Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens for Sony E
Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD lens (model # A046)
Large aperture F/2.8 ultra wide-angle zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless
A lens as luminous as your creative vision
This lens is designed to work with Sony E-mount, and is the smallest and lightest zoom lens in its class. Its dramatic 17-28mm zoom range is ideal for photographing landscapes, cityscapes, mountains and scenic vistas—as well as groups and building interiors. Strategically deployed LD (Low Dispersion) and XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) lens elements thoroughly suppress chromatic aberration, empowering you to get a fantastic result in various challenging lighting conditions.
The lens' AF drive system is powered by the RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) stepping motor unit, which delivers fast, quiet and high-precision operation. Plus, the lens comes with moisture-resistant construction to fuel your creativity in inclement weather conditions, and a hydrophobic Fluorine coating on the front lens element repels fingerprints and dirt.
Step out of the normal lens zone and into the wilds of wide-angle. This compact but powerful tool will boost your mobility and drive your vision of capturing subjects in new ways.
Compact size you can take anywhere—and everywhere
Tamron makes large aperture ultra wide-angle photography more exciting, and for this lens we focused on usability. The 17-28mm zoom range was carefully selected; that paved the way for a surprisingly small size—just 99mm (3.9 in) long, weighing but 420g (14.8 oz). The overall length of the lens does not change during zooming, thereby offering consistent handling and stable shooting operations. In addition, the F67mm filter size is small for a large aperture ultra wide-angle zoom lens. Plus, it shares the same filter diameter as the high-speed standard zoom lens in the series, the 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A036). This means the same filters such as PL (Polarizer), lens caps and other accessories may be used for both models.
Beautifully capture every scene and vista
The 17-28mm zoom provides magnificent image quality without compromise despite its compactness. Two LD lens elements and one XLD element (which has properties close to fluorite) are precisely located to quash chromatic and other aberrations. In addition, the BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) Coating applied to lens surfaces reduces ghosting and flare that are otherwise likely to occur when shooting against the sunset’s glow and other backlit situations. Leveraging camera functions*, it provides excellent optical performance matching the latest high resolution image sensors from edge-to-edge throughout the entire zoom range. The 17-28mm zoom invites you into the breathtaking world of ultra wide-angle photography.
* When shooting with the camera’s lens correction function enabled.
Superior close-up shooting performance empowers creativity
The 17-28mm zoom features an MOD of 0.19m (7.5 in) at the wide 17mm end, rendering a maximum magnification ratio of 1:5.2. At the tele end, the MOD is 0.26m (10.2 in) and the maximum magnification ratio is 1:6. In short, you can easily get close enough for a powerful shot. Your images can emphasize the perspective unique to ultra wide-angle lenses, and you can produce soft expressions with a shallow depth of field distinctive to large aperture lenses by opening the aperture and getting close to the subject. Versatile, functional and sensational—all at the same time.
High performance autofocus system means you'll own every shooting opportunity
The AF drive on the 17-28mm zoom includes an RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) motor unit to help you stay focused on the action. RXD uses an actuator to precisely control the rotational angle of the motor, allowing it to directly drive the focusing lens without passing through a reduction gear. A sensor that accurately detects the position of the lens enables high-speed and precise AF, which is ideal when shooting continually moving subjects or recording video. Perfect for street shooting and grab shots of groups of friends. And with a focusing system that is both smooth and quiet, the new 17-28mm zoom lets you shoot a video without worrying about picking up ambient drive sounds.
Built with Mirrorless in Mind
Tamron’s new 17-28mm zoom is compatible with many of the advanced features that are specific to mirrorless cameras. This includes:
- Fast Hybrid AF
- Eye AF
- Direct Manual Focus (DMF)
- In-camera lens correction (shading, chromatic aberration, distortion)
- Camera-based lens unit firmware updates
* Features vary by camera. Please consult your camera’s instruction manual for details.
*As of May, 2019
Additional Features
Circular Aperture to Produce a Smooth-Edged Bokeh
A 9-blade diaphragm is configured to retain a smooth, circular-shaped aperture opening even when stopped down by two stops from the wide-open aperture. This produces a smooth-edged bokeh in background light spots.
Moisture-Resistant Construction protects your lens
For greater protection when shooting outdoors, leak-resistant seals throughout the lens barrel help protect your equipment.
Fluorine Coating for protection and safe cleaning
The front surface of the lens element is coated with a protective fluorine compound that is water- and oil-repellant. The lens surface is easier to wipe clean and is less vulnerable to the damaging effects of dirt, dust, moisture and fingerprints.