Tamron 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD
The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD lens is one of the most affordable ultra-wide zoom lenses available for Sony E-mount full-frame cameras, and it has quickly gained a reputation for its impressive performance at a budget-friendly price point. As part of Tamron's expanding lineup of lenses, it serves as a natural companion to the 28-75mm f/2.8, rounding out the wide end with a sharp, compact, and lightweight design. Whether you're a landscape photographer, videographer, or content creator looking for versatility without sacrificing quality, this lens has a lot to offer.
At 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 Focusing 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 for fast and quiet performance
- Ideal For: Landscape, architecture, street, and event photography
Design and Build Quality:
The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 lens features a sleek and minimalistic design, staying true to the understated aesthetics of Tamron’s recent releases. Weighing only 420 grams, this lens feels exceptionally light in the hand, making it a perfect companion for long shooting sessions or for photographers who value portability. The lens is made primarily of high-quality plastic, which keeps the weight down while ensuring durability.
A notable design feature is its consistent 67mm filter thread, matching many of Tamron's other lenses, including the 28-75mm f/2.8, making filter swapping easy for photographers using multiple lenses. Although it lacks physical buttons like focus or zoom locks, its simplicity is a testament to its streamlined usability.
Optical Performance:
The image quality produced by the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 is impressive for its price range. At 17mm, it provides a wide field of view perfect for expansive landscapes or tight interior shots. The constant f/2.8 aperture across the zoom range is a significant advantage, allowing for consistent exposure and depth of field control, even in low-light conditions.
Sharpness is excellent in the center, even wide open at f/2.8, with only minor softening at the extreme corners, which is typical for wide-angle lenses. By stopping down to f/5.6 or f/8, the corner sharpness improves significantly, making it ideal for landscape photography where edge-to-edge detail is essential.
Chromatic aberrations are well controlled, especially for a lens at this price point. There may be some slight fringing in high-contrast scenes, but it’s minimal and easily corrected in post-processing. Distortion is also kept at bay, with mild barrel distortion at 17mm and slight pin cushioning at 28mm, both of which can be corrected automatically in-camera or in editing software.
Autofocus and Handling:
Tamron equipped this lens with an RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) autofocus motor, delivering fast, accurate, and near-silent focusing performance. This makes the lens an excellent choice not only for stills but also for video work, where quiet focusing is a must.
The autofocus is reliable in most shooting scenarios, from quick street photography to landscape photography where precision is critical. Paired with a Sony camera's Eye AF system, the lens locks onto subjects effectively, making it suitable for environmental portraits and spontaneous moments. The minimum focusing distance of 0.19m (7.5 inches) at 17mm also adds versatility for close-up shots, creating dynamic wide-angle perspectives.
Bokeh and Low-Light Performance:
While wide-angle lenses aren't typically known for their bokeh, the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 delivers surprisingly smooth background separation when used at its minimum focusing distance. The f/2.8 aperture helps to create a shallow depth of field, especially when framing subjects closer to the lens, making it possible to blur the background and emphasize the subject.
In low-light conditions, the constant f/2.8 aperture is a lifesaver. While the lens doesn’t have built-in image stabilization, it pairs well with Sony’s in-body stabilization, making it easier to shoot handheld in dim environments without resorting to higher ISO settings.
Value for Money:
When you consider the price-to-performance ratio, the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 offers incredible value. It competes with significantly more expensive alternatives like Sony’s 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master but at a fraction of the cost. The fact that it delivers professional-level image quality in such a lightweight and affordable package makes it an appealing option for both enthusiasts and professional photographers.
For those who already own Tamron’s 28-75mm f/2.8, this lens complements it perfectly, providing seamless coverage from ultra-wide to short telephoto without the bulk or financial strain of other alternatives.
Pros:
- Constant f/2.8 aperture
- Compact and lightweight design
- Sharp center performance, even wide open
- Fast and quiet autofocus
- Affordable compared to competitors
- Weather-sealed construction for added durability
Cons:
- No built-in image stabilization
- Some corner softness at wider apertures
- Slight distortion at both ends of the zoom range
Final Verdict:
The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 is a must-have for Sony E-mount photographers looking for an ultra-wide-angle lens that doesn’t compromise on performance or budget. Its constant f/2.8 aperture, lightweight design, and excellent image quality make it an outstanding option for anyone shooting landscapes, architecture, or environmental portraits. While it lacks some of the premium features of pricier alternatives, it delivers where it matters most: sharpness, portability, and reliability.
This lens punches well above its weight, making it a smart investment for both hobbyists and professionals alike.
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