Tamron confirms 20-40mm F/2.8 Di III VXD wideangle zoom will cost £880

Tamron has confirmed the specs, price and availability of its new 20-40mm F/2.8 Di III VXD. Previously this lens had only been announced as being ‘in development’, but now the third-party lens makers have confirmed that it will be arriving in the UK and Ireland in October, and will be priced at £879.99 / €1029.99.

The Tamron 20-40mm F/2.8 Di III VXD is a compact large-aperture wideangle zoom for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras. The unusual 2x zoom range gives a narrower wideangle view than existing optics such as Tamron’s excellent 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD, but extends longer to 40mm, which many photographers consider gives a particularly natural-looking perspective. This range also enables the lens to be the ‘smallest and lightest in its class’, according to Tamron, measuring 86.5mm in length and 356g. This makes it 12.5mm shorter and 64g lighter than the aforementioned 17-28mm f/2.8, and very similar in size to the Sony FE 16-35mm F4 G.

Internally, the lens is constructed of 12 elements in 11 groups. This configuration includes four LD (Low Dispersion) and two GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) elements, as well as a single Hybrid Aspherical lens element. According to Tamron, this construction has been key to ensuring the lens provides high image quality while also keeping the size and weight down. Tamron also says that it should be able to produce ‘beautifully soft bokeh’ at its maximum aperture of f/2.8, which is constant throughout the zoom range.

Other key features include Tamron’s Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive (VXD) system that employs a linear motor for fast, silent focusing. The minimum focus distance is just 17cm at the wideangle setting, which provides 0.26x magnification. The zoom ring rotates through just 65° for rapid compositional adjustment and the barrel boasts moisture resistant construction, with a fluorine coating on the front element to repel water and grease. Like many of the firm’s other E-mount lenses, the Tamron 20-40mm F/2.8 Di III VXD employs a 67mm filter thread.

Tamron’s 20-40mm F/2.8 Di III VXD looks set to have a simple external design, with zoom and focus rings but no separate aperture ring. Image credit: Tamron

Cosmetically, the lens resembles the Tamron’s other recent designs such as the Tamron 35-150mm F2-2.8 Di III VXD. It’ll likewise be compatible the firm’s Lens Utility software for setting the function of the focus ring and updating firmware, which on the 35-150mm works via a built-in USB-C port.

Tamron clearly believes this lens will be highly attractive to vloggers, with its wide view being ideal for arms-length self-filming, and light weight making it amenable to use on a gimbal. But it should also be an intriguing option for landscape or travel photographers looking to keep weight to a minimum.