Tamron 12-20mm F2.8: 570 grams, one third less than the Sony 12-24 GM

Tamron has announced the new 12-20mm F2.8 (Model A084), a constant aperture ultra wide-angle zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras with Sony E and Nikon Z mounts. This lens is clearly positioned by the Japanese manufacturer for astrophotography, landscapes, architecture, and interiors; in other words, all areas where a very wide field of view and the ability to work at wide apertures are simultaneously needed.

The minimum focal length of 12 mm guarantees a field of view of 121°58', which narrows to 94°30' at 20 mm. To give some perspective: a 14 mm lens, which is already considered a pushed wide-angle, covers just under 114°. The difference is evident in the perspective, making this class of lenses a niche solution without real alternatives when genuinely needed.

The truly interesting number is the weight. The feature that distinguishes the A084 from the competition is the combination of focal length and size. The lens measures 119.3 mm in length and weighs 570 grams (data referring to the Sony E-mount version). The natural comparison point is the Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM, which covers a similar range but weighs over 840 grams and has a list price of 2,999 euros. Tamron offers a shorter range at the long end, but in a body that can be taken to the mountains or under the stars without regretting the idea.

The optical design consists of 17 elements in 12 groups and includes one XGM (eXpanded Glass Molded Aspherical) element, three GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) elements, one XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) element, and three LD (Low Dispersion) elements. All this is aimed at suppressing sagittal coma, the aberration that distorts light points at the edges of the frame, turning stars into small “winged” elements.

Completing the optical package is the AX (Anti-reflection eXpand) coating, designed to ensure a uniform thickness of the anti-reflective film even on strongly curved surfaces, and a circular diaphragm with 12 blades.

No front filters, integrated lens hood. The extreme curvature of the front lens imposes the usual sacrifice: there are no front threads for filters. Instead, Tamron has integrated a fixed petal-shaped lens hood, with a snap-on front cap, and has provided a rear filter holder for gels. Those working with sheet filters will therefore have to resort to a matte box or dedicated solutions.

Focusing is handled by the VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor, the highest-performing system in Tamron's catalog. The minimum focusing distance is 18 cm at 12 mm (with a reproduction ratio of 1:5.8 and just 5 cm between the front lens and the subject) and 28 cm at 20 mm (1:9.1). This opens up creative uses typical of ultra wide angles: close-up subject in the foreground with the background still breathing.

The barrel is tropicalized and offers zoom, focus, and control rings (the latter features an aperture ring that can be de-clicked), an AF/MF switch, an overridable zoom lock by rotating the ring with force, customizable buttons, and a USB-C port for the TAMRON Lens Utility app, which allows firmware updates and assigning functions to the controls. On the Sony E version, the aperture ring is click-stopped, a detail that Tamron had omitted in recent lenses.

Change of name, change of appearance. The news that goes beyond the single product is that the A084 inaugurates two discontinuities. The first is in nomenclature: the “Di III” and “VXD” designations that have accompanied the brand's lenses for years disappear from the commercial names. This lens is simply called Tamron 12-20mm F2.8, and it will be so for future releases.

The second is of industrial design, which Tamron has dubbed "Toned Profile Next": more generous rings, redesigned textures at touch points, new placement and color for the branding, and a champagne-colored ring at the reduced thickness mount. It’s a restyling that the manufacturer describes as designed to align with the aesthetics of current camera bodies and to make the optics recognizable by touch as well as by sight.

Price and availability. Tamron has set the U.S. list price at $1,699 for the Sony E version and $1,799 for the Nikon Z version, with availability starting from July 30 and August 27, respectively. The difference between the two mounts, the company explains, is due to volumes, production differences, and the different competitive landscape of the two systems.

For the Italian market, Polyphoto generically indicates the end of July as the arrival date, without disclosing the list price. Some sources report prices of 1,699 and 1,799 euros, which numerically match the dollar prices: pending official confirmation, these should be taken with caution. A note for those buying at launch: Polyphoto includes the TAMRON LINK, the dongle that allows the management of compatible lens functions via smartphone, in the price.