Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
What Buyers Say
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
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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
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR | Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 17 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 80 mm | 70 mm |
| Elements | — | 16 |
| Groups | — | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 3 | 3 |
| ED Elements | 4★ | 2 |
| Coating | Nano Crystal & Super Integrated Coatings | Fluorine Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | — | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 0.12 kg★ | 0.54 kg |
| Filter Thread | 72 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Silent Wave Motor | RXD |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | — | 190 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | — | 1:4.8★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
- Strong build (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong versatility (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong aperture (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Below average macro (13th percentile)13th %ile
- Below average social proof (21st percentile)
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
Pricing
Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD offers 2.9x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.
