Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di Review | 54 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£150
  • Avg. price in US: ~$150
  • Lens mount: Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A, Pentax K
  • Maximum focal length: 75 mm
  • Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 2.8
  • Optical image stabilization: no
  • Maximum angle of view: ?

Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

6.8

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

6.2

Technical Score

20.0%

9.0

User score

Good
6.2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

6.8

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

7.0

Build & Handling

20.0%

4.7

Focus & Controls

10.0%

8.4

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

Good
9.0

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(492)
amazon
4.1
(484)
amazon
4.2
(300)
amazon
4.4
(293)
amazon
4.2
(42)
United States
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4.5
(602)
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4.1
(381)
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4.4
(327)
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
(75)
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(50)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

Exceptional
  • 7.2
    Low-light photography

    Score components:

    70.0%

    9.8

    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)

    30.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

  • 5.0
    Travel

    Score components:

    30.0%

    8.6

    Lens length

    25.0%

    8.0

    Lens diameter

    25.0%

    1.0

    Weather sealing (splashproof)

    20.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Tamron SP 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di (Model A09) is a fast, constant-aperture standard zoom lens designed for full-frame and APS-C DSLR cameras. It features an optical construction of 16 elements in 14 groups, including Extra Refractive (XR) glass and Low Dispersion (LD) elements to minimize aberrations within a compact body weighing just 510g. Key characteristics include a 33cm minimum focus distance throughout the zoom range and a 7-blade circular diaphragm for smooth bokeh. Its main pros are its remarkably lightweight and compact design, excellent center sharpness even at f/2.8, and exceptional value for a fast-aperture zoom. However, it lacks image stabilization, has a relatively noisy micro-motor autofocus system, and can exhibit soft corners and noticeable vignetting when used wide open on full-frame sensors.

Technical Specifications of Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

6.8

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

7.0

Build & Handling

20.0%

4.7

Focus & Controls

10.0%

8.4

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

6.2
Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di has a technical score of 6.22 points, which is lower than 88.4% of camera lenses.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

8.6

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.4
(492)
amazon
4.1
(484)
amazon
4.2
(300)
amazon
4.4
(293)
amazon
4.2
(42)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.5
(602)
Amazon_logo.png
4.1
(381)
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(327)
Amazon_logo.png
3.9
(75)
Amazon_logo.png
4.2
(50)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

9.0
Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di has a user score of 9 points, which is higher than 69.1% of camera lenses.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
10
Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 69.2% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.8

Overall score

40.0%

9.7

Price

7.7
Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.7 points, which is higher than 72% of products in this category.
Lens type
What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.
When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

zoom
Lens mount
What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.
When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony A, Pentax K
Sensor format coverage
What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.
When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

Full-frame
Filter thread size
What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.
When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

67 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.
When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

no
Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
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Minimum focal length
What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.
When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

28 mm
Maximum focal length
What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.
When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

75 mm
Optical zoom
What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.
When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

2.7x
Maximum angle of view
What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.
When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

?
Minimum angle of view
What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.
When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

32 °
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Focus motor
What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.
When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

DC motor
Minimum focus distance
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.33 m
Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di focuses as close as 0.33 m, which is farther than 52.7% of camera lenses and equal to 0.2% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.256x
Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.256x, which is higher than 74.6% of camera lenses and equal to 2.2% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

no
Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di does not support full-time manual focus. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Internal focusing
What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.
When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
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Optical image stabilization
What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.
When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

no
Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di does not support optical image stabilization. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.
When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

?
Weight
What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.
When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

525 g
Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di weighs 525 g, which is lighter than 50.1% of camera lenses.
Lens length
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

92 mm
Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di is 92 mm long, which is shorter than 49.9% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.6% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

73 mm
Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di has a diameter of 73 mm, which is slimmer than 62.3% of camera lenses and equal to that of 3% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

no
Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di does not support weather sealing. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.
When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di uses a metal lens mount. 93.1% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
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DxOMark overall score
What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.
When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

?
DxOMark sharpness score
What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.
When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

?
DxOMark transmission
What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.
When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
DxOMark distortion
What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.
When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
DxOMark vignetting
What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.
When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

1.600 EV
Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di has DxOMark vignetting of 1.600 EV, which is higher than that of 71% of camera lenses and equal to that of 7.7% of camera lenses.
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Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di vs the average camera lens

  • Has focus distance scale
    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
    What it is: A marked scale that shows the approximate focus distance set on the lens.
    When it matters: When you pre-focus manually for street, zone focusing, or repeatable tripod setups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • Has zoom lock switch
    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di has a zoom lock switch, the average camera lens does not. 8.6% of camera lenses include a zoom lock switch.
    Zoom lock switch present.
    What it is: A switch that locks the zoom position to prevent the lens from extending during transport.
    When it matters: When you carry the lens while walking or traveling and want to prevent zoom creep.

    Importance: LOW

    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di has a zoom lock switch, the average camera lens does not. 8.6% of camera lenses include a zoom lock switch.
  • 2 more aspherical elements
    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
    When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.4 vs 2
  • 1 more low-dispersion elements
    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
    When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.3 vs 2
  • 3.53x cheaper
    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di is cheaper than the average camera lens (£150 vs £530).
    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di is cheaper than the average camera lens (£150 vs £530).£150 vs £530
  • 4 mm narrower lens barrel
    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di is slimmer than the average camera lens (73 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
    When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di is slimmer than the average camera lens (73 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.73 mm vs 77 mm
  • 2 more aspherical elements
    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di has more aspherical elements than the average camera lens (4 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
  • 1 more low-dispersion elements
    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • Has zoom lock switch
    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di has a zoom lock switch, the average camera lens does not. 8.6% of camera lenses include a zoom lock switch.
  • 4 mm narrower lens barrel
    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di is slimmer than the average camera lens (73 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
  • No rounded blades
    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
  • No full-time manual focus
    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • Older release date
    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    March 2003
  • 0.4 EV more vignetting
    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di has more vignetting than the average camera lens (1.6 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
    What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
    When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

    Importance: HIGH

    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • No full-time manual focus
    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
    What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
    When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

    Importance: HIGH

    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
  • No rounded blades
    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
    What it is: A blade design that keeps the aperture opening more circular for smoother out-of-focus highlights.
    When it matters: When you care about smoother bokeh and rounder highlight shapes in blurred backgrounds.

    Importance: HIGH

    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di does not use rounded aperture blades, the average camera lens does. 88.8% of camera lenses use rounded aperture blades.
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    What it is: The number of diaphragm blades that shape the aperture opening and influence blur rendering.
    When it matters: When the look of out-of-focus highlights matters in portraits, close-ups, or cinematic video.

    Importance: HIGH

    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.7 vs 9
  • Older release date
    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    March 2003
    What it is: The date when the lens model was first officially introduced.
    When it matters: When you prefer a newer optical design with more modern autofocus, coatings, or stabilization features.

    Importance: LOW

    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di was released earlier than the average camera lens.2003 vs 2016
  • 0.4 EV more vignetting
    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di has more vignetting than the average camera lens (1.6 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.
    What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.
    When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di has more vignetting than the average camera lens (1.6 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.1.600 EV vs 1.2 EV

Graphic comparison of Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di?

  • High sharpness in the center, especially when stopped down
  • Affordable price compared to first-party 24-70mm equivalents
  • Lightweight and compact design for a fast zoom lens
  • Constant f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout the zoom range
  • Pleasing bokeh quality for portraits and backgrounds
  • Includes a zoom lock switch to prevent lens creep

What customers dislike about Tamron SP 28 75mm F 2 8 XR Di?

  • Autofocus motor is relatively slow and noisy compared to modern lenses
  • Noticeable softness and vignetting in the extreme corners at f/2.8
  • Significant barrel distortion at 28mm and pincushion distortion at 75mm
  • Plastic build feel might not be as durable as professional-grade lenses
  • Short 45-degree manual focus throw makes precise manual focusing difficult
  • Lacks built-in image stabilization (VC)

Expert reviews

N
nikonians.org
24/10/2003
Summary of the review
T
the-digital-picture.com
Unknown
Summary of the review
E
ephotozine.com
25/03/2010
Summary of the review
F
focus-review.com
27/01/2012
Summary of the review
P
photoreview.com.au
Unknown
Summary of the review
R
radojuva.com
30/04/2012
Summary of the review
F
focus-review.com
11/06/2013
Summary of the review
B
bobatkins.com
28/12/2014
Summary of the review
P
photozone.de
01/03/2009
Summary of the review
P
photozone.de
01/04/2007
Summary of the review
N
naturfotografie-digital.de
25/08/2017
Summary of the review
D
digitalkamera.de
15/02/2013
Summary of the review
P
photozone.de
14/11/2007
Summary of the review
D
dxomark.fr
01/03/2003
Summary of the review
P
photoklub.com
23/05/2016
Summary of the review
D
dxomark.fr
15/06/2015
Summary of the review
D
digitalcamaralens.com
27/07/2026
Summary of the review
N
nikonistas.com
29/11/2011
Summary of the review
N
nadir.it
Undated
Summary of the review
N
nadir.it
Undated
Summary of the review
T
tapatalk.com
02/03/2011
Summary of the review
F
focus-review.com
11/06/2026
Summary of the review
F
focus-review.com
27/01/2012
Summary of the review
D
dutchaperture.com
03/04/2021
Summary of the review

Video reviews

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