Tamron 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD Lens
Tamron 17-28mm F2.8 Review: The Ultimate Wide-Angle Companion
The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD is one of the best-value ultra-wide zoom lenses for Sony E-mount full-frame cameras, delivering professional-level performance at a fraction of the cost of premium alternatives. As part of Tamron’s lightweight and travel-friendly lineup, this lens is a perfect match for the 28-75mm f/2.8, covering the wide end with stunning sharpness and a bright f/2.8 aperture.
Whether you're a landscape photographer, videographer, or content creator, this lens provides versatility, image quality, and portability without compromise.
This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on AmazonAt a Glance:
- Focal Length: 17-28mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- Mount Type: Sony E (Full-Frame)
- Filter Size: 67mm
- Weight: 420g (14.8 oz)
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.19m (7.5 inches)
- Lens Elements: 13 elements in 11 groups
- Image Stabilization: No (relies on in-body stabilization)
- Autofocus: RXD stepping motor (fast and silent)
- Ideal For: Landscape, architecture, street, and event photography
Design & Build Quality
The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 follows Tamron’s philosophy of making lightweight, travel-friendly lenses without sacrificing optical performance. At just 420g, it is noticeably lighter than most full-frame ultra-wide zooms, making it an excellent choice for run-and-gun shooting, travel, and vlogging.
Key Design Features:
✔ Compact & lightweight – Ideal for travel and handheld shooting.
✔ 67mm filter thread – Matches Tamron’s 28-75mm f/2.8, saving money on filters.
✔ Weather-sealed – Resistant to moisture and dust.
✔ Internal zoom mechanism – Keeps the lens stable when mounted on a gimbal.
While it lacks physical switches like an AF/MF toggle or zoom lock, its simple, streamlined design makes it intuitive to use.
Image Quality & Optical Performance
For an ultra-wide zoom at this price, the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 delivers excellent sharpness, contrast, and minimal distortion.
- Center Sharpness: Outstanding even at f/2.8, with impressive detail across the frame.
- Corner Sharpness: Slightly soft wide open but sharpens considerably at f/5.6-f/8.
- Distortion: Mild barrel distortion at 17mm, minimal pincushioning at 28mm—both easily correctable.
- Chromatic Aberration: Well-controlled, with only minor fringing in extreme high-contrast scenes.
- Flare & Ghosting: Tamron’s BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) coating minimizes flare, though strong backlight can introduce some ghosting.
- Color Rendition: Natural and neutral, with solid contrast and accurate white balance.
🌍 Perfect for: Landscapes, architecture, and travel photography, where wide coverage and high sharpness are essential.
Check Price on Adorama
Autofocus & Handling
Tamron’s RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) motor delivers fast, silent, and accurate autofocus, making it well-suited for both photo and video work.
- Stills Performance: Locks onto subjects quickly, even in low-light conditions.
- Video Performance: Virtually silent autofocus, making it a great choice for vlogging and cinematography.
- Focus Breathing: Minimal—great for filmmakers who need consistent framing when racking focus.
- Manual Focus Experience: Focus-by-wire system works well, though it lacks linear response mode for precise manual focusing.
🎥 Gimbal & Handheld Use:
The internal zoom mechanism ensures the lens doesn’t extend when zooming, making it far more stable on gimbals than many competing lenses.
Bokeh & Low-Light Performance
While ultra-wide lenses aren’t typically known for bokeh, the f/2.8 aperture combined with the short 0.19m (7.5-inch) minimum focusing distance allows for some pleasant subject isolation when shooting close-ups.
- Background Blur: While not as creamy as a longer focal length, bokeh is smooth with minimal distractions.
- Low-Light Performance:
- The f/2.8 aperture helps keep ISO low in dim conditions.
- Pairs well with Sony’s IBIS, making handheld shooting in low light much easier.
- Not quite as bright as an f/1.8 prime, but significantly better than an f/4 zoom.
⭐ Bonus: Starburst Performance
Stopped down to f/11 or f/16, this lens produces pleasing 18-point sun stars, great for cityscapes and night photography.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
✅ Constant f/2.8 aperture for great low-light performance.
✅ Compact & lightweight – ideal for travel & handheld shooting.
✅ Fast, silent autofocus – great for both photo & video.
✅ Excellent sharpness, especially in the center.
✅ Minimal focus breathing, making it great for video.
✅ 67mm filter thread – matches other Tamron zooms for convenience.
✅ Internal zoom – stays balanced when using a gimbal.
Cons:
❌ No built-in image stabilization – relies on Sony’s IBIS.
❌ Slight corner softness at f/2.8 – improves when stopped down.
❌ Some minor barrel distortion at 17mm – correctable in post.
Where to Buy the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Lens
Ready to add the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 to your kit? Check it out here:
Final Verdict
The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 is an essential ultra-wide zoom for Sony E-mount users, balancing portability, performance, and affordability. Whether you’re a travel photographer, landscape shooter, or video creator, this lens delivers pro-level image quality without the premium price tag.
While it lacks built-in stabilization, its sharp optics, fast f/2.8 aperture, and lightweight build make it a standout choice for budget-conscious photographers.
🚀 For 90% of users, the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 is the best ultra-wide zoom for the money.