A First Look at the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens

Tamron's 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD lens for Sony mirrorless cameras has been an absolute runaway success, with its combination of portability, image quality, and affordable cost winning over many photographers and videographers. The 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD follows a similar design philosophy, and many people are already excited about the lens. This great video takes a first look at the lens to help you decide if you should add it to your arsenal.

Coming to you from Dustin Abbott, this awesome video takes a first look at the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD lens for Sony mirrorless cameras. I had the pleasure of testing out the 28-75mm f/2.8 recently (review coming soon), and I found its image quality, price, and overall performance to be a real winning combination, enough so that I plan on picking one up for myself now that I've sent the loaner back. Nonetheless, a few photographers have missed the extra 4mm on the wide end (as these sort of lenses are typically 24-70mm), so the 17-28mm should be an intriguing option for anyone who is looking to round out the focal length range in their kit or simply for an affordable, high-quality wide angle zoom with a wide maximum aperture. Check out the video above for Abbott's full thoughts. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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5 Comments

I can't help but feel that the focal range is too restrictive considering the alternatives. It's a compromise lens - and there's nothing wrong with that - but I just see more value in a fast wide 21mm prime and maybe the 16-35 f4 for landscapes. It's a logical companion for the 28-75, but not as compelling on its own.

Definitely a fair point, though as a companion, I think it'll probably be great.

I'm considering selling my Zeiss 16-35 f/4 once I get a chance to test a Tamron out in person. As a wedding photographer I can definitely take advantage of that extra stop of light during receptions. I just want to be sure that low light focusing is up to par. A 3rd GM lens is not currently in the budget, though I did test out the 16-35GM via Sony Pro Support and absolutely loved it.

When are Tamron going to address the OTHER end of 75mm, 75-210 or whatever? I seriously don't want to splash out on a Sony 70-200 f2.8 or even the f4 model.

Called Focus Camera (they received 30 lens on 8/8/19) and lens is back in stock at https://www.focuscamera.com/tamron-di-iii-rxd-17-28mm-lens-for-sony-e-mo...