CP+ 2018: First look at new Tamron FE-mount 28-75mm F2.8
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The Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III RXD is the first third-party standard zoom to be created natively for the Sony FE mount. We’re at the CP+ show in Yokohama, where we got our hands on a prototype.
CP+ 2018: First look at new Tamron FE-mount 28-75mm F2.8
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The 28-75mm F2.8 is a completely new design, despite offering the same focal length range and continuous maximum aperture as the older 28-75mm for DSLRs. It was designed from the ground-up to be paired with full-frame mirrorless cameras.
CP+ 2018: First look at new Tamron FE-mount 28-75mm F2.8
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As we’d expect from Tamron, it’s a compact, relatively lightweight lens, weighing in at a mere 550g (19.4oz). We’re told that a 24-75mm focal length range was discussed, but the company’s engineers preferred to keep the lens as small and lightweight as possible. To that end, the body of the lens is polycarbonate, rather than metal (which you’ll find in Tamron’s ‘SP’ range of optics).
CP+ 2018: First look at new Tamron FE-mount 28-75mm F2.8
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Despite lacking the ‘SP’ designation, Tamron claims that the 28-75mm will offer superb optical performance. It’s also sealed against dust and moisture incursion. In an interview with Tamron’s senior executives, we were told that this lens will form the basis for a new range of lenses in the future, designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras not only from Sony, but also hypothetical future Canon and Nikon models.
CP+ 2018: First look at new Tamron FE-mount 28-75mm F2.8
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One significant development in the 28-75mm is a new ‘RXD’ stepper motor for autofocus, which is designed to be near-silent. According to Tamron, this is important for a lens designed from the ground up to be used with mirrorless cameras since compared to DSLRs, they’re better suited to switching between stills and high-quality video capture modes.
CP+ 2018: First look at new Tamron FE-mount 28-75mm F2.8
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This shot shows the thin rubber gasket around the lensmount, which should help protect both camera and lens from moisture and dust.
With the new 28-75mm F2.8, Tamron is clearly looking ahead to a future where full-frame mirrorless cameras become the norm. We’re excited to see what it can do, when the lens becomes available later this year. What do you think?
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)