
At first look, the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 is a little bit of an odd duck. It’s not an ultrawide lens, however it’s probably not a typical zoom lens both. It’s type of in between. Subsequent time you exit on a photograph stroll, do you have to decide this up as a substitute of a Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 or 17-28mm f/2.8? Let’s have a look.
Execs
- Light-weight
- Moveable
- Sharp
- Nice colours
- Worth
- Climate sealed
Cons
- Vignetting
- No guide focus change
Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 — Technical specs
All technical specs for the Tamron 20-40mm have been taken from the B&H web site:
- Minimal focus distance: 6.7” / 17mm
- Most magnification: 0.26x
- Macro replica ratio: 1:3.8
- Focus kind: Computerized
- Picture stabilization: No
- Filter measurement: 67mm (entrance)
- Weight: 12.9oz / 365g
Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 — Ergonomics and construct high quality
Much like most Tamron lenses, the 20-40mm f/2.8 has a modest however good construct high quality. It’s sporting a plastic physique with a steel mount and stable climate sealing. The lens could be very mild however feels premium when within the hand.
The Tamron 20-40mm has a pleasant measurement zoom ring with a brief throw. The main target ring is positioned on the entrance of the lens. It feels easy and spins simply.
One factor noticeably lacking from the Tamron 20-40mm is an AF/MF change. I don’t use that change usually, however there have been just a few occasions whereas utilizing the lens that I want I had one out there.
It needs to be famous that you could nonetheless use guide focus with the lens, you’ll simply have to pick out it in your digicam menu as a substitute of on the physique of the lens.
Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 — Within the subject
The Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 stunned me. At first, I wasn’t certain what I ought to use it for as a result of the 20-40mm vary struck me as an odd focal vary. My spouse and I traveled to Dallas, TX for the vacations so I believed, why not convey the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 alongside and see the way it does as a journey companion?

For this objective, the Tamron 20-40mm completely shined. Being so mild and compact paired with my Sony A7iv, I might carry this combo with me in all places with nice outcomes. The lens was enjoyable to make use of and I discovered myself actually having fun with utilizing it.
Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 — Autofocus efficiency

Throughout my testing, the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 carried out nicely. It’s quick and correct. The motors are quiet and I might see this being a superb lens for gimbal work.
I had just a few occasions whereas utilizing steady autofocus the place the main focus wouldn’t pull as I zoomed out. It didn’t occur each time however there have been just a few situations. I’m certain this may very well be corrected with settings or probably a future software program replace.
Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 — Picture high quality
Picture high quality with the Tamron 20-40mm is nice. The photographs are tack sharp and exquisite.
Distortion management and vignetting
As you would possibly count on with a wider zoom lens, there may be some distortion and vignetting. It’s fairly managed on the large finish however could be a little heavier on the lengthy finish.
There’s a truthful quantity of pincushioning, however it is extremely manageable and might simply be corrected in the course of the post-editing course of.
Ghosting and flaring
Throughout my time with the Tamron 20-40mm, I didn’t expertise a lot ghosting or flaring. I used to be capturing largely in the course of the center of the day and it carried out nice.
Sharpness
I discovered the images taken with the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 to be very sharp. I might haven’t any downside trusting this lens.
Bokeh

Bokeh with the Tamron 20-40mm is good with a superb falloff. The Bokeh balls are superbly spherical, even wide-open at f/2.8
Coloration rendition
I discovered the colour rendition on this lens to be superb. I took the Tamron 20-40mm with me to an artwork museum whereas out exploring Dallas and was very proud of the outcomes. The photographs beneath have been corrected for vignetting however are in any other case unedited so you’ll be able to see the outcomes.
Artist — Obey Big at Dallas Modern