It’s lenses like the soon to be announced Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 for Sony APS-C that make me want to skip getting a full frame camera.
Sony may have a 16-55mm f/2.8 lens for its APS-C cameras, but it costs more than any of the current bodies. At $1300, it’s hard to make enthusiasts such as myself justify the need for the Sony zoom.
This is where the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RX D comes in. In terms of full frame coverage, it extends from 26mm to 107mm and it delivers an equivalent f/4.28 depth of field effect. This is extremely close to a classic 24-105mm f/4 lens. Purists might moan about the lack of a 24mm angle, but, if anything, the 28-75mm f/2.8 Tamron full frame lens has shown photographers are willing to sacrifice extra width if a lens gets them good image quality and a decent price.
This is Tamron’s first Sony APS-C lens in a very long time. If it turns out to be successful, more manufacturers could jump in and provide APS-C users with good quality zoom lenses. I’m looking at you, Sigma! Those 18-35mm f/1.8 and 50-100mm f/1.8 lenses would look amazing on any APS-C mirrorless camera!
