Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD vs Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD opens to f/2.8 versus the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
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 the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 28mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD opens to f/2.8 vs the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD is 17-28mm, Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD is 17-50mm — different framing and reach.
Frequently asked
Is the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD or the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD opens to f/2.8 versus the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
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.
Who should choose the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD?
Choose the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD if you need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 28mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD and the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD?
Aperture: the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD opens to f/2.8 vs the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 17-28mm | 17-50mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 13 | 15 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 104° – 75° | 104° – 47° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | RXD | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 19 cm | 19 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.19x | 0.24x |
| 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 | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 73mm | 75mm |
| Length | 99mm | 86.2mm |
| Weight | 420g (14.8 oz) | 460g (1.01 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
