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Tamron has announced that it’s launching its first lens for Canon’s RF mount, the 11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD, next month. The APS-C lens has been available on Sony’s E-mount and Fujifilm’s X mount for a while, and Tamron announced it’d be coming in April of this year, but now it’ll actually be available to buy.
The 11-20mm F2.8 has a moisture-resistant build, and an optical formula consisting of 12 elements in 10 groups. It has two glass molded aspherical elements, one XLD element and two LD elements. It also has Tamron’s second-generation anti-reflective coating, as well as a fluorine coating for oil and water resistance on the front element.
When attached to a Canon APS-C body, it should make for a relatively small kit. It weighs 340g (12 oz) and is 84mm (3.3″) long. It accepts 67mm filters.
Given Canon APS-C cameras’ 1.6x crop compared to full-frame, this lens will be roughly equivalent to 18-32mm.
When it launches on December 12th, it’ll be the third zoom lens available for RF mount not made by Canon itself, alongside the Sigma 10-18mm F2.8 and 18-50mm F2.8. It rounds out a selection of lenses for the system that was quite sparse just a year ago, owing to how tightly Canon has controled the license for its mount.
The Tamron 11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD will cost $659.
Press Release:
TAMRON Announces the Launch of Its First CANON RF mount Lens
The compact, lightweight, fast-aperture F2.8 ultra wide-angle zoom 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Model B060)
Commack, NY, November 26, 2024 – Tamron announces the launch of TAMRON’s first CANON RF mount lens, 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A1 RXD (Model B060), an ultra wide-angle zoom lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras at $659 USD / $899 CAD on December 12, 2024.
The 11-20mm F2.8 is a fast-aperture zoom lens covering a focal length range from ultra wide-angle 11mm to 20mm2, with a maximum aperture of F2.8 across its full range of focal lengths. With a surprisingly compact and lightweight design for a fast ultra wide-angle zoom lens, the lens feels well balanced when attached to a compact APS-C mirrorless camera body, making it ideal for daily use.
Despite its small, lightweight design, the lens delivers high-level imaging power with its uncompromising optical design. Wide macro shooting is possible at 11mm with an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 0.15m (5.9in) and maximum magnification ratio of 1:4, and its stunning close-range shooting performance enables creative use of perspective at the wide end.
The lens also incorporates an AF drive system with an RXD (Rapid-eXtra-silent stepping Drive) stepping motor unit that is remarkably quiet. The lens accurately captures not only still images but also video. It is highly practical, with Moisture-Resistant Construction, Fluorine Coating, and other features designed for outdoor shooting, letting users easily enjoy the high image quality of this ultra wide-angle fast -aperture F2.8 lens under a range of conditions.
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
1. Fast-aperture ultra wide-angle zoom lens
The 11-20mm F2.8 (full-frame equivalent of 17.6-32mm) allows for the capture of landscapes and architecture with the dynamic perspective unique to ultra wide-angle lenses. It is also well-suited for indoor group portraits and real estate photography by leveraging its wide-angle focal lengths. At the telephoto end, it supports everyday snapshots with its natural field of view close to one’s view, all while delivering soft and beautiful bokeh with its F2.8 aperture.
2. Compact and lightweight
Designed with APS-C mirrorless cameras in mind, the 11-20mm F2.8 provides a compact and lightweight form, measuring just 3.3” (84.2mm) in length and weighing 12 oz. (340g), allowing you to shoot without worrying about weight. When used with a compatible APS-C mirrorless camera body, you’ll enjoy handheld shooting of still images and find it comfortable to shoot video even when using a compact tripod or gimbal.
3. AF/MF Switch and TAMRON Lens Utility Compatibility
The CANON RF mount includes an AF/MF switch. Additionally, the lens features a Connector Port for users to easily update the lens to the latest firmware via TAMRON Lens Utility™ software.
4. Outstanding optical performance
The optical construction uses 12 elements in 10 groups including two GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) lens elements to maintain high resolution across the entire image area. It also incorporates one XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) and two LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements to effectively suppress aberrations, ensuring clear image quality. Additionally, the BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) Coating minimizes ghosting and flare, faithfully rendering details even in backlit conditions.
5. MOD of 5.9” (0.15m) and maximum magnification ratio of 1:4
With an MOD of 5.9” (0.15m) at 11mm and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4, the 11-20mm F2.8 surpasses traditional ultra wide-angle zoom lenses in its close-up capabilities. This allows for wide-angle macro photography and creative shallow depth of field effects, enhancing subject prominence against blurred backgrounds.
6. High performance autofocus system for both still and video use
Equipped with TAMRON’s proprietary RXD motor unit, the autofocus system delivers high-speed and high-precision focusing. It accurately captures moving subjects and is suitable for both still photography and video. Its quiet RXD stepping motor is ideal for capturing moments where noise may be a concern, or silence is required.
7. High convenience and protective features
- 67mm filter size, same as most other TAMRON lenses for mirrorless cameras
- Enhanced overall lens design for user-friendly operation
- Moisture-Resistant Construction
- Fluorine Coating
This product is developed, manufactured, and sold under license from Canon Inc.
1: Di III-A: For APS-C format mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras
2: The full-frame equivalent of 17.6-32mm.
Tamron 11-20mm F2.8 Di III-A RXD specifications
| Principal specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens type | Zoom lens |
| Max Format size | 35mm FF |
| Focal length | 11–20 mm |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Lens mount | Canon RF, Fujifilm X, Sony FE |
| Aperture | |
| Maximum aperture | F2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | F16 |
| Aperture ring | No |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 7 |
| Optics | |
| Elements | 12 |
| Groups | 10 |
| Special elements / coatings | 2 aspherical + 1 XLD + 2 LD elements, BBAR-G2 coating |
| Focus | |
| Minimum focus | 0.15 m (5.91″) |
| Maximum magnification | 0.25× |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Motor type | Stepper motor |
| Full time manual | No |
| Focus method | Internal |
| Distance scale | No |
| DoF scale | No |
| Focus distance limiter | No |
| Physical | |
| Weight | 335 g (0.74 lb) |
| Diameter | 73 mm (2.87″) |
| Length | 86 mm (3.39″) |
| Sealing | Yes |
| Colour | Black |
| Filter thread | 67 mm |
| Hood supplied | Yes |
| Tripod collar | No |