Tamron unveils 12-20mm f/2.8 ultra-wide zoom for Sony and Nikon full-frame cameras

Tamron has announced its new 12-20mm f/2.8 ultra-wide zoom lens for full-frame mirrorless cameras, introducing what the company describes as a new chapter in its lens lineup.

Available in Sony E-mount and Nikon Z mount, the lens offers a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout its zoom range, covering an expansive 12-20mm focal length that's well suited to landscapes, architecture, interiors and astrophotography.

The Sony E-mount version goes on sale from 30 July for $1,699 USD ($2430 AUD), while the Nikon Z mount model will be available from 27 August, priced at $1,799 ($2,569 AUD).

The lens features a newly simplified naming convention compared with previous Tamron releases, signalling a fresh direction for the company's product range.

Optically, the 12-20mm f/2.8 is built from 17 elements in 12 groups, including multiple aspherical and low-dispersion elements designed to reduce distortion, chromatic aberration and sagittal coma flare.

Tamron has also incorporated its AX and BBAR-G2 coatings to help minimise flare and ghosting, particularly when shooting into bright light.

Autofocus is driven by Tamron's VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor, while the internal zoom design means the lens maintains its length as you zoom.

The lens focuses as close as 18cm at the 12mm end and 28cm at 20mm, allowing photographers to capture dramatic close-up perspectives with exaggerated foregrounds.

Physically, the lens measures 119.3mm long and weighs 570g for Sony E-mount, while the Nikon Z version is slightly larger at 121.3mm and 585g.

Other features include a 12-blade circular diaphragm, weather-resistant construction with a fluorine-coated front element, compatibility with Tamron Lens Utility software, and an integrated rear filter holder.

Instead of a traditional front filter thread, the lens uses a permanently attached petal-shaped hood.

The controls vary slightly depending on the mount. Sony users receive a dedicated aperture ring with an Iris Lock switch, while the Nikon version replaces this with a configurable Control Ring and Control Lock switch.

Both versions include AF/MF switching, custom function controls, a focus set button, MF lock, zoom lock and the ability to enable or disable aperture ring click stops.

The Tamron 12-20mm f/2.8 will be available for Sony E-mount from 30 July and Nikon Z mount from 27 August.