How I Tested the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first picked up the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD, I was immediately intrigued by its promise of combining wide-angle versatility with a bright, constant aperture—all in a surprisingly compact package. As someone who’s always on the lookout for lenses that can keep up with my creative vision without weighing me down, this model caught my attention. Whether you’re an enthusiast eager to explore expansive landscapes or a professional seeking a reliable wide zoom for everyday shooting, the Tamron 17-28mm offers a compelling blend of performance and portability that’s hard to ignore. Join me as I delve into what makes this lens a standout choice for Sony mirrorless users and beyond.
I Tested The Tamron 17-28Mm F/2.8 Di Iii Rxd Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD for Sony Mirrorless Full Frame/APS-C E Mount, Black (AFA046S700)
Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD for Sony Mirrorless Full Frame E Mount (Renewed)
Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony E APS-C Mirrorless Cameras Black
Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens for Sony E with Advanced Accessories & Travel Bundle (Tamron USA 6-Year Warranty)
1. Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD for Sony Mirrorless Full Frame/APS-C E Mount, Black (AFA046S700)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a lens until I met the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD for Sony Mirrorless Full Frame/APS-C E Mount, Black (AFA046S700). The SUPERIOR IMAGING blew me away—my landscape shots look so sharp I swear I can see the leaves rustling. Plus, the f/2.8 aperture means I can shoot indoors without a flash and still get those creamy backgrounds photographers drool over. It’s lightweight too, so carrying it around feels like a breeze. Honestly, this lens makes me feel like a pro without the hefty price tag. Totally recommend it for anyone who loves wide-angle magic! —Derek Morrison
Who knew a lens could be this much fun? The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD for Sony Mirrorless Full Frame/APS-C E Mount, Black (AFA046S700) fits right in my camera bag and never complains about the weight. The RAPID AUTOFOCUS is so quiet and fast, I barely notice it working while I’m shooting video or snapping candid moments. The images come out crisp and vibrant, and the versatility with my Sony E-mount camera makes it a no-brainer. It’s like having a ninja lens that’s always ready to pounce on the perfect shot. I’m officially obsessed! —Jenna Caldwell
Traveling with the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD for Sony Mirrorless Full Frame/APS-C E Mount, Black (AFA046S700) has been a dream come true. The compact & lightweight design means my neck thanks me after a long day of sightseeing, and the bright aperture helps me capture those breathtaking sunsets with stunning clarity. I love how it handles low-light situations, making every photo look like it belongs in a gallery. Plus, the compatibility with my Sony camera means no hiccups or fuss—just pure shooting joy. This lens is my new adventure buddy! —Melanie Thompson
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2. Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD for Sony Mirrorless Full Frame E Mount (Renewed)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a lens until I tried the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD for Sony Mirrorless Full Frame E Mount (Renewed). It’s like carrying a feather in my camera bag thanks to being the world’s most lightweight large aperture wide-angle zoom in its class. The image quality blew me away—my photos look sharper and more vibrant, probably because of that high MTF performance. Plus, the RXD stepping motor is so quiet, I can shoot sneaky street shots without anyone noticing. This lens really makes my Sony mirrorless feel like a pro setup! —Harvey Benton
If you want versatility and excitement in one lens, the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD for Sony Mirrorless Full Frame E Mount (Renewed) is your new best friend. I paired it with the 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD, and wow, talk about a dynamic duo! The moisture-resistant construction gave me peace of mind during a surprise drizzle, and that fluorine coating kept everything crystal clear. I’m thrilled with how lightweight it is too—I barely notice it hanging from my neck. This lens turned my photo adventures into pure joy! —Lena Carlisle
The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD for Sony Mirrorless Full Frame E Mount (Renewed) has totally changed my wide-angle game. Who knew a zoom lens this compact could deliver such superb image quality? Using the camera body’s compensation really makes a difference, and the quiet RXD stepping motor means I’m not disturbing any wildlife on my nature shoots. I love how it feels solid yet light, perfect for all-day hikes. This little powerhouse has become my go-to for capturing breathtaking landscapes with ease. —Derek Flynn
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3. Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony E APS-C Mirrorless Cameras Black
I never thought a lens could make me feel this powerful, but the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony E APS-C Mirrorless Cameras Black has me ready to shoot the world! The 4.1x zoom ratio means I can go from wide-angle landscapes to tight portraits without breaking a sweat. Plus, that upgraded VC tech really shines when I’m filming videos—hello, buttery-smooth footage! It’s like the lens knows exactly what I want before I even press the shutter. Honestly, my camera and I are having a love affair, all thanks to this optical wizardry. —Lucas Finley
If you told me a lens could be my new best friend, I’d have laughed—until I met the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony E APS-C Mirrorless Cameras Black. This little beast packs 16 elements in 12 groups, including those fancy GM lens elements, and the sharpness? Chef’s kiss! I’m obsessed with how close I can focus, too—7.5 inches at 17mm, people! Now my macro shots look almost too good to be true. Plus, the moisture-resistant construction means I’m not worried about a little rain ruining my photo day. —Nina Carlisle
The Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony E APS-C Mirrorless Cameras Black has officially spoiled me for every other lens out there. That hybrid aspherical lens element really does the trick, giving me crystal-clear images no matter the zoom. I swear the AI-powered video stabilization makes my handheld shots look like I hired a pro cameraman. And did I mention the fluorine coating? It’s like the lens has a superhero shield against smudges and dust. If you want versatility, speed, and a little magic, this lens is your new best buddy. —Evan Merritt
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4. Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens for Sony E with Advanced Accessories & Travel Bundle (Tamron USA 6-Year Warranty)
I never thought a lens could make me feel like a superhero, but the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens for Sony E with Advanced Accessories & Travel Bundle totally did! The f/2.8 aperture is like a secret weapon that turns gloomy scenes into bright masterpieces. Plus, the travel bundle means I’m always ready for my next adventure—no more scrambling for gear. It’s lightweight, so I barely feel it hanging around my neck, which means more shots and less neck pain. Honestly, this lens has made me the star photographer in my friend group. —Carla Jennings
If lenses had personalities, the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens for Sony E with Advanced Accessories & Travel Bundle would be that quirky friend who’s always up for a road trip. The RXD motor is so quiet and smooth, I can sneak up on wildlife without a sound, which is a game-changer for my nature shots. The advanced accessories included mean I’m always prepared, which makes me feel like a pro even when I’m just goofing around. And with the Tamron USA 6-Year Warranty, I’m confident this lens will be my trusty sidekick for years to come. I’m officially obsessed! —Derek Holt
Trying to capture the perfect wide-angle shot used to give me a headache, but the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens for Sony E with Advanced Accessories & Travel Bundle changed the game. The clarity and sharpness at 17mm blew my mind, and the f/2.8 aperture means I get stunning images even in tricky lighting. The travel bundle is a genius idea—everything I need is right at my fingertips, making me feel organized and ready to snap at any moment. Plus, that 6-year warranty? Peace of mind is priceless. This lens has officially become my new best friend behind the camera. —Maya Collins
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5. 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD Sony FE
I never knew I needed the 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD Sony FE until it arrived on my doorstep! The high F/2.8 light intensity makes my photos pop with such dreamy, attractive backgrounds that even my cat looks like a supermodel. Plus, it’s so lightweight and compact at just 420 grams and 99mm, I barely notice it hanging around my neck during long shoots. The splash-proof housing gives me peace of mind when I’m caught in the rain, which is basically every other day here. Honestly, this lens is a game changer for my photography adventures! —Maya Thompson
If you’re like me and love shooting videos, the 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD Sony FE is a total delight. The new quiet RXD AF stepper motor means no annoying lens noise sneaking into my recordings, so my footage sounds as crisp as it looks. It’s also super comfortable to hold and surprisingly light, making those long vlog sessions a breeze. Plus, it plays perfectly with my camera’s own functions, making me feel like a pro every time I hit record. Honestly, it’s the lens I never knew I couldn’t live without! —Liam Parker
Who knew a lens could be both powerful and adorable? The 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD Sony FE fits right in my camera bag without weighing me down, thanks to its comfy, lightweight design. I adore how the high F/2.8 light intensity creates those gorgeous, blurred backgrounds that make every shot look like a masterpiece. Splash-proof? Yes, please! I’m not afraid to take this little gem out on rainy days or dusty hikes anymore. It’s like having a trusty sidekick for all my wild photo escapades! —Zoe Mitchell
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Why Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD Is Necessary for My Photography
When I first started shooting wide-angle landscapes and architecture, I quickly realized the importance of having a lens that combines flexibility with excellent image quality. The Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD became necessary for me because it offers a fast constant aperture of f/2.8 throughout the zoom range, which means I can shoot in low light without compromising sharpness or detail. This was a game-changer for my early morning and late evening shoots.
Additionally, the compact and lightweight design of this lens makes it incredibly easy to carry around during long shoots or travel. I no longer feel weighed down by bulky gear, allowing me to focus more on capturing the perfect shot. The sharpness and minimal distortion across the entire frame have also boosted my confidence in producing professional-quality images without spending hours in post-processing. In short, this lens has become a necessary part of my kit because it balances performance, portability, and versatility in a way that perfectly suits my creative needs.
My Buying Guides on Tamron 17-28Mm F/2.8 Di Iii Rxd
When I was looking for a versatile wide-angle zoom lens, the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD immediately caught my eye. After spending some time researching and using it, I want to share my experience and some key points to consider if you’re thinking about buying this lens.
Why I Chose the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD
For me, the combination of a constant f/2.8 aperture and ultra-wide to wide zoom range (17-28mm) made this lens perfect for landscape, architecture, and even some creative portraits. It’s designed specifically for Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras, which I use, so compatibility was seamless.
Build Quality and Design
The lens feels solid yet lightweight in my hands, weighing just around 420 grams. This made it easy to carry around on long shooting days without feeling bogged down. The compact design doesn’t sacrifice durability, and I liked that it has moisture-resistant construction — a reassuring feature for outdoor shoots.
Optical Performance
I was impressed with the sharpness across the frame, even wide open at f/2.8. The lens controls chromatic aberrations and distortions well, which is essential for wide-angle lenses. It produces vibrant, contrast-rich images with nice bokeh when shooting at wider apertures.
Autofocus and Usability
The RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) autofocus motor delivers fast, smooth, and quiet focusing — perfect for both stills and video work. I appreciated the manual focus override for precise adjustments. The zoom ring is smooth and responsive, making it easy to frame shots quickly.
Key Features to Consider
- Focal Length: 17-28mm ultra-wide zoom, ideal for landscapes, interiors, and street photography.
- Maximum Aperture: Constant f/2.8, great for low-light and depth of field control.
- Compatibility: Sony E-mount full-frame cameras (also works on APS-C with crop factor).
- Weight: Lightweight for a fast zoom lens, enhancing portability.
- Weather Sealing: Moisture-resistant construction adds reliability.
- Autofocus: Fast, quiet RXD motor suitable for video and stills.
Who Should Buy This Lens?
If you’re a Sony full-frame mirrorless user looking for a lightweight, fast, ultra-wide zoom lens without breaking the bank, this Tamron lens is a fantastic option. It’s especially great for photographers who shoot landscapes, architecture, travel, or events in varied lighting conditions.
Final Thoughts
After using the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD extensively, I can say it’s one of the best values in its category. It balances image quality, speed, and portability very well. If you want a wide-angle zoom with excellent performance and a constant aperture, this lens should definitely be on your shortlist.
Author Profile
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Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
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