How do you make the superb Tamron 11-20 f/2.8 DI III RXD for Sony E-Mount even higher? You release it for Fujifilm X-Mount as nicely.
Once I first reviewed the Tamron 11-20mm on a Sony a6400 one 12 months in the past, the approaching launch of the identical lens on X-mount was introduced. Quick ahead to the current day and I’ve certainly reviewed it, on a Fujifilm X-T4.
Tamron 11-20 f/2.8 Di III RXD: The way it Handles
The Tamron 11-20mm is bodily unchanged from its Sony-fitting counterpart, save after all for the lens mount itself. That is too dangerous as a result of if the Tamron has a weak spot, it’s the bodily design of the lens. And I don’t imply the supplies: I don’t thoughts the plastic construct of the 11-20mm, personally. It retains the burden right down to a really moveable 11.8 ounces (335 grams). The lens additionally has leak-resistant seals and fluorine lens coatings to repel mud and water from the entrance component.
The principle criticism is extra so with the shortage of controls and spongy really feel to the management rings. Manually focusing the 11-20mm feels sloppy and imprecise.
The zoom ring is useful however lacks a easy and dampened really feel to it and any form of management swap to have interaction guide focusing is lacking from the lens itself. To be honest, most Fujifilm our bodies have a helpful swap to manage focusing modes on the physique; it doesn’t change the truth that the Tamron controls are the naked minimal.
A fundamental plastic lens hood is offered and the lens is supplied to obtain 67mm filters. All the pieces works simply high quality on the Tamron 11-20mm and I’ve little doubt it’s reliably constructed. Nevertheless, one can’t assist however really feel that the lens and its equipment are Spartan at greatest.
Tamron 11-20 f/2.8 Di III RXD: Within the Subject
All ultra-wide zooms cowl an essential vary of focal lengths, however one of the best of them add additional versatility; the Tamron is not any exception. Though the 11-20 makes use of a easy stepping autofocus motor it drives its lens components forwards and backwards shortly. I had no points getting autofocus confirmed shortly, even in road pictures and motion conditions.
The Tamron may also focus fairly intently, offering a 1:4 life-size macro ratio at 11mm. Like most wide-angle lenses it does this with the lens virtually touching the topic, and sharpness is maintained solely in direction of the middle of the photographs, however it does make for some enjoyable and dramatic macro pictures when wanted.
Taking pictures in direction of the solar the Tamron 11-20 does exhibit some ghosting, however eliminates flare very nicely. Sadly, the solar stars it creates are fair-to-middling, with vague factors and a scarcity of drama. Panorama photographers who prefer to shoot in direction of the solar will discover the Tamron well-behaved, if not terribly thrilling.
Bokeh efficiency is so-so. Whereas the f/2.8 most aperture does enable for some shallow depth-of-field pictures up shut, bokeh tends to have a considerably harsh look to it. Specular highlights tackle a powerful cleaning soap bubble impact the place the circles are highlighted with a brighter outer ring. That is most likely what results in the busy look of the out-of-focus areas. Stopped-down specular highlights tackle a slight polygonal look to them too, however ultimately, this isn’t a lens that you’ll shoot fairly often with shallow depth-of-field.
Tamron 11-20 f/2.8 Di III RXD: Picture High quality
Once I reviewed the Tamron 11-20mm beforehand, it stood as much as, and in some ways exceeded the Sony 10-18mm f/4 by way of sharpness. Nevertheless, now its essential competitors is the Fujifilm 10-24 XF f/4. So how did it do?
The Tamron is remarkably sharp within the middle of the body it doesn’t matter what aperture or zoom vary you occur to make use of. It’s particularly constant on the 11mm mark with respectable nook sharpness and solely improves as you cease the aperture down. I’d fortunately shoot it in most conditions at f/2.8 and it’ll deal with you particularly nicely stopped down for panorama pics.
However the Fujifilm XF 10-24mm is not any slouch both. Its middle sharpness is excellent, though I might give the sting to the Tamron when capturing on the widest potential apertures. The Tamron corners squeak forward of the Fujifilm lens on the widest focal lengths, however the XF 10-24 had extra constant corners on the longest vary. It’s actually a case of tit-for-tat and I might say each lenses are constant performers optically, however let’s do not forget that the Tamron 11-20mm competes favorably with an additional cease of sunshine over the Fujifilm.
In terms of chromatic aberrations, the Tamron 11-20mm has no nasty surprises ready. I had only a few points with lateral chromatic aberrations, and no longitudinal aberrations to fret about. The fit-and-finish of the Tamron is likely to be missing however the optical efficiency is professional-grade all the way in which.
Tamron 11-20 f/2.8 Di III RXD: Reasonably priced and Lovely
It’s not possible to not suggest the Tamron 11-20 f/2.8 to most photographers. It delivers stunning photos, may be very usable at f/2.8, and all at an inexpensive value. The X-mount opening to extra Tamron lenses is a really optimistic factor. It is sensible for among the finest lenses within the Tamron lineup to offer Fujifilm customers with extra choices.
Alternate options
In Sony E-Mount the apparent competitor is the 10-18mm f/4. The Tamron outperforms it in most regards and with a sooner f/2.8 aperture.
In Fujifilm, the aforementioned XF 10-24mm f/4 is an honest various. It’s a constant shooter however solely has an f/4 most aperture and is barely costlier too. The Fujifilm 8-16mm f/2.8 is superb and far wider, however the value is prohibitive for a lot of.
Must you purchase it?
Sure. It’s a minimalist fastened f/2.8 lens with an inexpensive tag and optics that punch nicely above its value.