Step out of the normal lens zone and into the wilds of wide-angle. The 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A046) is a large aperture ultra wide-angle zoom lens for Sony E-mount that was designed exclusively for mirrorless cameras and provides unrivalled portability and superb image quality. It’s the smallest and lightest weight zoom lens in its class. The dramatic 17-28mm zoom range adds new dimensions to photographing landscapes, cityscapes, mountains and scenic vistas—as well as groups and building interiors. Despite its compact size, it offers outstanding optical performance. Strategically deployed LD (Low Dispersion) and XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) lens elements thoroughly suppress chromatic aberration. The combination of ultra wide-angle focal length and an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 0.19m (7.5 in) at the wide-angle end encourages richly expressive and creative photography. The new 17-28mm zoom’s AF drive system is powered by the RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) stepping motor unit that enables it to deliver high-speed, high-precision operation. In addition, the new zoom lens features Moisture-Resistant Construction and a hydrophobic Fluorine Coating that repels fingerprints and dirt. This compact but powerful tool will boost your mobility and drive your vision of capturing subjects in new ways.
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. (ref. animation for zooming) In addition, the Φ67mm 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.
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.
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.
The AF drive on the 17-28mm zoom includes an RXD 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.
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
Tamron has completed its assortment of three F/2.8 large aperture zoom lenses for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless. The models are the 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A046) ultra-wide zoom, the 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Model A063) standard zoom and the 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A056) telephoto zoom. The greatest feature of the series is the excellent portability. Combined, the three lenses are unbelievably light at just 1,770g (62.4 oz), fulfilling the photographer’s dream of being able to easily carry three fast, potent zoom lenses at the same time.
The 17-28mm zoom design is not only beautiful, it is functional as well and features an outer housing hugging the smooth contours of the lens body, deftly worked Luminous Gold brand ring and the precise, rigid metal lens mount. The Luminous Gold brand ring solidifies the characteristic look of a Tamron-branded lens whether on its own or attached to a camera body.
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BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) Coating BBAR Coating minimizes unwanted ghosting and flare
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Circular Aperture A several-blade diaphragm is configured to retain a smooth, circular-shaped aperture opening even when stopped down by two stops from the wide-open aperture
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Internal zoom mechanism An internal zoom provides stability by minimizing changes to the center of gravity while shooting
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Moisture-Resistant Construction Leak-resistant seals throughout the lens barrel help protect your equipment when shooting outdoors
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XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) lens elements XLD lens elements made from specialized ultra-high-grade glass allow much greater control over chromatic aberration and magnification aberrations
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LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements The characteristic of less of a tendency to separate a ray of light into a rainbow of colors effectively compensates for chromatic and lateral chromatic aberration
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Fluorine Coating A highly durable protective fluorine compound that is water- and oil-repellant
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RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) A stepping motor unit for high-speed and high-precision autofocus
Accessories
Catalog Download
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General Lens Catalog
Published December 2024
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17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD
Published March 2019