The Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD is a fantastic compact zoom lens – but the unusual lens was only available for the Sony E-Mount when it launched in the fall of 2022. That’s changing as Tamron brings the lightweight lens to the Nikon Z mount for the first time this month.
The Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD lens earned a 4.5-star rating in tests for the Sony E-Mount variation, but the lightweight full-frame lens will be available for the Nikon Z mount beginning on October 22.
The 20-40mm lens has a narrower reach than the more standard 24-70mm, but the trade-off is a much lighter, more compact design. The Nikon Z version will come in at 380g / 13.4 oz, taking up an 88.7 mm / 3.5-inch slot inside a camera bag.
The unusual 20-40mm focal length makes the lens a bit harder to directly compare with Nikon’z existing lenses. But the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 does come in at a lighter weight than the Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S. It weighs nearly twice as much as Nikon’s tiny 24-50mm f/4-6.3, but comes in only slightly longer – and with a constant f/2.8 aperture.
At 20mm, the lens is wide enough for some landscape shots as well as vlogging and selfies, while the long end adds versatility for portraits and snapshots.
Like the earlier E-Mount version, the lens packs in a Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive or VXD autofocus motor that’s built for speed and precision. The lens can focus as close as 6.7 inches / 0.17m from the front of the lens for close-ups.
The lens is built with weather seals, protecting the 12 optical elements on the inside from dust and moisture. A USB-C port supports the Tamron Link accessory for controlling the lens using a mobile app.
The Z Mount variation of the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD will arrive on October 22, retailing for $729 / CA$999, which is about £551 / AU$1,046.
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