Tamron launches its first Canon RF mount zoom with an 11-20mm F2.8

Just a few days after Sigma's announcement of the 4 versionnew APS-C fixed focal lengths in Canon RF mountit's Tamron's turn to unveil its first hybrid lens in Canon mount: the wide-angle zoom with constant aperture 11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD. Of course, and as for Sigma, this is an lens that covers the APS-C sensor format and is therefore equivalent to a 17.6-32 mm (Canon conversion coefficient of 1.6x). It is therefore distinguished from Canon hybrid cameras such as theEOS R7 or theEOS R10. It is physically possible to mount and use it on a Canon 24×36 hybrid, but this will be at the cost of cropping in the camera's sensor, and therefore a reduction in image definition.

This 11-20mm F2.8 is therefore a versatile wide-angle oriented zoom lens that is effective for, for example, landscape, reporting or street photography. In video, it is perfect for practicing vlogging in the first person. We find a formula composed of 12 lenses divided into 10 groups with 2 molded aspherical lenses, one XLD lens and two LD lenses as well as the BBAR-G2 coating. The lens is equipped with a fast, precise and silent AF RXD motorization. The minimum focusing distance is 15 cm in the wide-angle position for close-up photos at 0.25x magnification. The lens is particularly compact and light at 8.4 cm long and 340 grams. There is also a USB-C connection for operation with Tamron Lens Utility.

The advantage of this lens is its bright constant f/2.8 aperture. It initially allows you to obtain relatively marked depth of field effects, at all focal lengths. It also offers exposure stability (three aperture, exposure time, ISO sensitivity) whatever the focal length used. Finally, this large opening ensures good versatility in low light conditions, indoors or at night for example.

We tested this lens, in its Sony E mount version, a few years ago. Our conclusions highlighted the versatility of the lens in the wide-angle niche and the image quality with a reservation on vignetting and distortions at the 11 mm position.

Availability and price

The new Tamron 11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD in Canon RF mount will be available on December 12 and priced at €799. This lens is already available in Sony E and Fujifilm X mount.

First opinion

Users of Canon hybrid cameras now have something to do with compatible third-party lenses. Sigma offers two constant F2.8 zooms (the 10-18mm F2.8 and 18-50mm F2.8) as well as a series of 4 ultra-bright F1.4 fixed focal lengths (a wide-angle with the 16mm F1.4 DC DN, standard focal lengths with the 23mm F1.4 DC DN and 30mm F1.4 DC DN and a small tele with the 56mm F1.4 DC DN). Tamron inaugurates the Canon RF mount with its 11-20 mm wide-angle zoom with constant aperture F2.8 in direct competition with the Sigma model offered a few tens of euros cheaper (€749).