Sony Sonnar T* FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA vs Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony Sonnar T* FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA is 35mm, the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD is 17-28mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony Sonnar T* FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA for short-telephoto / portrait, the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD for wide-angle.
Choose the Sony Sonnar T* FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA if…
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 35mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 120g (4.2 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 shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 17-28mm zoom covers what the fixed 35mm can't reframe.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.19x magnification vs 0.12x.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Sony Sonnar T* FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA is 35mm, Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD is 17-28mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sony Sonnar T* FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Weight: the Sony Sonnar T* FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA is 120g (4.2 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 Sonnar T* FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA or the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony Sonnar T* FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA is 35mm, the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD is 17-28mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony Sonnar T* FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA for short-telephoto / portrait, the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD for wide-angle.
Who should choose the Sony Sonnar T* FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA?
Choose the Sony Sonnar T* FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 35mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 120g (4.2 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 shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 17-28mm zoom covers what the fixed 35mm can't reframe. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.19x magnification vs 0.12x. 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 Sonnar T* FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA and the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD?
Focal range: Sony Sonnar T* FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA is 35mm, Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD is 17-28mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 35mm | 17-28mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 7 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 5 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/49 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 63° | 104° – 75° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | DDL | RXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 35 cm | 19 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.12x | 0.19x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $799 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 49mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 61.5mm | 73mm |
| Length | 36.5mm | 99mm |
| Weight | 120g (4.2 oz) | 420g (14.8 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
