16 June 2022 updated 16 June 2022
Today (June 16, 2022), Tamron announced the launch of the 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Model B070) for Fujifilm X-mount. This is a fast-aperture standard zoom lens for Fujifilm's range of APS-C mirrorless cameras. The launch is scheduled for July 8, 2022, although this could change.
This is the Fujifilm X-mount version of a lens released on January 14, 2021 for Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras.
Notable features include:
Fujifilm themselves already offer a number of high quality lenses for their X-mount cameras, although this lens offers a unique set of features.
The Fujifilm 16-80mmF4 R OIS WR is a very highly regarded lens, with OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation) and WR (Water Resistance). It goes slightly wider and longer than the Tamron, but has a maximum aperture across the zoom range of F/4. You may prefer the extra stop of light the Tamron offers if you are working in low light, or wish to utilise shallow depth of field effects.
The Fujifilm 16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR has the F/2.8 maximum aperture across the zoom range like the Tamron. It goes slightly wider (16mm), but the zoom only goes to 55mm. It has a fast linear motor, and water resistance. However, it is heavier, at 655g, and doesn't have built-in image stabilisation.
The Fujifilm 18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS has a variable maximum aperture across the zoom range between F/2.8 and F/4. It does not reach quite as wide or as long as the Tamron. It has a linear motor and optical image stabilisation.
The Fujifilm 18-135mmF3.5-5.6 WR LM R OIS has a variable maximum aperture across the zoom range between F/3.5 and F/5.6. It has water resistance, a linear motor, and optical image stabilisation. It does not go quite as wide as the Tamron, but is much more versatile at the long end, going to 135mm. The longer range makes this very useful as a travel lens, with good image quality for the range it provides.
The new Tamron fits the bill if you want a high quality, well featured lens for stills and video that has a maximum aperture of F/2.8 across the zoom range, and reaches beyond the 55mm of the Fujifilm equivalents.
Park Cameras is taking pre-orders for the new lens priced at £829.00, for delivery late July.