This year Tamron is releasing a new ultra-wide angle zoom lens for Sony Alpha full-frame mirrorless cameras. Will it have enough to compare with the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM but at a more affordable price?
Tamron's upcoming 17-28mm is said to be compact and lightweight. With only a 67mm filter size compared to the Sony 16-35mm GM's 82mm, it appears that a compromise of focal length range may benefit those seeking a more travel-friendly option.
The Tamron 17-28mm will have a minimum focusing distance of 7.5 inches at the wide end, with no mention in the press release as to how close the long end can focus. As with their well-reviewed 28-75mm f/2.8, Tamron said that the 17-28mm's Rapid Extra-Silent Stepping Drive (RXD) enables "high-speed, high-precision, and superbly quiet operation" for photo and video shooters.
With the emphasis on compactness, I'm not sure Tamron is really gunning to displace Sony's premium 16-35mm f/2.8 GM. However, once more details come out on the 17-28mm, it would be great to see competition from the Tamron brand in some areas of the lens design that make it a solid alternative for paying $2,198 for the Sony. Lately Tamron has been on a kick producing some fine pieces of glass, and taking their talent to the premium-end mirrorless world would make a welcome place in many photographers' camera bags.
No pricing has been revealed for the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD, but we do know the company plans to release them in mid 2019. What are you thoughts on this new development? Are you going to wait it out for more details before picking up the Sony 16-35mm GM?
In was really hoping for their tele zoom since that's a weak area of the Sony lineup. But this is good too! Eagerly awaiting a price announcement.
Sigma 150-600mm Canon fit with MC-11, works just like a native lens
Can I plug this group? It's a sony/tamron Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/2261336004152210/
Dang, I just bought Sony's 16-35 f/4...
I'll wait for it. I have the 16-35 f4 but really want a 2.8. As a landscape photographer the size and weight of the G master is a turnoff, not to mention the price. But bottom line is if the G master is a sharper lens I'll end up getting that.
I think I will buy the 17-28, it will probably be cheaper then the f4 sony version.
If it's 800 or less I'm in.