Latest Tamron Zoom Creates New Style: Ultra-Wide Closeup Photography

Tamron simply launched the 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD fast-aperture, ultra-wideangle zoom lens for the Fujifilm X-Mount, and Shutterbug was capable of take it for an prolonged spin. Though it covers greater than 105° on the 11mm focal size, it options close-focusing down to five.9 inches, prompting us to suggest that it allows an entirely new sort of photographic composition: Ultra-Wide Closeup.

Overview & First Impressions
Wow, it is a lot extra than simply one other ultra-wideangle wideangle zoom. Offering 16.5-30mm (35mm equal) zoom protection, the brand new Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD for Fujifilm mirrorless cameras apparently thinks it is a closeup lens, and has the efficiency chops to again it up.

Be aware that this lens is almost an identical to the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 zoom that was launched for the Sony E-mount in 2021. Practically every part written right here may be utilized to the Sony APS-C mount model as nicely.

The by no means shrinking (i.e., accessible in any respect focal lengths) f/2.8 aperture mixed with a minimal topic distance of 5.9 inches at 11mm and 9.4 inches at 20mm opens the gateway to all-new avenues of artistic expression. On the widest setting, the max copy ratio is 1:4. Extra importantly, images shot at shut vary look completely different in comparison with closeups shot with different lenses. You may be artistic with the angle and have extra enjoyable with the background.

It is distinctive at regular working distances, too. The zoom vary is right for inside photographs, cityscapes and landscapes and we observed just about zero distortion or vignetting. On the 30mm setting it is wonderful for road capturing though we might in all probability go for the Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD for random city portraits. Come to think about it, the perfect setup could be to have each.

Personally, I feel bokeh is overrated as a artistic factor, however I have to confess that I loved exploiting the bokeh delivered by the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8. At 11mm the depth of discipline is in depth, however on the 20mm (30mm equal) the bokeh was very spectacular.

One other lasting impression is the compact dimension and lightweight weight. The Tamron 11-20mm zoom is just 3.4 inches lengthy and has diameter of two.87 inches on the fattest half. And it weighs however 11.8 ounces. Which means it belongs in your bag on each outing, even for those who’re planning to make use of different lenses predominantly, as a result of packing and carrying it’s so simple. Pointless so as to add, this zoom is a wonderful alternative for journey, and that is for extra causes that is it compact dimensions.

It is a enjoyable lens to make use of indoors and out. And it delivers razor-sharp nonetheless pictures and video with excellent shade.

Specs & Options

Autofocus Design
The Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 makes use of their proprietary RXD motor unit. RXD is an abbreviation for Fast eXtra-silent stepping Drive. It makes use of an actuator to regulate the rotational angle of the motor, thereby straight driving the focusing lens with out use of a discount gear. The result’s autofocus that may be very correct and really quick. It is also very quiet which is a serious boon to video shooters.

In precise use we discovered the AF to be exceptionally clean and quick, with zero lag time and excessive accuracy on a Fujifilm X-T5.

Uniform 67mm Filter Dimension for Ease and Financial system
It might look like an insignificant element, however the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 zoom options the identical 67mm filter dimension that is shared by almost each mannequin in Tamron’s mirrorless lens lineup. This is a vital profit for those who use filters—simply swap an costly polarizer from one lens to the opposite as a substitute of shopping for two filters of various sizes. It is also a timesaver whenever you change lenses as a result of you possibly can interchange lens caps with out fumbling in your bag.

Climate Safety for Outside Safeguards
The Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 zoom has climate seals strategically positioned on the lens mount and different areas to assist forestall in opposition to water and mud ingress. The entrance floor of the primary factor is coated with an oleophobic fluorine compound to deflect fingerprints and facilitate removing of mud.

Regardless of climate sealing, we at all times warning readers to guard their cameras and lenses from the weather always. This can be a normal warning we offer for all manufacturers and fashions.

Exterior Building: Match & End
General mechanical development is excellent. The Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 mounts on a Fujifilm physique with authority and stays tight. The end is a lovely matte black that appears nice on each black and silver-color cameras.

The zoom ring rotates absolutely from 11mm to 20mm in about one-quarter of a flip, making it quick and easy to go from ultra-wide to close regular. The focusing ring, do you have to ever want it, turns freely and easily. All-in-all the development is the equal to any lens we have reviewed.

Optical Building
The Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 ultra-wideangle zoom options 12 parts in 10 teams. The optical design contains one XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion), two LD (Low Dispersion) and two Molded Glass Aspherical lens parts that successfully management aberrations (together with axial chromatic aberrations). Glass surfaces are enhanced with Tamron’s personal BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Era 2) to reduce ghosting and flare and enhance outcomes beneath backlit circumstances.

Efficiency Abstract
The pictures we captured with the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 have been persistently sharp from edge to edge in any respect focal lengths and all apertures. We have been frankly shocked by the distinctive close-focusing efficiency and we shot many extra closeups than we anticipated to, contemplating that it is an extremely wideangle zoom.

Shade rendition, distinction and lifelike constancy have been spot on. We skilled just about zero distortion and couldn’t detect any stage of fringing or different crucial aberrations.

Conclusion
Walkaround photographers’ dream optic or the important thing to unlocking dramatic ultra-wideangle closeups? Each. At a value nicely beneath $1000 we will confidently say that Tamron’s 11-20mm f/2.8 zoom makes a valued addition to any Fujifilm shooter’s lens arsenal.

Value & Availability
The Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD zoom lens for the Fujifilm APS-C mirrorless cameras is out there now. The worth is $829 and the lens may be bought out of your native approved Tamron supplier. To seek out one close to you, click on this Dealer Locator. Store native; save our shrinking picture specialty retailer base.

Moreover, the Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 could also be ordered from Amazon. Go to the Tamron Store on Amazon to take a look at different Tamron lenses.

For a behind the scenes take a look at Tamron’s Foshan manufacturing facility, learn Production Process of a Tamron Lens. 

—Jon Sienkiewicz

 

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