Tamron 11-20mm f2.8 Review: Possibly The Best Variable Ultrawide For APS-C

This is somewhat of a follow-up video to the review we did of the Sony ZV-E10 a while back, because while the kit lens for that camera works pretty well, it's not the optimal choice for low light situations. The Tamron 11-20mm Ff2.8, though, actually works great in most conditions.

With 12 elements in 10 groups, the lens does weigh in a bit heavier at 335 grams, which means it does feel a bit heavier on the ZV-E10 as compared to something like the Sony A6000 series. However, this is a wide-angle zoom lens at f2.8, so it's gonna be a little heftier.

You get close focusing at 5.9 inches at the 11mm focal length, so you can get some really nice macro shots. One nice thing about Tamron lenses as a whole is that they're all really good at close focusing, so you kind of get a pseudo-macro lens with this.

There's a fast auto-focusing motor in this, the eye-tracking sticks like glue and performs almost just like a native Sony lens in that regard. This is a telescopic zoom lens though, so while it doesn't extend that much, you'll have to take note of it if you're using a gimbal.

It was a little confusing why Tamron decided to come out with a new line of APS-C lenses for the Sony E-mount, but when the ZV-E10 came out, that all changes. With smartphones killing the compact camera market, the next step up would be APS-C. Some people might say it's Micro Four Thirds, but who knows how long that's going to be around for?

The lens doesn't come with image stabilisation, but we didn't really expect it in an 11-20mm lens anyway.

We did a couple of auto-focusing tests at 11mm and 20mm and the lens performed admirably. The tracking was great and the lens was very sharp.

We really like the lens; Tamron is doing some great things with their lenses. If you have the means to afford it (US$829 or S$1,248), you're going to be rewarded with some fantastic image quality and great autofocus.

Additionally, if you're a one-person vlogging crew, you're going to really like this lens.

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Content by Bobby Tonelli