REVIEW | TAMRON 11-20MM F/2.8 DI III-A RXD
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| 11mm F/8.0 |
Going into 2023 I was hoping my new job would allow me to spend more time doing the things I love, rather than being forced to sit on construction sites and babysit contractors. It has been a tough year, and I needed to take some time to enjoy life with Krista. As October rolled around, she and I both found ourselves traveling to Philadelphia for work, so we decided to fly out a few days early. We spent the time exploring a city we'd never been to before, and thanks to Tamron, I was able to bring along their 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD and trusty Fujifilm X-T2.
Specifications:
- 35mm Equivalent: 16.5-30mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
- Minimum Aperture: f/16
- Lens Elements: 12
- Lens Groups: 10
- Diaphragm Blades: 7
- Min Focus Distance (Wide): 15cm
- Min Focus Distance (Tele): 24cm
- Filter Size: 67mm
- Approx. Dimensions DxL: 73mm x 86.5mm
- Approx. Weight: 335g
- Price: $829.00
My Thoughts: Construction
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| 20mm F/8.0 |
I found the build quality of the new Tamron 11-20mm to be very similar to that of the SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD lens I reviewed back in 2016. Although the lens' exterior is primarily comprised of plastic, it does not come close to feeling cheap. It actually took me some time to realize the lens' exterior was plastic and not a coated metal shell.
Tamron's Moisture-Resistant Construction was even put to the test while on our weekend adventure as severe thunderstorms rolled through each afternoon. While I wasn't out shooting in the middle of the rainstorms, I was able to shoot in the wet environment and did not notice any moisture intrusion from the occasional drip of water that fell on the camera while we were hiding under our umbrella.
The comparison I know most people are going to ask about will be against the Fujifilm XF10-24mmF4 R OIS lens and I am going to have to give Tamron the win here. While both lenses are of similar construction, with plastic comprising their shells, the fit and finish of the Tamron 11-20mm is much tighter and likely attributed to updated manufacturing techniques vs. the older Fujifilm.
My Thoughts: Performance
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| 11mm F/8.0 |
Focus:
While walking around Philadelphia, I primarily used the lens' built-in autofocus motor. While not "blazing fast," I did not find myself waiting for the lens to find focus and have zero complaints about the lens' focus capabilities.Distortion:
Before asking the Tamron PR team to borrow the lens for our trip, I had been reading up on the design and reviewing photos professionals had been taking with the lens. Based on all of the feedback, I was cautiously optimistic the Tamron engineers had developed a lens with minimal distortion.
I found Philidelphia's architecture to be the perfect subject to put Tamron's lens to the test. To put it simply, the hype I had been reading/seeing proved to be accurate! Barrell distortion is negligible or non-existent at 11mm, with the lens producing straight lines and nice linear geometry. Moving between 11mm and 20mm results in zero perceived distortion.
I found Philidelphia's architecture to be the perfect subject to put Tamron's lens to the test. To put it simply, the hype I had been reading/seeing proved to be accurate! Barrell distortion is negligible or non-existent at 11mm, with the lens producing straight lines and nice linear geometry. Moving between 11mm and 20mm results in zero perceived distortion.
Sharpness:
I was really impressed with the sharpness of the images I captured with the Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD. Although I primarily print my images for display at home and publish my photographs online, I occasionally get the opportunity to publish my work in print magazines. I do not see any issues with the lens' sharpness that would give me pause in printing these images for display at home or in a magazine.
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| 20mm F/5.6 |
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| 20mm F/8.0 |
The Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD proved to be a phenomenal lens during my visit to Philadelphia. While I had traveled with both the 23mm F2 and 35mm F1.4, I hardly pulled those lenses out of my bag. In short, I would add this to my travel kit in a heartbeat. I think the lens would augment my current lenses and be a great addition to the 18-55mm, 23mm, and 35mm I am currently traveling with. Now, I need to save up some money to make the purchase.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was loaned the equipment used in this review in consideration for review publication.
Beau Johnston is an engineer, writer, and photographer who is dedicated to proving you can find a balance between work and life. He is the Co-Founder and Publisher of Living Overland and former Editor in Chief of Toyota Cruisers and Truck Magazine. When he isn't working, you can find him exploring National Parks, fly fishing, and camping with his wife (Krista) and their two dogs (Barley & Rye).
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