Tamron’s New 12-20mm f/2.8 Lens Is Here
- The Magazine For Photographers
- 58 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Tamron’s 12-20mm f/2.8 lens for Sony E and Nikon Z full-frame mirrorless cameras is here. Not only is this a brand-new ultra-wide zoom, but the lens also marks the start of a refreshed branding approach for the company. Gone are the long product names like “Di III VXD,” with Tamron instead going for the much simpler Tamron 12-20mm f/2.8. The lens also arrives with a redesigned exterior, featuring updated control ring textures, a darker matte finish, and a stronger focus on physical controls.
One of the biggest changes is the number of controls built directly into the lens. It has a zoom ring, manual focus ring, and, on the Nikon Z version, a customisable control ring. There is also an aperture de-click switch, AF/MF switch, zoom lock, manual focus lock, plus two customisable function buttons linked to a three-way selector switch. Inside, the lens uses a 17-element, 12-group optical design that includes one XGM (eXpanded Glass Molded Aspherical) element, three GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) elements, and several additional special glass elements to help reduce corner softness, chromatic aberration, and sagittal coma flare. Autofocus is handled by Tamron’s VXD linear motor, while the 12-blade aperture covers a range from f/2.8 to f/16. The lens focuses as close as 0.18m at 12mm and 0.28m at 20mm, with maximum magnification ratios of 1:5.8 and 1:9.1, respectively.
The lens measures 119.3mm long, weighs 570g, and is weather sealed throughout the barrel, although Tamron has not given it an official IP rating. The permanently attached petal-shaped lens hood means there is no front filter thread, but the lens instead includes a rear gel filter holder. The Tamron 12-20mm f/2.8 will be available for Sony E and Nikon Z mounts starting July 30 for $1,699.
