Tamron Goes E-Mount: 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD Announced

NewsIndustry

by Adam PlowdenMarch 1^st, 2018

Tamron is expanding into the full-frame mirrorless market with a new high-speed zoom lens: the 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD for Sony E-mount.

Known for its budget lenses and more recently prime lenses with vibration control, Tamron has moved to support the growing market for E-mount lenses with this new addition.

The Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD is Tamron’s first E-mount lens, with a constant wide aperture and versatile zoom range. Lenses like this are ideal for run-and-gun style filming, event coverage, video journalism and weddings. In fact, most kind of filming scenarios. The RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) feature enables accurate and high speed auto focusing while keeping the operation silent, ideal for tracking objects while filming.

Tamron has also integrated the DMF (Direct Manual Focus) setting into the lens, which allows the user to operate the lens in AF mode, switching to manual when you adjust the focus barrel. This is great for nailing accurate focus. This combined with its weight of only 550g and relatively small construction makes the lens rather appealing for those looking at keeping their setup compact.

Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD – Tech Specs:

• Full frame sensor coverage for E-mount systems.
• Maximum aperture of f/2.8
• Minimum focus distance of 19cm (7.5 inches) in wide angle setting
• Minimum focus distance of 39cm (15.3 inches) in telephoto setting.
• New RXD autofocus motor unit is claimed to be very quiet.
• Moisture resistant coating and front element flourine coating for weather protection.
• Compatible with Sony Direct Manual Focus setting.
• Very lightweight at 550g (19.4 oz)

The choice of focal length is also interesting as it isn’t as wide as standard 24-70mm zoom lenses that Tamron (and all other lens manufacturers) produce. Could this hint at a wide angle constant aperture zoom for E-mount in the future?

The Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD lens certainly looks interesting on paper to the alternative zooms available for Sony E-mount cameras. At this current time there is no pricing information, but if it is priced strategically it could be the perfect choice instead of the Sony 24-70mm F/2.8 GM. The lens is planned to be launched by the middle of 2018, but also hints at Tamron’s intentions of growing into the E-mount lens market.

Would the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD lens fulfil your needs as a fast zoom lens for your Sony E-mount camera? Let us know in the comments.