm — pick the one that frames what you shoot.
Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD
…if you want:
- A broader field of view (11-20mm)
- A lower price (£95 less)
- A lighter body (190g less)
- Closer minimum focusing
Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
…if you want:
- More reach (17-70mm)
- Built-in stabilization
Full specifications
| Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD | Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD |
|---|---|
| Price £350on eBay Cheaper | Price £445on eBay |
| BrandTamron | BrandTamron |
Sensor Format
| Sensor Format
|
Mount
| Mount
|
| CategoryUltra Wide | CategoryUltra Wide |
| Use Case ArchitecturalAstroLandscapeLow LightVlogging | Use Case EverydayTravelEventLow LightVideography |
| Focal Length11mm - 20mm | Focal Length17mm - 70mm |
| Angle of View105° - 71° | Angle of View79° - 23° |
| Aperture f/2.8 (max)f/16 (min) | Aperture f/2.8 (max)f/22 (min) |
| Blades7 | Blades9 Smoother bokeh |
| Circular ApertureYes | Circular ApertureYes |
| Min Focus Distance0.15m Focuses closer | Min Focus Distance0.19m |
| Max Magnification0.28x Higher magnification | Max Magnification0.27x |
| Filter Diameter67mm | Filter Diameter67mm |
| Weight335g Lighter | Weight525g |
| StabilizationNo (relies on camera) | StabilizationYes Has stabilization |
| Auto FocusYes | Auto FocusYes |
| Release Date2021 | Release Date2020 |
| View full detailsTamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD | View full detailsTamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD |
Lenny's verdict
