The Tamron 12-20mm F2.8 lens is engineered with a compact, lightweight design and advanced controls to meet the needs of professionals shooting astrophotography.
The standout aspect of the 12-20mm F2.8 lens (Model A084) for full-frame mirrorless cameras is its ultra-wide 12mm focal length. While lenses at 14mm or 16mm are considered wide, the expansive reach of 12mm offers what Tamron describes as an “unparalleled sense of scale.” This is perfect for highlighting perspective and capturing everything from stunning architectural details to sweeping landscapes with dynamic intensity.
The impressive 12mm range, which provides a remarkable ability to capture an entire scene, is combined with a bright F2.8 maximum aperture that remains constant across the zoom range. According to Tamron, this lens is set to become the “new protagonist” in the fields of astrophotography and interior shooting.
When examining the potential of this lens, the use of an XGM (eXpanded Glass Molded Aspherical) lens element, three GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) lens elements, and several special lens elements become compelling selling points. This design minimizes peripheral blurring and color fringing, while also correcting sagittal coma flare, a common issue in astrophotography, to ensure sharpness from the center to the edges of the frame. Thanks to these features, Tamron claims that whether capturing starry night skies or dimly lit interiors, this lens performs excellently in various environments.
Despite its “exceptional imaging performance,” Tamron notes the lens is compact, measuring just 119.3mm (4.7in) in length and weighing only 570g (20.2oz). It is a professional-grade tool, complete with various controls and rings for enhanced operability.
The lens features a VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) high-speed, high-precision linear motor for autofocus. Additionally, with a 0.18m (7.1in) Minimum Object Distance (MOD) at the 12mm end, it offers excellent close-up performance, allowing photographers to get as close as 50mm (2in) from the lens to their subject for creative shots.
The lens mount includes a rear filter holder designed for commercially available sheet-type filters. This feature allows users to cut filter sheets to size and insert them into the holder, providing greater creative control, especially useful for long-exposure photography.
The 12-20mm F2.8 lens is compatible with the dedicated Tamron Lens Utility application, enabling users to assign practical functions for both video and photography directly to the lens. This integration eliminates the need for additional video equipment or complex setups, simplifying the creative workflow and offering new shooting opportunities.
The 12-20mm F2.8 is priced at $1,699.00 for the Sony E mount and $1,799.00 for the Nikon Z mount.
