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 priceReleased Jun 2019
Tamron
20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD
Sony E Mount
20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD — 20–40mm f/2.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the tamron lineup.
$699
Launch priceReleased Oct 2022
20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD is 3.3 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
17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD
Wins
20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- A17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD has lower Min focus distance (19 cm vs 38 cm)
- B20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD has higher Max magnification (0.25 × vs 0.19 ×)
- A17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD has lower Diameter (73 mm vs 86 mm)
- B20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD has lower Weight (365 g vs 420 g)
- A17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD has lower Length (99 mm vs 101 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to share
17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD
⌀73 × 99 mm
420 g (0.93 lb / 14.82 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD
⌀86 × 101 mm
365 g (0.80 lb / 12.88 oz)
17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD is 2mm shorter and 13mm narrower than 20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD.
17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD is 55 g heavier than 20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD.
Diameter (⌀) is the maximum barrel width; length is measured from the mount to the front of the lens.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD
- ✓
Min focus distance
19 cm vs 38 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD supports it
- ✓
Diameter
73 mm vs 86 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Length
99 mm vs 101 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the 20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD
- ✓
Weight
365 g vs 420 g — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.19 × — higher is better
Shared specifications
Max aperture (Wide)
Both f/2.8
Max aperture (Tele)
Both f/2.8
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
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
20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Lightweight design easy to carry all day
- ✓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 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD and 20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD at major authorized retailers.
Tamron 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD
Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD
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
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.