Tamron 28-75 mm f/2.8 Di III RXD
Tamron’s fast standard zoom lens for Sony E-mount cameras
In January 2020 we had reviewed the Tamron 17-28 mm f/2.8 Di III RXD lens which had received Smart Photography’s Best Buy stamp senior sibling on test –the Tamron 28-75 mm f/2.8 Di III RXD. This is an E-mount (full-frame) lens designed for Sony interchangeable lens mirrorless cameras. The lens was tested using a Sony A7III body.
Design & Build Quality
Finished in dull black with clear white lettering, the Tamron 28-75 mm lens is sleek and lightweight (555 g with the lens hood, but without both end caps). The outer shell is made from polycarbonate and the build quality is good. The zoom ring, 3 cm wide and textured with a rubberised grip, settings of 28, 35, 50 and 75 mm are clearly marked. Filter size is 67 mm. The lens is designed in Japan but made in Vietnam.
Key Features
The lens (model A036) is constructed with 15 elements in 12 groups that include one XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) element and one LD (Low Dispersion) element to reduce chromatic aberrations and improve colour accuracy; two hybrid aspherical and one molded glass aspherical element to improve sharpness. Further, special coatings are applied to the elements to greater contrast. The aperture range is from f/2.8-22 throughout. Autofocus is quick, quiet and smooth, thanks to the RXD (Rapid Extra-silent Stepping Drive). to the front element for easier cleaning of dust, hand-grease or smudges.
The lens offers a moisture-resistant construction. Thought not a macro lens, it allows close focussing of 7.5-inches for 2.9). The lens measures 2.87 x 4.64”.
The Tamron 28-75 mm Di III RXD does not have image stabilisation, but this does not pose an issue since all modern Sony E-mount camera bodies have inbuilt image stabilisation.
Ergonomics
The lens was very easy to use. The zoom ring was well damped (a tad on the harder side, but should get smoother with use). The lens extends by 25 mm as you zoom from 28 to 75 mm. mm setting, use the zoom ring; do not push the lens in manually. This is true of all such lens designs.
Performance
Autofocus: AF was very fast in good light; in less than good light, it still seemed fast enough to me.
Sharpness: Central sharpness, with the lens wide open at f/2.8, was excellent at all focal lengths. Sharpness at the sides/corners with the lens wide open at f/2.8 was a bit less, but still very much acceptable. I would say that the overall sharpness of this lens is excellent to good. At f/16 and f/22, the sharpness drops due to diffraction of light (this happens with every lens from all manufacturers).
Flare and chromatic aberrations:
aberrations were well controlled, we did notice some ghosting in shots taken against strong sunlight.
Distortion control: Distortion
was very well controlled; there was no apparent pin-cushion or barrel distortion.
• Darkening of corners: Darkening of sides/corners was visible with the lens wide open at the widest end; the darkening decreased as the lens was stopped down.
Verdict for Performance
Just like its younger sibling (the 17-28 mm f/2.8 Di III RXD), the 28-75 mm from Tamron proved itself as an excellent performer overall.
Value for Money
TThe Tamron 17-28 mm f/2.8 Di III RXD lens is available at an MRP of Rs.63,500. This makes it good value for money.|