Tamron has announced the new 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD lens. Boasting a maximum aperture of f/2.8 at the 28mm wide-angle end for FE-mount (with a zoom of 7x or more), Tamron’s new super tele-zoom is the World’s first all-in-one zoom. The lens is made up of 18 elements in 14 groups, is weather-sealed, features a close focusing distance of 19cm, and uses RXD focus for ultra-quiet operation.
The 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD has a minimum focusing distance of 7.5 inches and offers a 1:3.1 maximum magnification for working with close-up subjects. The Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD provides an equivalent focal range of 42-300mm, and Tamron says the new lens is compatible with Sony’s Direct Manual Focus functionality.
The Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD price tag will be $729, and you can pre-order the new lens from retailers such as B&H Photo Video. See also 2020 Tamron Lens Deals
Key Features
- Weight 575g
- Length 117mm
- RXD focus for ultra-quiet operation & ideal for video
- Moisture-Resistant Construction
- Min Focus at 200mm = 80cm 1:3.8 Magnification Ratio
- Min Focus at 28mm = 19cm 1:3.1 Magnification Ratio
- Fluorine coated front element
- Filter size 67mm, in common with other Tamron Sony FE fit lenses
From Tamron press text:
Tamron announces launch of the world’s first*1 F2.8 all-in-one zoom lens for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras
In 1992, Tamron demonstrated breakthrough innovation with the release of the AF 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 Aspherical (Model 71D), a compact and lightweight all-in-one zoom lens. The amazingly compact size, lightweight and reasonable price immediately became wildly popular with photographers around the world. In the years since, Tamron has been a pioneer in releasing epoch-making all-in-one zooms tailored to each era, including the recent 18-400mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD (Model B028) that boasts the world’s highest*2 magnification of 22.2x and which currently enjoys robust sales.
The new 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 Di III RXD is a distillation of all Tamron’s accumulated all-in-one zoom expertise, and has been specifically developed as a long-range zoom for daily use on a full-frame mirrorless camera. Tamron chose Model A071 as the model name in a nod to “71” representing the model number of the world’s original all-in-one zoom from Tamron.
The 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 is the first all-in-one-zoom in the world to achieve a maximum aperture of F2.8 at the 28mm wide-angle end. To assure superb optical performance, it features a precise arrangement of special lens elements that accommodate the increasingly high resolutions of today’s digital cameras. Enabling high-quality image rendering throughout the zoom range, the lens responds to users’ photographic expressions in powerful style. Moreover, with its 117mm (4.6 in)length, 575g (20.3 oz) weight and filter diameter of a mere 67mm, the 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 offers excellent portability. When combined with a compact, lightweight full-frame mirrorless camera, it allows photographers to capture virtually every scene they encounter in daily use, travel, sports and nature.
The 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 takes the convenience of an all-in-one zoom (which incorporates various angles of view from wide to telephoto in a single lens) and adds a fast-maximum aperture of F2.8 and superb image quality to enhance the potential for photographic applications. Breaking conventional limitations and broadening the horizons of photographic possibilities, this zoom lens writes a new chapter in the history of the all-in-one zoom lens.
The 28-200 F2.8-5.6 Di III RXD will become available from 25th June 2020 from UK retailers
The suggested retail price at launch is £799.99 inc Vat.
*1 Maximum aperture in zoom range among currently available all-in-one interchangeable zoom lenses with a zoom ratio of 7x or higher (as of May 2020: Tamron)
*2 Among interchangeable lenses for DSLR cameras (as of May 2017: Tamron)
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
1. The world’s first*1 F2.8 all-in-one zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras.
A remarkable first for an all-in-one zoom lens: the 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 achieves a fast F2.8 aperture at the 28mm wide-angle end. Additionally, maximum apertures at intermediate zoom ranges are F3.5 at 50mm, F5 at 100mm, and F5.6 at 150mm through 200mm. As an unprecedented all-in-one zoom that combines fast aperture with compact size, the 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 delivers greater versatility and usefulness than ever before available.
*1 Maximum aperture in zoom range among currently available all-in-one interchangeable zoom lenses with a zoom ratio of 7x or higher (as of May 2020: Tamron)2. Light weight and compact size for superior mobility
Tamron’s series of full-frame mirrorless camera lenses, starting with the 28-75mm F2.8 (Model A036), has been developed with the overall goal of balancing high performance with convenience. In addition to the series-standard 67mm filter diameter, and leveraging the camera integrated image stabilization, engineers concentrated on achieving compact size and lightweight. Length is just 117mm (4.6 in), maximum diameter is 74mm, and the weight is a mere 575g (20.3 oz). With a size that offers excellent portability, the lens lightens your load, allowing you to travel comfortably and shoot unencumbered.
3. Uncompromising image quality that lets you focus on creativity
This new zoom lens contains 18 elements in 14 groups. A generous assortment of special lens elements that includes GM (Glass Molded Aspherical), hybrid aspherical, XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) and LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements is precisely arranged to effectively control chromatic and other aberrations, enabling high resolving power. Meanwhile, the BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) Coating provides powerful anti-reflection properties to effectively reduce ghosting and flare, resulting in clear and crisp images. In-camera correction features are utilized to mitigate distortion and shading to achieve uniformly high image quality from edge-to-edge at all zoom settings. Tamron has concentrated all its all-in-one zoom technologies into achieving optical performance that sets a new standard among existing all-in-one zoom lenses. From casual snaps to serious photos, this single lens lets you enjoy a wide range of shooting situations with complete freedom of composition.
4. Superior up-close shooting performance
The 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 delivers superior close-up shooting performance for an all-in-one zoom. At the28mm wide-angle end the MOD (Minimum Object Distance) is 0.19m (7.5 in), achieving a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.1. This performance, combined with the fast F2.8 aperture, allows users to move in close so that the subject is large while simultaneously showcasing a beautifully blurred background. Close-up shooting is remarkable at the telephoto end as well, with an MOD of 0.8m (31.5 in) and maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.8. Users can capture impressive images with highly blurred backgrounds and create exceptional compositions.
5. The RXD stepping motor unit is exceptionally quiet
The AF drive incorporates a sensor that accurately detects the position of the lens while the RXD motor unit delivers optimized AF control. This achieves very fast and accurate autofocus operation, allowing users to maintain tack-sharp focus on continuously moving subjects or when filming video. The exceedingly quiet operation is an important advantage because it virtually eliminates extraneous sounds during video recording. In addition, the compact configuration of the RXD AF drive system contributes to the unprecedented size and weight reduction.
6. A full family of superb, compact lenses made especially for mirrorless cameras
The 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 zoom is based on Tamron’s stratagem of creating a series* of lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras that leverage the characteristics of compact camera bodies. Consequently, photographers can more easily enjoy various combinations of interchangeable lenses. For example, when the 28-200 F2.8-5.6RXD is combined with the 17-28mm F2.8 RXD, the combined weight of the two lenses is less than 1kg (995g/35.1 oz). This lightweight, portable zoom set covers everything from wide-angle to telephoto with a zoom range of 17-200mm. Additionally, when combined with a lens from Tamron’s series of fixed focal lenses such as the 20mm F2.8 (Model F050) or 24mm F2.8 (Model F051), the weight is less than 800g (28.2 oz), expanding the possibilities of shooting at the wide-angle end without adding excessive weight or bulk. All lenses in the series share the common filter diameter of 67mm, thereby eliminating the hassle associated with using different size filters and lens caps. Costly filters (e.g., PL, ND, etc.) can be shared instead of buying separate units for each lens. In this way, Tamron has expanded its series of lenses to make it truly practical to carry multiple lenses at the same time.
* A lineup of lenses with 67mm filter diameter for full-frame mirrorless cameras:
- 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (Model A036),
- 17-28mm F/2.8Di III RXD (Model A046),
- 20mm/24mm/35mm F/2.8 Di III OSD (Model F050/F051/F053),
- 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A056)
7. Moisture-Resistant Construction, Fluorine Coating, and Zoom Lock switch
Seals are located at the lens mount area and other critical locations to deter infiltration of moisture and/or rain drops and afford Moisture-Resistant Construction. This feature provides an additional layer of protection when shooting outdoors under adverse weather conditions. Also, the front surface of the lens element is coated with a protective fluorine compound that has excellent water- and oil-repellant qualities. The lens surface is easier to wipe clean and is less vulnerable to the damaging effects of dirt, moisture or oily fingerprints, allowing for much easier maintenance. Additionally, the handy Zoom Lock switch prevents unwanted barrel extension during transportation.
8. Compatible with main camera-specific features and functions
Tamron’s new 28-200mm F2.8-5.6 is compatible with many of the advanced features that are specific to certain mirrorless cameras. These include the following:
- Fast Hybrid AF
- Eye AF- Direct Manual Focus (DMF)
- In-camera lens correction (shading, chromatic aberration, distortion)
- Camera-based lens unit firmware updates
* Features vary by camera. Please consult your camera’s owner’s manual for details. (As of May, 2020.)
