Tamron 20mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M 1:2 Lens for Sony E

The Tamron 20mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 lens is well made, affordable, and plenty sharp, but it doesn't offer lightning-fast autofocus.

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  Light and compact., Inexpensive., Excellent resolution., 1:2 magnification., Dust, splash, and fluorine protection.

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  Uncorrected images show barrel distortion and vignette., Audible autofocus operation., Exhibits breathing during focus adjustment.

What does this mean ?

Fortunately such serious slip-ups as monstous distortion, a very slow autofocus or huge vignetting, not especially sensitive to stopping down of the aperture, are recompensed by several serious assets.

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  very good image quality in frame centre,, lack of problems related to longitudinal chromatic aberration,, slight lateral chromatic aberration,, good correction of coma,, properly corrected astigmatism,, sensible performance against bright light,, silent and accurate autofocus,, macro 1:2 mode.

• -

  some problems with spherical aberration,, huge vignetting on full frame,, monstrous distortion,, slow autofocus.

A compact, moisture-resistant lens with a macro magnification of 1:2, all for £399, is by any yardstick an excellent value for money option. The quality of the results clinches it, and spreads the concept of the “plastic fantastic” right into the realms of the ultra-wide.

• +

  Excellent sharpness, Well-controlled CA, Moisture resistance, Excellent flare resistance, Macro focusing to 1:2, Light and compact, Excellent price, 5-year guarantee, Silent AF

• -

  Distortion needs in-camera or software correction

• +

  Decent macro shot and landscape. Good for portrait photography.