Tamron 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD for E-Mount

This is a great alternative super wide angle zoom lens for Sony Alpha series user, their FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM. With similar focal length, the good news is, you can save up to RM6,500 with Tamron 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD for E-Mount!

All great camera brands make great lenses, but it comes with an “amazing” price tag. As announced earlier this year, the folks at Tamron has found a niche to create a similar focal length super wide angle zoom lens, the Tamron’s 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD for Sony E-Mount to match the original Sony’s version with large F2.8 constant aperture but for more than 60% lower price.

The Model A046 features a filter diameter of 67mm, considered a small diameter and large aperture for a full-frame with ultra wide-angle zoom lens capabilities, not to mention its light weight of 420g and short length of 99mm. The compact size provides excellent balance on the small profile mirrorless cameras and is easy to carry. Let’s look at some of the specification from its official releases while we wait for the actual unit for review.

Superb high resolution performance
The 17-28mm zoom’s optical design consists of 13 lenses in 11 groups, including three aspherical lens elements, two Low Dispersion lens elements and one eXtra Low Dispersion lens element that has properties close to those of fluorite. Together they efficiently suppress chromatic and other aberrations. In addition, Tamron’s legendary BBAR (Broad-Brand Anti-Reflection) Coating effectively reduces ghosting and flare. Leveraging camera functions, it provides excellent optical performance matching the latest high resolution image sensors from edge-to-edge throughout the entire zoom range.

Extreme close-up
The minimum focus distance at the 17mm wide position is 0.19m, and the maximum magnification ratio is 1:5.2. At the 28mm end, it achieves the maximum magnification ratio of 1:6 while reaching the MOD of 0.26m. This allows users to create compositions creatively.

The quiet RXD stepping motor unit
The AF drive incorporates a sensor that accurately detects the position of the lens while the RXD motor unit delivers optimized AF control. This achieves very fast and accurate autofocus operation, allowing users to maintain pin-sharp focus on continually moving subjects or when filming video. The compact configuration of the RXD AF drive system contributes to the unprecedented size and weight reduction.

Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating
Weather seals are located at the lens mount area and other critical locations to prevent infiltration of moisture and/or rain drops and afford Moisture-Resistant construction. This feature provides an additional layer of protection when shooting outdoors under extreme weather conditions. The front surface of the lens element is coated with a protective fluorine compound that has excellent water- and oil-repellant qualities. The lens surface is easier to wipe clean and is less vulnerable to the damaging effects of dirt, moisture or oily fingerprints, allowing for much easier maintenance.

Retail price at RM3,999 and distributed by DSC World Sdn Bhd, check here for details.

Samples photos taken with the 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD by photographer Philip Ruopp and Frantisek Zvardon.

Specifications

Model	: A046
Focal Length	: 17‐28mm
Maximum Aperture	: F/2.8
Angle of View (diagonal)	: 103°41′-75°23’　 (for full-frame mirrorless format)
Optical Construction	: 13 elements in 11 groups
Minimum Object Distance	: 0.19m (7.5 in) (WIDE) / 0.26m (10.2 in) (TELE)
Maximum Magnification Ratio	: 1:5.2 (WIDE) / 1:6 (TELE)
Filter Size	: φ67mm
Maximum Diameter	: φ73mm
Length*	: 99mm (3.9 in)
Weight	: 420g (14.8 oz)
Aperture Blades	: 9 (circular diaphragm)**
Minimum Aperture	: F/22
Standard Accessories	: Lens hood, Lens caps
Compatible Mounts	: Sony E-mount

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