Tamron 12-20mm f/2.8 Delivers Strong Value at $1,800 as Rebrand Debuts

3 articles · Updated · PetaPixel · Jul 14

$1,800 buys a feature-rich ultra-wide zoom that the review says performs extremely well overall, making Tamron’s new 12-20mm f/2.8 a strong value despite a few optical compromises.
Tamron is using the lens to launch a lineup rebrand, dropping older naming tags while keeping pro-oriented hardware such as weather sealing, USB-C customization, de-clickable controls, focus lock and fast linear autofocus.
At f/2.8, the lens handled night shooting and video well, with low flare, little focus breathing and good coma control, though wide-open vignetting remains noticeable and bokeh can look harsh.
Sharpness was solid at 12mm and improved when stopped down, but heavy field curvature at 20mm can leave either corners or center soft depending on focus point.
The review positions the compact Sony E- and Nikon Z-mount lens against bulkier or dimmer rivals, with the Sony version priced around $1,700 and the Nikon version at $1,800.