Tamron is Developing a 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens for Sony E-Mount
Tamron has announced that it is developing a new 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens for Sony E-Mount cameras. The company says it will be the smallest and lightest in its class and support both photo and video applications.
The lens, scheduled for release in the fall of 2022, is what Tamron describes as an “unparalleled” new fast aperture standard zoom lens that is also small enough to be carried around easily to capture both photo and video. Tamron goes so far as to say the lens design was in an “aggressive pursuit” of this portability to make it ideal for everyday use.
The lens will deliver a consistent f/2.8 aperture across the entire zoom range while also achieving what Tamron describes as a “class-leading” compact and lightweight design, measuring 3.4-inches long and weighing 12.9 ounces.
“At the longest zoom end, the lens offers a standard focal range of 40mm, handy for everyday shooting of snaps, portraits, and food photos,” Tamron says. “Meanwhile at the wide end, the ultra-wide 20mm focal length lets users enjoy a broad range of photography including stunning and powerful natural landscapes that make use of the unique ultra wide-angle perspective, something that cannot be expressed as readily with a fast-aperture standard zoom lens that starts at 24mm.”
The lens will use Tamron’s VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) to power the autofocus, which the company says boasts “superior” quiet operation with high-speed and high-precision capabilities. The lens will have a minimum focusing distance of 6.7-inches and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.8 at the wide end, which Tamron says provides exceptional close range shooting capability with the added feature of wide-angle macro photography.
The 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD features a new design with what Tamron says is improved texture and scratch resistance, a 67mm front filter size (the same as other Tamron mirrorless lenses), moisture-resistant construction, and rapid zooming capability thanks to the zoom ring’s short 65-degree rotation artc.
Tamron says the new lens will be compatible with many Sony camera-specific features such as Fast Hybrid autofocus as well as Eye-autofocus. The company did not provide any details on expected pricing nor an exact release date of the lens. Expect more information later this year.
