Tamron 17-50mm F/4 Di III VXD

Specifications01

MountSONY FE

Focal length17-50mm

Max aperturef/4

TypeCinema · Macro · Zoom

Weight460 g

Filter size67 mm

Physical length114.4 mm

Barrel diameter75 mm

Min focus distance0.25 m

Max magnification0.4

Aperture blades9

Optical elements15

Groups13

AutofocusYes

StabilizationYes

Weather sealedYes

Lens hoodpetal-shaped (bayonet mount, optional)

Approx price$549

Additional Info02

TypeWide-angle zoom

Category["Sony","Sony FE (Full Format)"]

Keywords["E-mount","Standard","Tamron","Zoom"]

Angle Of View103.4-46.4°

Review AuthorKlaus

Review Rating5.5

Other Featuresmoisture-resistent

Review VerdictWe have to give it to Tamron - they innovated and produced a quite unique lens with the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD. It's the first full-format ultra-wide zoom lens this wide that stretches into standard focal lengths. However, paper specs aren't everything, and we wouldn't call it an obvious choice for Sony users. The resolution figures aren't bad, but real-world images lack 3D pop (aka micro-contrast) and appear to be rather flat without additional massaging in post. This is also reflected by a generally dampened resolution, including in the image center. Technically, the resolution is good in the ultra-wide to wide range, but it tanks at 50mm. Typical for many exotic wide-zoom lenses, the distortion figures are fairly extreme at 17mm and 20mm, so auto-correction is a must. This also applies to the very high vignetting in RAW images. Lateral CAs are relatively well managed. The quality of the bokeh is Okay, but it is hardly a reason to buy this lens. The build quality is generally fine. Tamron's design philosophy tends to emphasize lightweight over "perceived" build quality, and it's a personal preference whether you like this approach or not. It certainly doesn't feel as if it was carved from rock unless we are talking about one made of plastic. The Tamron 17-50mm f4 Di III VXD is a comparatively long lens for what it is - a side effect of the "internal" zoom mechanism and the somewhat strange way it has been implemented. A potentially better sealing is certainly a welcome advantage. Tamron's AF drive is both very fast and silent. Tamron can be commended for trying to extend the range of an ultra-wide lens to 50mm. However, it is pretty clear that the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD is not a substitute for standard zoom lenses, which tend to have a more balanced performance. At least on a high-megapixel body, the 50mm end isn't really more than an emergency setting. Overall, we wouldn't recommend this lens for professional photography, but it could still be a viable choice for video where the quality requirements aren't quite as high.

Review Criteria{"Build Quality":7,"Optical Quality":5.5,"Price / Performance":6.5}

Review Published2023-12-31T06:57:30+00:00

Optical Construction15 elements in 13 groups (1x molded aspherical, 2x hybrid aspherical, 3x LD elements)

Field Notes02

Tamron 17-50mm F/4 Di III VXD is a standard zoom lens for Sony E/FE-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras. It provides a constant f/4 aperture for general-purpose photography.

AI-assisted summary — verify against linked sources

Catalog note · source: opticallimits