
Tamron’s workhorse 20mm f/2.8 lens for Sony E mount cameras gives one thing that the majority wide-angle primes don’t — a brilliant mild, compact footprint that’s straightforward to throw in a bag while you’re on-the-go. Whether or not you’re touring cross nation or simply going to your native seashore, this lens will seize these vast scenes superbly.
Tamron’s prime lineup of 20, 24 and 35mm are dependable, “get-the-job-done” kind of lenses. Image high quality is nice, autofocus is correct and all in all, these are nice lenses to make use of. And on the 20mm facet of issues, it’s an amazing lens for landscapes, cityscapes and all the pieces in-between.
Professionals
- Compact and light-weight; good for touring
- Totally climate sealed, stunning for a lens on this vary
- Superior sharpness
- Extremely inexpensive
Cons
- Autofocus could be a bit gradual, however is correct
- Some barrel distortion current
Tamron 20mm f/2.8 — Technical specs
All technical specs for the Tamron 20mm f/2.8 have been taken from B&H Picture:
- Aperture vary: f/2.8–f/22
- Angle of view: 94° 30′
- Minimal focus distance: 4.3″ / 10.92 cm
- Most magnification: 0.5x
- Macro copy ratio: 1:2
- Optical design: 10 Components in 9 Teams
- Diaphragm blades: 7, Rounded
- Picture stabilization: No
- Filter measurement: 67mm (entrance)
- Dimensions: 2.87 x 2.5″ / 73 x 63.5 mm
- Weight: 7.8 oz / 221 g
Tamron 20mm f/2.8 — Ergonomics and construct high quality

The Tamron 20mm will really feel proper at house to anybody who’s used Tamron’s mirrorless lenses earlier than. The plastic exterior and light-weight design feels premium, and appears very slick.
The lens is mud and splash proof, which is stunning given its value level. The outside options no buttons or dials, only a small handbook focusing ring. Tamron goes for a minimal look on the outside of its lenses, and that’s a welcome sight on condition that different producers appear to be taking a distinct strategy.
The lens cap is Tamron’s customary cap for all of its mirrorless mount lenses. The hood may be tough to screw on at instances, one of many issues I’ve at all times known as out on Tamron lenses, because the hood isn’t fairly as forgiving as different makes.
Given its small measurement, this lens is nice for journey photographers on the lookout for a light-weight panorama or cityscape lens. It takes up hardly any room in a bag, and it’s tremendous light-weight. For videographers, its measurement matches that of its 24mm and 35mm cousins, making it straightforward to swap out on a gimbal.
Tamron 20mm f/2.8 — Within the discipline
The Tamron 20mm is a superb wide-angle prime, and it’s very approachable given its measurement and weight. Whereas the lens doesn’t have picture stabilization, that ought to be no drawback, particularly on fashionable Sony our bodies with IBIS.
Autofocus efficiency
Autofocus on the Tamron 20mm is correct however could be a bit gradual and noisy. Regardless of that, it was in a position to sustain with my taking pictures no drawback, and locked on to topics simply.
What actually units this lens aside is its 4.3-inch minimal focus distance. This makes it good for getting artistic pictures, or utilizing the lens’ macro capabilities. In comparison with Tamron’s important competitor with this lens — the Sigma 20mm f/2 Modern lens — you’ll be able to seize objects two instances nearer. That’s tremendous spectacular.
Tamron 20mm f/2.8 — Picture high quality
The Tamron 20mm is actually a workhorse, and will get the job achieved it doesn’t matter what you throw at it. Whereas it gained’t have the attractive optics of, say, a Sony G Grasp or Sigma Artwork lens, what you get for the value is just gorgeous.
Distortion management and vignetting


In comparison with the Tamron 35mm, there’s some barrel distortion (in addition to a slight vignette) with the Tamron 20mm. That stated, that is anticipated from a wide-angle lens, and is definitely correctable in post-processing.
Ghosting, flaring and chromatic aberrations
Chromatic aberrations aren’t any difficulty for the Tamron 20mm, nor was flaring. There’s some very, very slight ghosting current when taking pictures into the solar, however it’s hardly noticeable.
Sharpness
Like its 35mm counterpart, the Tamron 20mm eludes sharpness. Corners could be a bit gentle, however enhance at f/8. Tamron has achieved an actual good job with this, offering sharpness that I’d count on from a $1000-plus lens … not one which prices a couple of hundred bucks.
Bokeh
You’re not going to purchase a 20mm wide-angle lens for bokeh. That stated, it does produce some good background separation with an attractive falloff.
The lens additionally has macro capabilities, that means you’ll be able to rise up near topics as much as 4.3 inches away. It’s a pleasant function in a pinch, and this undoubtedly accentuates the depth of discipline you get with the lens.
Shade rendition
Colours lean barely heat, however are very pleasing. That is just like different Tamron lenses for Sony E mount.