Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Ultra Wide-Angle Lens: Review

Written by Matt Kilefner
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Published on June 27, 2019
Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens for Sony E Mount
TAGS: Lens, Sony, Tamron
Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens for Sony E Mount
Matt Kilefner
Adorama ALC

Tamron’s 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens is one of the most lightweight lens in its class and is compatible with the popular Sony E-Mount. The small lens has a shallow depth of field, impressive minimum object distance, an incredibly quiet RXD stepping motor unit, and much, much more. 

Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens for Sony E Mount
Photo via Tamron

Key Features of the Tamron Lens:

  • 17-28mm ultra wide-angle lens
  • Large f/2.8 aperture throughout the focal range
  • Only 67mm filter diameter
  • Lightest lens in its class at 14.8 ounces and only 3.9 inches long
  • Super quiet RXD stepping motor unit
  • Super close 7.5” minimum object distance
  • LD (low-dispersion) and XLD (extra low-dispersion) elements 
  • Compatible with Sony E-Mount full-frame mirrorless
  • Fluoride coating
  • Moisture-resistant build

Creative Capabilities

The Tamron lens is a perfect tool for expanding your creativity. Its ultra-wide focal length is ideal for capturing scenic skylines, pristine natural landscapes, and even street photography. The maximum aperture of f/2.8 stays consistent through the whole focal length to create a dreamy bokeh effect at any range. It also has a minimum object distance of just 7.5 inches, so users can apply the soft blur effect to up-close shots. This can add a unique aesthetic to product photos, still-life images, and even everyday shots. 

The lens comes with a nearly inaudible Rapid Extra-Silent Stepping Drive that steps up the auto-focus prowess of the lens. With precise and high-speed AF, users are able to crisply capture moving subjects, as well as smooth video without picking up any noise. 

Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens for Sony E Mount
Photo via Tamron

Agile Design

Perhaps more impressive that the technical abilities of the lens is its design and build. It weighs in at a mere 14.8 ounces — one of the lightest in its class. On top of being lightweight, it measures only 3.9-inches for ultimate portability. Adding to the nimbleness, the diameter of the filter is only 67mm, incredibly narrow for such a wide aperture. The lens shares this filter size with the A036 (the 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD) and can be interchanged to take advantage of its 28-75mm focal range. The total weight of both the A036 and A046 is 35.3-ounces, so users can easily carry both lenses in their camera bag without being weighed down.

The lens is crafted with low-dispersion (LD) elements and extra low-dispersion (XLD) elements to fend off any chromatic aberration and providing a clearer picture. The A046 comes with a fluoride coating and is moisture-resistant for protection.

Matt Kilefner
Matt is a director of photography at a creative studio in New York City. Feel free to check out his portfolio at mattkilefner.com and get in touch at mattkilefner@gmail.com.