Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Review
Tamron is on quite a roll with its initial batch of full-frame lenses for Sony mirrorless cameras. The 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD ($899) is its second affordable f/2.8 zoom, pairing well as a wide-angle companion to last year's 28-75mm f/2.8 Di RXD standard zoom. It's an excellent value, and while its range is shorter and it's not quite as optically sublime as Sony's high-end FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM, it wins big on price and earns our Editors' Choice award in the process.
Compact Wide Zoom
The 17-28mm is a small zoom with a big, ultra-wide view. It measures 3.9 by 2.9 inches (HD), weighs just 14.8 ounces, and supports 67mm front filters. It's notably easier to carry than the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM, which is 4.8 by 3.5 inches and 1.5 pounds with an 82mm filter thread.
Tamron's designers took a basic, minimalist approach to the 17-28mm's aesthetics. It's finished in black polycarbonate, with rubberized focus and zoom control rings, and a classy silver accent ring around the mount. Branding...
The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD delivers much better image and build quality than you'd expect from a budget lens, especially one with a wide-angle, f/2.8 design.
Very affordable; Wide angle of view; Crisp optics; Full-frame coverage; Strong build quality; Fluorine, dust, and splash protection
Edge sharpness suffers wide open; Some pincushion distortion when zoomed in