Tamron has announced the 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A062) for full-frame Sony E-Mount. The company says that it was created in “aggressive pursuit” of portability, and is the smallest and lightest lens in its class.
“In its class” is defined by Tamron as fast-aperture zoom lenses designed for Sony E-Mount full-frame mirrorless cameras. The company says that the new lens can deliver beautiful images across its entire zoom range and is ideal for still photography and creating vlogs and video content.
The lens design is touted as particularly innovative due to its unique mix of performance, size, and weight. The lens can maintain a consistent f/2.8 aperture across the entire zoom range, measures 3.4-inches long, and weighs 12.9 ounces. Tamron says that the lens offers excellent handling that is well-balanced even when combined with accessories like camera grips or stabilizers.
The lens’ optical structure is made up of 12 elements in 11 groups which includes four low dispersion elements, two glass molded aspherical lenses, and one hybrid aspherical element. Tamron says the combination strikes a balance between high image quality and compact size across the entire zoom range. The company also says that the lens is capable of producing soft, circular defocus effects through its nine-bladed aperture diaphragm that allows an aperture range of f/2.8 through f/22.
Tamron’s more recent lenses tend to have a particularly close focusing distance, and the 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD continues that tradition with a minimum focus distance of 6.7 inches and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.8 at the wide end, the combination of which allows for wide macro-style shooting.
The autofocus system is driven by Tamron’s VXD linear motor system that it says provides a combination of high performant autofocus speed and precision. The company says that the autofocus system is able to respond quickly across the entire focus range and provides support for Sony camerea tracking, all while remaining extremely quiet which makes it particularly suited for both still and video shooting in a range of situations.
The lens has what Tamron calls an improved texture and scratch resistance, has a 67mm front filter size, is moisture resistant, features a fluorine coating on the front element, and is compatible with camera-specific features like Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF.
The 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD for Sony E-mount cameras will be available on October 27 for $699.