Sony A7 users will now have option of Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8, 35mm f/2.8, 24mm f/2.8, and 20mm f/2.8 lenses
(Image credit: Tamron)
We had expected Tamron to announce the arrival of its quartet of lenses for the Sony E-mount mirrorless range of cameras at PhotoPlus Expo 2019, but in the end the news was released a day and a half ahead of the opening of the New York show.
Of the four new lenses one is a zoom, with a focal length of 70-180mm f/2.8 - and this is joined by three primes with focal lengths of 20mm f/2.8, 24mm f/2.8 and 35mm f/2.8. These are the first primes that Tamron has produced in the Di III Sony E-mount range. Tamron has been teasing the arrival of these full-frame autofocus lenses for some weeks - but now we have all the specifications and details… including the fact that all four offer impressive close focusing characteristics.
The Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD is the latest of series of fast zooms that Tamron has produced for the Sony E-mount. Joining the 18-35mm f/2.8 Di III RXD and 28-75mm 18-35mm f/2.8 Di III RXD - the trio all offer a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, and have focal length ranges that are designed to overlap. All three lenses will also share a common 67mm filter mount.
Unusually, the telephoto lens, does not quite have the same reach as the 70-200mm f/2.8 that is must-carry lens for serious portrait and action photographers. However, we will have a bit more of a wait to see how much of a problem this presents as the lens is not actually scheduled for release until Spring 2020.
(Image credit: Tamron)
A benefit of the construction, however, is that the lenses closest focusing distance will be and impressive 0.85m (33.5 in) – that's 11cm closer than Sony's FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS. However, unlike the Sony zoom, there is no optical stabilization built in.
The lens features a newly-developed VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism that is said to offer a quiet, quick autofocus drive. Other features include include a moisture-resistant construction helpful, and a fluorine coating for easy maintenance of the front element.
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The lens measures 149mm / 5.9 in long, and weighs 815g / 28.7oz.
20mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2
(Image credit: Tamron)
'The Tamron 20mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 is the widest of the three wide-angle primes that is being introduced. But despite its ultra-wide focal length, it will share the same 67mm filter ring as its two siblings. All three lenses will also offer an impressive 1:2 maximum magnification ratio – allowing you to get closer to the foreground subject than many rivals.
Key specifications for the Tamron 20mm F/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 are:
Model number: Model F050 Focal length: 20mm Autofocus: yes AFdrive: OSD (Optimized Silent Drive) Mount: Sony FE Filtersize: 67mm Opticalconstruction: 10 elements in nine groups Diaphragm: seven blades Maximummagnification: 1:2 Minimumfocus: 0.11m (4.3 in) Maximumdiameter: 73mm / 2.9in Length: 64mm / 2.5in Weight: 220g / 7.8oz
24mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2
(Image credit: Tamron)
The 24mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 has the same length and diameter as both the 20mm and 35mm lenses - and again the standout feature here is the minimum focusing distance... focusing down to 12cm and offering the same half-life-size 1:2 maximum magnification.
Its full specifications are:
Model number: Model F051 Focal length: 24mm Autofocus: yes AFdrive: OSD (Optimized Silent Drive) Mount: Sony FE Filtersize: 67mm Opticalconstruction: 10 elements in nine groups Diaphragm: seven blades Maximummagnification: 1:2 Minimumfocus: 0.12m (4.7 in) Maximumdiameter: 73mm / 2.9in Length: 64mm / 2.5in Weight: 215g / 7.6oz
35mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2
(Image credit: Tamron)
Last but not least is the Tamron. 35mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 which focuses down to just 15cm to get its 'macro' magnification. its full specification list is as follows:
Model number: Model F053 Focal length: 35mm Autofocus: yes AFdrive: OSD (Optimized Silent Drive) Mount: Sony FE Filtersize: 67mm Opticalconstruction: Nine elements in eight groups Diaphragm: seven blades Maximummagnification: 1:2 Minimumfocus: 0.15m (4.3 in) Maximumdiameter: 73mm / 2.9in Length: 64mm / 2.5in Weight: 210g / 7.4oz
Price and availability
The first two of these lenses that will reach the stores are the 24mm and the 35mm, which will go on sale in December. The 20mm will follow in January 2020, with the 70-180mm following in the spring.
The prices for the four lenses has yet to be announced, but we will update this article as soon as we have them.
Chris George has worked on Digital Camera World since its launch in 2017. He has been writing about photography, mobile phones, video making and technology for over 30 years – and has edited numerous magazines including PhotoPlus, N-Photo, Digital Camera, Video Camera, and Professional Photography.
His first serious camera was the iconic Olympus OM10, with which he won the title of Young Photographer of the Year - long before the advent of autofocus and memory cards. Today he uses a Nikon D800, a Fujifilm X-T1, a Sony A7, and his iPhone 15 Pro Max.
He has written about technology for countless publications and websites including The Sunday Times Magazine, The Daily Telegraph, Dorling Kindersley, What Cellphone, T3 and Techradar.
