Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS vs Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD opens to f/2.8 versus the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS gives that up to stay lighter (225g (7.9 oz)) and cheaper ($749). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 10mm vs 17mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You value portability — at 225g (7.9 oz) it's lighter than the 420g (14.8 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 28mm vs 18mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.19x magnification vs 0.1x.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD opens to f/2.8 vs the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS is 10-18mm, Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD is 17-28mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS is 225g (7.9 oz) vs 420g (14.8 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS or the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD opens to f/2.8 versus the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS gives that up to stay lighter (225g (7.9 oz)) and cheaper ($749). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS?
Choose the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS if you shoot wide — it starts at 10mm vs 17mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you value portability — at 225g (7.9 oz) it's lighter than the 420g (14.8 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD?
Choose the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 28mm vs 18mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.19x magnification vs 0.1x. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
What is the main difference between the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS and the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD?
Aperture: the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD opens to f/2.8 vs the Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 10-18mm | 17-28mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 110° – 76° | 104° – 75° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 15-27mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | RXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 25 cm | 19 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.1x | 0.19x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $749 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 62mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 70.8mm | 73mm |
| Length | 63.8mm | 99mm |
| Weight | 225g (7.9 oz) | 420g (14.8 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
