Which is better for portraits?

The 70-180mm G2 gives more compression and reach for head-and-shoulders portraits. The 17-70mm covers 50-70mm, which works for environmental portraits and groups.

Can I use the 17-70mm on a full-frame Sony body?

It is an APS-C lens. On a full-frame body it works in crop mode at reduced resolution and will vignette outside the crop.

Is the 70-180mm G2 worth $400 more?

Only if you need telephoto reach or shoot full frame. For general APS-C shooting, the 17-70mm covers more situations for less money.

Which has better stabilization?

Both have Tamron VC optical stabilization. On a Sony body with IBIS, the two systems work together, so the practical difference is small.

Do they take the same filters?

Yes. Both use 67mm filters, so UV, CPL and ND filters can be shared between them.

Which focuses closer?

The 17-70mm focuses to 0.19 m at the wide end with 1:4.8 magnification. The 70-180mm G2 focuses to about 0.3 m, useful for half-macro at 70mm.

Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD vs Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2

These are complementary lenses, not substitutes. The 17-70mm f/2.8 covers wide to short telephoto and is the better single-lens choice for most Sony APS-C shooters; the 70-180mm f/2.8 G2 is a full-frame telephoto zoom for reach, portraits and events. As of November 6, 2026, the 17-70mm is $599.00 at Abt Electronics & Appliances and the 70-180mm G2 is $999.00 at Amazon.

Today the Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A VC RXD costs $400.00 less at its best price.

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