TAMRON 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Announced – Full-Frame Zoom for Sony E-Mount

Lens News

by Francesco AndreolaAugust 19^th, 2022

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Tamron Co., Ltd. has just announced the development of a new wide-angle/standard zoom lens for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras, the TAMRON 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD. It should be available later this year.

In August last year, the Japanese lens manufacturer introduced a family of two zoom lenses designed for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras, the fast 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD and the 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2.

Now, the company is expanding its zoom offering on the wide end of the spectrum, by announcing a product that has close-to-zero competition, the compact and lightweight 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD. Let’s take a closer look at it.

TAMRON 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD: overview

The new TAMRON 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD (product code: A062) is designed to work exclusively with Sony E-mount full-frame cameras and aims to be a pretty versatile lens. Its fast aperture of f/2.8 remains constant across the whole zoom range, which varies from a wide 20mm – advertised to be an ideal focal length for v-logging – up to a standard 40mm. The minimum focus distance of the lens is 0.17m/6.1”.

While the company already offers a product with a similar zoom range, the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD, major competition for this newly-announced 20-40mm comes from the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master lens and the recently-released SIGMA 16-28mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary. However, the former is crazy expensive, while the latter doesn’t extend that far into the standard focal length range.

This new zoom lens is equipped with the company’s proprietary VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) AF technology, which makes use of a linear motor focus mechanism. According to TAMRON, this should ensure silent, fast, and precise performances even in video mode, when paired with Sony’s Fast-Hybrid AF system.

Also, the lens is compatible with the company’s Lens Utility Software, which allows for future firmware updates and customization of the Focus Ring Function Setting. 

Size, weight, and design

According to the manufacturer, this new standard zoom lens is one of the most portable models in its class. Indeed, it measures 86.5mm/3.4” in length and only weighs 365g/12.9oz. These numbers make it an ideal travel companion for photographers and content creators on the go.

The barrel features a moisture-resistant construction with an anti-scratch finish, while the front glass element comes with a fluorine coating. Unfortunately, the 65° focus throw is a little limiting for video applications, in my opinion. Finally, the lens can accommodate 67mm threaded filters, which is pretty standard for TAMRON zoom lenses.

Price and availability

Currently, there’s no official pricing information for the new TAMRON 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD. For reference, the existing Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD currently retails for $899.

According to the company, the lens should be available in fall, but the official launch date is subject to change due to possible supply chain issues.

Have you shot on the TAMRON 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD and 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 yet? What do you think of this new zoom option from TAMRON? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!