Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD Lens | Sony E

The Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A2 RXD Lens is an ultra wide-angle zoom lens characterized by its rapid f/2.8 maximum aperture. Its compact and lightweight design enhances portability, making it an excellent choice for landscape, astrophotography, and architectural photography. The bright f/2.8 aperture not only facilitates greater control over depth of field but also improves performance in low-light situations. The lens's optical architecture includes one XLD element, two LD elements, and two glass-molded aspherical elements, which work together to minimize chromatic aberrations and color fringing, thereby enhancing image clarity and color fidelity. Each element is treated with Tamron's BBAR coating, effectively reducing flare and ghosting, which results in improved contrast, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The lens is equipped with a responsive RXD stepping drive motor that ensures swift and nearly silent autofocus, making it suitable for both still photography and videography. With a minimum object distance of just 5.9 inches at the widest zoom setting, this lens offers remarkable wide-angle macro capabilities, allowing for a unique perspective that magnifies nearby subjects while diminishing the appearance of distant ones. Furthermore, the f/2.8 maximum aperture enables a shallower depth of field, producing aesthetically pleasing bokeh effects in the background. The lens is also designed with moisture-resistant features to withstand adverse weather conditions, and a fluorine coating on the front element provides additional protection against dust, dirt, and smudging.

Optical Performance

The 11-20mm f/2.8 lens is designed for high-resolution imaging, emphasizing exceptional image quality as a fast-aperture ultra wide-angle zoom. Its optical design comprises 12 elements organized into 10 groups. The arrangement of two GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) lens elements ensures that high-resolution performance is consistent throughout the entire frame. To minimize chromatic aberrations, particularly when shooting at the maximum aperture of fast-aperture lenses, the lens incorporates two LD (Low Dispersion) and one XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) lens elements. These characteristics work together to produce images that are both clear and sharp. Furthermore, the lens correction features integrated into cameras allow users to take advantage of additional performance enhancements.

Minimum Object Distance

The minimum object distance (MOD) measures a mere 0.15 meters (5.9 inches) at its widest point. This remarkable capability for extreme close-range shooting enables you to approach your subject as closely as desired. The lens boasts a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4, which is an impressive achievement for an ultra wide-angle lens, facilitating powerful wide-angle macro photography. This feature provides a distinctive perspective, making nearby objects appear larger while rendering distant objects smaller. Furthermore, the f/2.8 maximum aperture allows for a shallower depth of field, resulting in a pleasing bokeh effect in the background, thereby enabling users to capture striking images with unique attributes.

High Performance AF

The autofocus mechanism in the 11-20mm f/2.8 lens is equipped with an RXD stepping motor unit, designed to maintain focus on dynamic subjects. The RXD system employs an actuator to meticulously regulate the motor's rotational angle, enabling direct control of the focusing lens without the need for a reduction gear. A sensor that accurately identifies the lens position facilitates rapid and precise autofocus, making it particularly suitable for capturing continuously moving subjects or for video recording. Furthermore, the lens features a focusing system that operates smoothly and quietly, allowing for stress-free shooting in environments where noise is a concern.