G P L : General Purpose Lens

Every photographer in their journey will definitely needs a GPL : General Purpose Lens.Mine started with a XF18-55mm F2.8-4. I love this lens for its versatility. Unfortunately itsthis lens is not a F2.8 constant. But as a kit lens its an amazing lens. If we move up the ladder, we will be looking at XF16-55 F2.8 LM WR. This is a beast of a GPL. The glass on this lensis second to none for a zoom lens. I actually name it prime zoom. In the early years many wished it had OIS. These days I guess its OK as many newer X bodies have IBIS. The other GPL is XF16-80mm F4 OIS WR. I truly love this lens for its zoom range. F4 may not be to everyone’s taste but it’s a good GPL still. 

Now, for today’s post; I am here to share with my fellow FujiFanBoys the Tamron 17-70mmF2.8 Di lll – A VC RXD. This is not a new lens, as it already available for Sony E- Mount. I had this lens a tad less than a week. Below are some photos to share and I will let the photo do the talking. Have a look and let me know what you think? All shot in jpeg. 

Lovely set-up. X-Pro3 + Tamron 17-70mm F2.8. Strap by https://www.instagram.com/hyperion_camera_straps/

@ 17mm,F7.1, 1/140 sec, ISO 160
@36mm, F4, 1/1900 sec, ISO 160.
@ 70mm,F2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO 200
@ 17mm,F2.8, 1/140 sec, ISO 160
@38mm, F2.8, 1/5500 sec, ISO 160.
@ 70mm,F2.8, 1/450 sec, ISO 320
@ 38mm,F2.8, 1/8 sec, ISO 2500.(double exposure)
F4, 1/1900 sec, ISO 3200.(multiple exposure)
@ 17mm,F5, 1/10 sec, ISO 2500
@ 70mm,F2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO 800
Product shot! @ 46mm,F2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO 320
@ 30mm,F4, 1/320 sec, ISO 160
@17mm,F4 1/320 sec, ISO 160
@ 17mm,F2.8, 1/2500 sec, ISO 320
@ 70mm,F2.8, 1/220 sec, ISO 320
@ 70mm,F2.8, 1/4000 sec, ISO 320
@ 70mm,F2.8, 1/450 sec, ISO 320
@ 35mm,F5, 1/3500 sec, ISO 160
@ 36mm,F4, 1/1600 sec, ISO 160
F2.8, 1/13 sec, ISO 250.(multiple exposure)
@ 25mm,F4, 1/3800 sec, ISO 160
@ 70mm,F4, 1/1500 sec, ISO 160
@ 35mm,F2.8, 1/2000 sec, ISO 160
@ 17mm,F4, 1/900 sec, ISO 160
@ 56mm,F2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO 640
My daughter shot this. @ 17mm,F2.8, 1/850 sec, ISO 320
@ 17mm,F2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO 160

Let’s compare this two lenses. Not really a fair comparison. just in the name of fun…..

420 grams vs 655 grams. $799 vs $1199.
Left Tamron 17-70mm F2.8. Right XF16-55 F2.8 (shot at 55mm @F2.8)
XF16-55mm F2.8 is the winner here. (at 200% zoom)
@ 17mm,F5.6, 1/1700 sec, ISO 160
@ 58mm,F2.8, 1/1250 sec, ISO 160
@ 70mm,F4, 1/2500 sec, ISO 160
@ 17mm,F5.6, 1/420 sec, ISO 160
@ 70mm,F2.8, 1/2400 sec, ISO 160
@ 70mm,F2.8, 1/5500 sec, ISO 160
@ 70mm,F2.8,1/4000 sec, ISO 160
@ 70mm,F2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO 800
Same spot. Left at 17mm and right at 70mm.
@ 17mm,F2.8, 1/3500 sec, ISO 160
@ 17mm,F4, 1/800 sec, ISO 160
@ 42mm,F4.5, 1/340 sec, ISO 160

This lens does protrude when you zoom and there is no aperture ring. Some Fujifanboys like myself, may consider this as a deal breaker. Weighting at 420 grams, this lens a light. Auto focus is quick and quiet. There are no WR but it does have vibration control. Which is a plus point.  This lens do suffer from some ghosting, barrel distortion and chromatic aberration when challenge. Some of which could be fixed in post. At the price of $799 according to MOMENT; this lens do command value. XF18-55mm F2.8-4 is at USD$699. For a $100 more I would go for the Tamron. 

The glass of this lens is pretty good for what you are paying for. Its sharp throughout even at F2.8. I would recommend this lens for anyone, especially beginners, as the price is really attractive for what you are getting. I am certain this lens will take you all the way to intermediate level and above.

This lens is perfect for travels. Especially when the world is opening up after the pandamic. It’s a one lens to do it all. From landscape, street and even some lovely portraits. It’s a very good GPL.

So, who is thinking of getting the new Tamron 17-77mm F2.8 Lens? The good people at Moment is offering a $50 off this new lens during pre-order for FujiFanBoys ( and for Sony mount too!)This offer ends 30th June 2022. The promo code is :” Fujifanboys ” and here is the link https://partner.shopmoment.com/mgBog7

Lastly I would like to invite everyone to FujiFanBoys 4th Annual Best of Show. This international photo competition, is the biggest for Fujifilm. And the best part, X-H2S is just one of the many great prizes. For more details just check out the below link and also follow us at our IG 

IG :https://www.instagram.com/fujifanboy

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