Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
Nikon NIKKOR AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
What Buyers Say
Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
The Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD lens is widely praised for its sharpness, versatile zoom range, constant aperture, and effective stabilization, making it an excellent all-around lens for APS-C cameras. Users appreciate its solid build quality and value for money, though many note it is noticeably heavier and larger than typical kit lenses, which can feel unbalanced on smaller camera bodies. A few reviewers mention minor issues like chromatic aberration at the longer end and noise from the aperture blades at certain settings, but overall sentiment is very positive.
Pros
- sharp image quality across zoom range
- constant f/2.8 aperture
- effective image stabilization
- fast and quiet autofocus
- versatile 17-70mm focal range
Cons
- heavy and large for APS-C body
- chromatic aberration at 50-70mm
- aperture blade noise above f/5.6
- short zoom throw initially stiff
- no aperture ring on Fuji version
Nikon NIKKOR AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
The Nikon AF-P 18-55mm lens receives mixed feedback. Many users praise its sharpness, silent autofocus in video mode, and lightweight design, but compatibility issues with older Nikon cameras like the D5000 and D3300 (without firmware update) are a recurring complaint. Some users report defective units where autofocus fails entirely, while others find it a significant upgrade over older AF-S lenses for video work.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Silent autofocus in video mode
- Lightweight and compact design
- Fast autofocus speed
- Good value for money
Cons
- Compatibility issues with older cameras
- Autofocus failure on some units
- Zoom noise picked up by internal mic
- No VR or manual focus button on lens
- Requires firmware update for some cameras
Scores
Specifications
| Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD | Nikon NIKKOR AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 17 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 70 mm | 55 mm |
| Elements | 16 | — |
| Groups | 12 | — |
| Aspherical Elements | 3★ | 2 |
| ED Elements | 2★ | — |
| Coating | Fluorine Coating | Super Integrated Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | 3.5-5.6 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9★ | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon F |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.54 kg | 0.20 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 52 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | RXD | pulse stepping motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | — | 4 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 190 mm | 83 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 1:4.8★ | — |
Pros & Cons
Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
- Strong optical (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong versatility (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong bokeh (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong aperture (86th percentile)86th %ile
Nikon NIKKOR AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
- Strong macro (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong af (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong build (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (16th percentile)16th %ile
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.