Tamron has released the 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD, a new ultra-wide to standard zoom lens for Sony E-mount. The lens is both compact and lightweight; at 86.5mm long and weighing 365g, it’s the smallest in its class. Its size and portability make it optimal for everyday use, whether for photography or videography. With a close focusing distance of only 17cm, it’s well-suited for vlogging, portraiture, and nature photography. As an ultra-wide lens, it’s also ideal for landscape, travel, and street shooting.
Aside from its handling, the 20-40mm features 12 elements – including four low dispersion, two glass-moulded aspherical, and one hybrid aspherical – in 11 groups. The f/2.8 aperture produces soft yet pronounced bokeh, while a 65-degree zoom arc, combined with Tamron’s VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive), allows for switching seamlessly between moving subjects while remaining quiet.
The 20-40mm lens is congruent with Sony-specific features, including their Fast Hybrid and Eye AF mechanisms. It’s also compatible with Tamron’s new Lens Utility software that allows users to update and customise their lens settings by connecting to a computer. And, like most Tamron lenses, it’s both scratch- and moisture-resistant.
The lens will be available at the end of October, with a retail price of £879.99.
| Principal specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens type | Zoom lens |
| Max Format size | 35mm FF |
| Focal length | 20–40 mm |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Lens mount | Sony E |
| Aperture | |
| Maximum aperture | F2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | F22 |
| Aperture ring | No |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 9 |
| Aperture notes | Rounded once stopped down two stops from F2.8 |
| Optics | |
| Elements | 12 |
| Groups | 11 |
| Special elements / coatings | Four LD (low dispersion) elements, two GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) elements and one Hybrid Aspherical element. |
| Focus | |
| Minimum focus | 0.17 m (6.69″) |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Motor type | Linear Motor |
| Full time manual | Yes |
| Focus method | Extending front |
| Distance scale | No |
| DoF scale | No |
| Physical | |
| Weight | 365 g (0.80 lb) |
| Diameter | 74 mm (2.93″) |
| Length | 86 mm (3.39″) |
| Sealing | Yes |
| Zoom method | Rotary (extending) |
| Power zoom | No |
| Zoom lock | No |
| Filter thread | 67 mm |
| Hood supplied | Yes |
| Tripod collar | No |
