Tamron releases their full frame E-Mount zoom lens: the 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD

 

 

Tamron has announced more details regarding their 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A036) Sony FE-mount zoom, which was originally announced back in February of 2018. In addition to touting the lens' fast aperture and pleasant bokeh that'll be great for portraits, Tamron also noted that the new zoom will also feature moisture-resistant construction and hydrophobic fluorine coating that will resist the elements during outdoor photography. What's more, the 28-75mm also has a relatively close 7.5-inch focusing distance at 28mm and will fully match with various camera-specific features including the in-camera lens correction and Direct Manual Focus (DMF) system features of Sony cameras.

 

 

Below are a few major points that Tamron highlighted with the new 28-75mm f/2.8 lens:

• Tamron is claiming "superb optical performance," which includes image equality and excellent bokeh.
 That bokeh is created by the optical formula of a 9-bladed circular diaphragm and 15 elements in 12 groups with the inclusion of a special XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) element, LD (Low Dispersion) element, GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) element and two hybrid aspherical lens elements in the optimal arrangement to correct aberrations and reduce the overall lens size. The lens also employs Tamron’s BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) Coating that boasts exceptional anti-reflection performance throughout the entire zoom range, even when shooting in backlit conditions. 
• The lens is both lightweight (19.4 oz.) and compact (4.6 in). Tamron says that extra emphasis was placed on creating a high speed, fast aperture zoom lens in a compact and lightweight design because their research shows that standard-range zooms are generally the most frequently used. 
• The 28-75mm has a minimum close-focusing distance of 7.5 in. and a working distance of 2.24 in.
 Tamron says this breaks from the convention that the close-focusing distance of a zoom lens must be fixed throughout the focal range and achieves a minimum focusing distance of 7.5 in. at the 28mm wide-angle end. This delivers a maximum image magnification of 1:2.9. The working distance of just 2.24 in. from the front element allows photographers to enjoy close-up shooting that emphasizes the sense of perspective unique to wide angles. At the 75mm telephoto end, the 15.3 in. minimum focusing distance provides an image magnification of 1:4, thereby enabling close-up shooting with a pleasantly blurred background similar to a macro lens.

• All-new “RXD” stepping motor AF unit is extremely quiet.
• The AF drive incorporates a sensor that accurately detects the position of the lens and an RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) stepping motor unit optimized for AF control. This achieves quick and precise AF operation. Additionally, the AF motor is quiet, virtually eliminating extraneous AF drive sounds during video recording.

• The Model A036 features a mirrorless-oriented design that adheres to Tamron’s new “human touch” lens design concept. 
• Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating for weather protection.
• Environmental seals are located at the lens mount area and other critical locations to prevent infiltration of moisture and/or raindrops and afford Moisture-Resistant Construction. This feature provides an additional layer of protection when shooting outdoors under adverse weather conditions. Also, the front surface of the lens element is coated with a protective fluorine compound that has excellent water- and oil-repellant qualities. The lens surface is easier to wipe clean and is less vulnerable to the damaging effects of dirt, moisture or oily fingerprints, allowing for much easier maintenance.

• Compatible with main camera-specific features and functions.
 Tamron’s new 28-75mm zoom is compatible with many of the advanced features that are specific to Sony mirrorless cameras. This includes the following: 
1) Fast Hybrid AF
 2) Eye AF 3) Direct Manual Focus (DMF)
 4) In-camera lens correction (shading, chromatic aberration, distortion) 5) Camera-based lens unit firmware updates.

The Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A036) lens will be available May 24th for $799.