Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD for Sony E-Mount Review

The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD was one of the first third-party standard zoom lenses to make a significant impact on the Sony E-mount ecosystem. Launched as a lightweight, affordable alternative to Sony’s premium 24-70mm f/2.8 GM, this lens quickly became a favorite for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Its combination of sharp optics, compact design, and competitive pricing solidifies its place as a versatile and reliable zoom lens for photographers and videographers.

Check current price here

Features / Specifications

The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 is designed to deliver high performance in a lightweight and compact package:

Focal Length: 28-75mm, covering a versatile range for portraits, landscapes, events, and travel.
Aperture Range: Constant f/2.8 throughout the zoom range, providing good control over depth of field and low-light performance.
Lens Construction: 15 elements in 12 groups, including:
- XR (Extra Refractive) elements for compactness and optical correction.
- LD (Low Dispersion) elements to minimize chromatic aberrations.
- BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) Coating to reduce flare and ghosting.
Minimum Focus Distance: 19 cm (wide) to 39 cm (tele), allowing semi-macro capabilities with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.1.
Autofocus: RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent Drive) stepping motor for fast and quiet AF.
Filter Size: 67mm, a smaller and more affordable size compared to many competitors.
Weather Sealing: Moisture-resistant design with seals at critical points, including a fluorine-coated front element.
Weight: Only 550g (1.21 lbs), making it one of the lightest constant aperture zooms in its class.

Build Quality

Tamron has struck an excellent balance between build quality and portability with this lens.

Materials: Constructed primarily of high-quality polycarbonate, the lens feels solid yet lightweight. While not as premium as metal-bodied competitors, it remains durable for everyday use.
Weather Resistance: Moisture-resistant sealing ensures reliability in light rain and humid environments, though it may not withstand extreme conditions.
Zoom and Focus Rings: The rubberized zoom and focus rings are smooth and well-damped, offering precise control.
Design: The minimalist design is sleek and modern, with clean lines and a compact form factor that pairs well with Sony mirrorless cameras.

Size, Weight, and Dimensions

The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 is celebrated for its portability, making it an ideal choice for travel and extended handheld use.

Dimensions: 73mm in diameter and 117.8mm in length, compact for a standard zoom.
Weight: 550g, making it significantly lighter than comparable lenses like Sony’s 24-70mm GM.
Portability: The lens balances well on Sony’s mirrorless bodies, including the A7 and A6600 series. It’s an excellent choice for photographers who prioritize a lightweight kit.

Image Quality

The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 delivers impressive optical performance, particularly given its affordable price.

Sharpness

Center Sharpness: Outstanding sharpness in the center of the frame at all focal lengths, even wide open at f/2.8. This makes it a strong performer for portraiture and detail-oriented work.
Edge Sharpness: Slight softness is noticeable at the edges when shooting wide open, particularly at 28mm. Stopping down to f/4 improves edge-to-edge sharpness significantly, making it suitable for landscapes.
Consistency Across the Zoom Range: The lens maintains consistent sharpness throughout its focal range, with no noticeable drop-off at either end.

Color Rendering and Contrast

Color Reproduction: Colors are vibrant and natural, with good tonal accuracy for landscapes and portraits.
Contrast: Strong contrast across the frame, even in challenging lighting conditions. BBAR coating minimizes internal reflections, enhancing clarity.

Bokeh

Background Blur: The constant f/2.8 aperture produces smooth, creamy bokeh, especially at 75mm. While not as pronounced as an f/1.8 prime, it remains pleasing for subject isolation.
Out-of-Focus Highlights: Highlights are generally soft and well-rounded, with minimal artifacts or harsh edges.

Optical Aberrations

Chromatic Aberration: Minor lateral chromatic aberration is visible in high-contrast scenes but can be corrected in post-processing.
Distortion: Noticeable barrel distortion at 28mm and pincushion distortion at 75mm, though both are well-controlled and easily corrected in-camera.
Flare and Ghosting: Effective flare resistance, though some minor ghosting may occur when shooting directly into strong light sources.
Vignetting: Vignetting is evident at f/2.8, particularly at 28mm, but diminishes significantly by f/4.

Autofocus

The RXD motor delivers dependable autofocus performance:

Speed: Quick and accurate focus acquisition, even in low-light conditions.
Accuracy: Consistent focus lock on both still and moving subjects.
Silent Operation: Whisper-quiet focusing ensures discretion during events and video shoots.

Performance in Photography and Videography

Photography

Versatility: The 28-75mm focal range makes this lens suitable for everything from landscapes to portraits and events.
Low-Light Performance: The f/2.8 aperture enables excellent results in low-light conditions, such as indoor events or nighttime photography.
Close-Up Shooting: With a minimum focusing distance of 19 cm at 28mm, the lens provides near-macro capabilities for creative close-up compositions.

Videography

Autofocus: The RXD motor ensures smooth and silent focusing, ideal for video work.
Focus Breathing: Minimal focus breathing enhances its usability for professional videographers, maintaining consistent framing during focus pulls.
Portability: Lightweight design allows for extended handheld or gimbal use, perfect for run-and-gun videography.

Use Cases

The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 is a versatile lens suitable for a wide range of applications:

Portraits: At 75mm, it offers flattering compression and beautiful bokeh.
Landscapes: Excellent sharpness and color rendering make it a reliable choice for capturing sweeping vistas.
Events: The zoom range and fast aperture handle dynamic situations with ease, from weddings to street photography.
Travel: Its lightweight and compact design make it a practical option for travel photography.

Price

At approximately $799 USD at launch (and often available for less today), the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 represents incredible value for money. It offers professional-grade performance at a fraction of the cost of premium alternatives like the Sony 24-70mm GM.

The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD is a remarkable lens that strikes a balance between performance, portability, and affordability. While it may not match the premium build and optical perfection of more expensive options, it delivers excellent sharpness, vibrant colors, and versatile functionality in a compact, lightweight package. For photographers and videographers looking for a reliable standard zoom without breaking the bank, the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 is an outstanding choice.

Conclusion

Rating

Our overall rating: 9.0/10

The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD remains one of the best budget-friendly zoom lenses for Sony E-mount, delivering professional results for a wide range of shooting scenarios.