Tamron's compact full-frame ultra-wide zoom for Sony FE — constant f/2.8 from 17-28mm in just 420g.
The Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD (model A046) was released in 2019 as a compact constant f/2.8 wide-angle zoom for Sony FE full-frame bodies, covering 17-28mm. RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepperDrive) provides fast, quiet AF. At 420g and 67mm filter thread it is substantially lighter than competing wide f/2.8 zooms — the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM weighs 680g. The 0.19m MFD at the 17mm wide end enables very close environmental framing.
The optical design uses 13 elements in 11 groups. Nine circular aperture blades. The 67mm filter thread is standard for Sony FE fast primes. At 420g the lens is compact. Minimum focus distance of 0.19m at 17mm (0.26m at 28mm). RXD motor provides fast, quiet AF. Constant f/2.8 aperture.
The 17-28mm constant f/2.8 at 420g is the lightweight wide zoom solution for Sony FE: a 260g weight saving over the Sony 16-35mm GM at f/2.8. For environmental portraiture, architecture, and event shooting where constant f/2.8 is needed without full-weight professional glass, the Tamron provides the practical compromise. The 0.19m MFD at 17mm enables dramatic close-wide environmental compositions.
On the used market the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD is affordable for a constant f/2.8 Sony FE wide zoom. Condition checks: RXD AF motor response, 67mm front element for marks, and zoom ring smoothness. The Tamron 17-28mm G2 (A046Z) is the updated successor. Compatible with all Sony FE-mount full-frame and APS-C E-mount bodies.