Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD A046

The Tamron 17–28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD A046 is a wide zoom for Sony E full-frame cameras. It suits landscapes, architecture, interiors and night skies. Event photographers can also use it for venue overviews and groups when there is limited room to step back. Tamron introduced it in 2019.

The main trade-off is its short zoom range. It stops at 28mm, so a standard or telephoto lens adds tighter views. The constant f/2.8 maximum aperture is useful when a day moves between outdoor scenery and dim interiors.

The lens weighs 14.8 oz (420 g) and measures 3.9 in (99 mm) long and 2.87 in (73 mm) across. Its small size suits walking and travel with a full-frame camera. A screw-in filter must match the 67mm thread to attach directly.

At 17mm, you can include a broad landscape with foreground detail or more of an interior from one position. At 28mm, the view narrows for a person with their surroundings. How much of a room or building fits still depends on where you stand.

A nearby rock or carved detail can look prominent against a distant background when you move close. That viewpoint creates the perspective. Check the frame edges for objects that distract from the subject, particularly when the widest setting includes more than you expected.

The maximum aperture remains f/2.8 throughout the zoom. You can retain that opening when you change framing, although a different part of the scene may need a different exposure. In a dim room, f/2.8 gives more room for a faster shutter speed or lower ISO than a smaller opening.

Closest focus is 0.6 ft (19 cm) at 17mm, measured from the sensor. Maximum magnification is 0.19x at that setting. The minimum distance is longer at 28mm. Leave room ahead of the glass and watch for shadows on nearby foreground objects. Depth of field depends on focus distance as well as aperture. A close subject can have a soft background even with a wide lens. For detail from the foreground into the distance, choose the focus position carefully and stop down as needed.

Moisture-resistant construction helps outdoors. Use cover in persistent rain. Fluorine coating helps water and oily marks wipe away from the front glass. Remove loose grit before using a cloth.

There is no stabilization in the lens. A camera with body stabilization can help with shake for still scenes. Firm support is useful for long exposures, including night skies. A moving person still needs enough shutter speed for their movement.

Internal zoom keeps the barrel length fixed while you change focal length. The rotary ring lets you adjust framing without extending the lens.

Three aspherical elements help correct distortion and spherical aberration, which can bend straight lines or soften detail. Two LD elements and one XLD element help reduce coloured fringes at high-contrast edges, such as rooflines against bright sky.