Overview

The Sony 28-75mm F2.8 SAM is a standard zoom lens optically based on the Tamron 28-75mm F2.8. Its optical performance is mixed: at f/2.8, the center is decent but borders and corners are soft, improving significantly when stopped down to f/5.6-f/8. Distortion is well-controlled, but vignetting is heavy at wide apertures. Build quality is good for consumer standards, with smooth zoom and focus rings, though the lens extends when zooming and the focus ring rotates during AF. Autofocus via SAM motor is decent but not silent, and manual focus is difficult due to a short focus path and lack of DMF support. It suits budget-conscious full-frame Sony users who need a fast standard zoom and can accept some softness wide open.