20-40mm F/2.8 Di III VXD Nikon Z (full frame & APS-C)

Starting at 20 mm gives a considerably wider perspective than a conventional 24 mm standard zoom. It is useful when photographing landscapes, interiors and architecture, or when more of the surroundings need to be included in the frame. Moving towards 40 mm creates a more natural perspective suited to street photography, everyday subjects and portraits.

On an APS-C camera, the lens provides an angle of view corresponding to approximately 30-60 mm on full frame.

The maximum aperture remains F2.8 from 20 to 40 mm. This provides consistent exposure while zooming and gives greater control over depth of field in both still photography and video.

Despite the constant F2.8 aperture, the Nikon Z version measures only 88.7 mm in length and weighs 380 g, making it suitable for lightweight full-frame camera setups.

The optical construction consists of 12 elements in 11 groups, including four LD elements, two GM aspherical elements and one hybrid aspherical element. These specialised elements are used to control optical aberrations across the zoom range.

Tamron's BBAR-G2 coating helps reduce ghosting and flare, particularly when working with strong light sources or backlit subjects. The F2.8 aperture also makes it possible to separate the subject from the background with a softer out-of-focus rendering.

Autofocus is driven by Tamron's VXD linear motor system. It provides fast and precise focusing from the minimum focusing distance to infinity and is designed to track moving subjects smoothly during video recording. The quiet operation of the focusing mechanism is also useful when recording sound directly with the camera.

The combination of 20 mm coverage and a compact design also makes the lens practical for handheld video, vlogging and use with compact gimbals. The lens changes length by only 9.2 mm while zooming, helping to limit changes to the balance of a gimbal setup.

At the 20 mm setting, the minimum focusing distance is just 0.17 m with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.8. This makes it possible to work close to smaller subjects while retaining a wide view of their surroundings, creating close-ups with a pronounced sense of perspective.

At 40 mm, minimum focusing distance is 0.29 m with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:5.1.

The zoom ring rotates through approximately 65 degrees, allowing quick changes between 20 and 40 mm without a large hand movement. A 67 mm filter thread matches the filter diameter used by many other Tamron mirrorless lenses, making it easier to share filters between lenses.

The lens also features moisture-resistant construction and a fluorine coating on the front element. The fluorine-treated surface repels water and oil and makes fingerprints, moisture and dirt easier to remove.

Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 is compatible with Tamron Lens Utility, allowing selected lens functions to be configured using a computer or smartphone. This provides additional control for both still photography and video workflows.