Cameraegg Compare logoCameraegg

Tamron

11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD

Sony E Mount

11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD — 11–20mm f/2.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the tamron lineup.

$899

Launch price

Released May 2021

vs

Tamron

17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD

Sony E Mount

17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD — 17–28mm f/2.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the tamron lineup.

$899

Launch price

Released Jun 2019

11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD is 1.9 years newer.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.

Wins

3categories

11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD

LandscapeSports & Action

Wins

0categories

17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD

LandscapeSports & Action

5 categories tied

TL;DR — Key differences

11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD wins 3 categories·17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD wins 0 categories
  • A11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD has lower Diameter (65 mm vs 86 mm)
  • A11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD has lower Weight (335 g vs 420 g)
  • A11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD has lower Length (97 mm vs 109 mm)

Key specs at a glance

11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD
Focal Length11-20 mm17-28 mm
Max Aperturef/2.8f/2.8
MountSony ESony E
CoverageAPS-CFull Frame
StabilizationNoNo
Weight335 g420 g
Min Focus38 cm38 cm
Filter Size62 mm82 mm

Use-case scoring

Which one for what?

Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class

Use case11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD
Portrait
4.5Fair
4.5Fair
Sports & Action
6.5Good
6.5Good
Video & Hybrid
4.0Fair
4.0Fair
Landscape
8.0Excellent
7.0Good
Travel
5.0Fair
5.0Fair
Wildlife
3.0Limited
3.0Limited
Macro & Close-up
2.0Limited
2.0Limited

Why pick one over the other

Reasons to choose the 11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD

  • Diameter

    65 mm vs 86 mm — lower is better

  • Weight

    335 g vs 420 g — lower is better

  • Length

    97 mm vs 109 mm — lower is better

Reasons to choose the 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD

No major spec wins compared to 11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD.

Shared specifications

Max aperture (Wide)

Both f/2.8

Max aperture (Tele)

Both f/2.8

Min focus distance

Both 38 cm

Max magnification

Both 0.25 ×

Internal focus

Both support internal focus

Weather sealing

Both support weather sealing

Pros & cons at a glance

Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.

11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD

Pros

  • Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
  • Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
  • Lightweight design easy to carry all day

Cons

  • Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value

17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD

Pros

  • Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
  • Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
  • Native Sony E mount compatibility

Cons

  • Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value

Decided which one is right for you?

Compare live prices for the 11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD and 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD at major authorized retailers.

Tamron 11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD

Tamron 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.

Full specifications

= category winner

11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD
17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD
Focal length (Min)
11 mm
17 mm
Focal length (Max)
20 mm
28 mm
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8
f/2.8
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8
f/2.8
Elements
16
16
Groups
12
12
Special elements
Aspherical
Aspherical
11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD
17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD
Min focus distance
38 cm
38 cm
Max magnification
0.25 ×
0.25 ×
Autofocus motor
Linear / Stepping Motor
Linear / Stepping Motor
Internal focus
Yes
Yes
11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD
17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD
Optical stabilization
No
No
OIS effectiveness
0 stops
0 stops
11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD
17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD
Weight
335 g−85 g less
420 g
Length
97 mm−12 mm less
109 mm
Diameter
65 mm−21 mm less
86 mm
Filter thread size
62 mm
82 mm
Weather sealing
Yes
Yes
Diaphragm blades
9
9
11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD
17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD
Lens mount
Sony E
Sony E
Format coverage
APS-C
Full Frame

Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.