Tamron 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 Di III RXD Review
Tamron’s all-in-one zoom lens 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD (Model A071), designed exclusively for Sony E-mount. The lens has a large maximum aperture of F2.8 at 28mm wide end, which represents a world’s first* for all-in-one zoom lenses, and delivers high-level performance across the entire zoom range, from the 28mm wide-angle end to 200mm telephoto. Despite covering a wide range of focal lengths, the lens is lightweight and compact, with a length of 117mm (4.6 in) and a weight of 575g (20.3 oz). Aside from day-to-day portability, the 28-200mm F2.8-5.6’s lightweight and compact size make it especially convenient for travel photos, where users wish to avoid the burden of heavy baggage. Tamron has also taken an uncompromising approach to optical performance, making liberal use of special lens elements—including LD (Low Dispersion) and XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) —to greatly suppress chromatic aberrations, and making it possible to achieve high image quality from edge to edge. With an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 0.19m (7.5 in) at the wide end and 0.8m (31.5 in) at the telephoto end, the lens also offers high-level close-up shooting performance. The AF drive system is powered by the RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) stepping motor unit to deliver high-speed, high-precision performance. The lens also features Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating for added protection. When it comes to all-in-one zooms, the innovative 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 is in a class by itself and vividly captures virtually all possible scenes, from landscape photography to portrait photos and snapshots.
Design
From wide-angle to telephoto, all-in-one zoom lenses deliver a wider range of usefulness, from everyday snaps to travel and much more. That’s why Tamron pursued a high level of portability in the development of the 28-200mm F2.8-5.6, achieving a compact, lightweight design that’s a mere 117mm (4.6 in) long and weighs just 575g (20.3 oz). The small size enables comfort and convenience, even during extensive travel, without the burden of a heavy camera bag. The 67mm filter size is the same as other lenses in Tamron’s mirrorless lens lineup*. This means that the filters such as PL (Polarizer) and lens caps can be used for all models in the series, for greater convenience and less hassle during lens changes.
Features
The 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 is the first1 all-in-one zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras to offer a maximum aperture of F2.8. It maintains outstanding performance throughout the entire zoom range, and aperture values of F3.5 at 50mm, F4.5 at 100mm, F5.6 at 200mm. From landscape photography to portrait photos and snapshots, the 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 delivers finely detailed images in a wide range of shooting situations. The generous use of special LD and XLD lens elements (with properties close to those of fluorite) enables it to thoroughly minimize chromatic and other aberrations, while the application of BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) Coating offers high anti-reflective benefits and reduces ghosting and flare that are otherwise likely to occur when shooting backlight scenes. Additionally, by leveraging camera functionality2, the lens delivers excellent optical performance to match the high-resolution image sensors on the latest cameras, achieving beautiful images that are a cut above all-in-one zoom lenses of the past.
Close-up shooting
The 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 delivers amazing close-up performance for an all-in-one zoom lens. At 28mm wide-angle, the MOD is 0.19m (7.5 in) with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.1, and at the 200mm telephoto end it has an MOD of 0.8m (31.5 in) with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.8. In addition to capturing stunning close-up images, you can leverage the blurred background bokeh utilizing a large F-number and enjoy unique close-up shots that were not possible with all-in-one zoom lenses until now.
Autofocus system
The AF drive on the 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 includes an RXD motor unit to help you stay focused on the action. RXD uses an actuator to precisely control the rotational angle of the motor, allowing it to directly drive the focusing lens without passing through a reduction gear. A sensor that precisely detects the position of the lens enables high-speed and accurate AF, which is ideal when shooting continually moving subjects or recording video. And with a focusing system that is both smooth and quiet, the 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 lets you shoot free from stress not worrying the drive sound in a quiet environment.
Zoom range
The 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 for Sony E-mount covers a broad range of focal lengths in a single lens, starting from 28mm at the wide-angle end to 200mm at the telephoto end. This versatile range enables diverse photographic expression, from wide-angle shooting of expansive landscapes to close-up and compressive compositions in telephoto shooting. The compact, lightweight design makes it easy to carry the lens with ease, anytime, anywhere. The 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 is a very convenient lens that can be used for nearly any genre, from vast landscapes to snapshots around town, table-top photography and for professional-looking portraits.
Conclusion
The lens has a large maximum aperture of F2.8 at 28mm wide end, and delivers high-level performance across the entire zoom range, from the 28mm wide-angle end to 200mm telephoto. Tamron pursued a high level of portability in the development of the 28-200mm F2.8-5.6, achieving a compact, lightweight design that’s a mere 117mm long and weighs just 575g. The 67mm filter size is the same as other lenses in Tamron’s mirrorless lens lineup. It maintains outstanding performance throughout the entire zoom range, and aperture values of F3.5 at 50mm, F4.5 at 100mm, F5.6 at 200mm. From landscape photography to portrait photos and snapshots, the 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 delivers finely detailed images in a wide range of shooting situations. The 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 delivers amazing close-up performance for an all-in-one zoom lens. At 28mm wide-angle, the MOD is 0.19m (7.5 in) with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.1, and at the 200mm telephoto end it has an MOD of 0.8m (31.5 in) with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.8. The AF drive on the 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 includes an RXD motor unit to help you stay focused on the action. RXD uses an actuator to precisely control the rotational angle of the motor, allowing it to directly drive the focusing lens without passing through a reduction gear.
Firmware Update
Some owners have reported soft focus at times. Tamron has issues a firmware update on, October 26, 2023. This update improves the following issues. Tamron has improved AF tracking performance when shooting moving objects with this firmware update. The lens is now compatible with AF Assist function during video recording.
