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Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD vs Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G

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Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD

Wideangle Zoom | Sony E

Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD
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Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G

Wideangle Prime | Sony E

Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G
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Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD vs Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two lenses with different focal types: Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD for the E Mount is a Wideangle Zoom lens with a 20-40mm focal range and a max aperture of F2.8 whereas the Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G for the E Mount is a Wideangle Prime lens with a 20mm focal range and max aperture of F1.8.

We will start by looking briefly at the main specs of these two lenses, and in the next section, we will start analyzing them in more detail and listing the pros and cons of each lens.

Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD Key Specs

  • 20-40mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Weather-sealed
  • Filter Thread: 67mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Sony E Mount
  • Weight: 365g.
  • Diameter: 74mm
  • Length: 86mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.17m

Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Key Specs

  • 20mm Focal Range
  • F1.8 Max Aperture
  • Weather-sealed
  • Filter Thread: 67mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Sony E Mount
  • Weight: 373g.
  • Diameter: 74mm
  • Length: 85mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.19m
  • Max Magnification: 0.22x

What type of photography are the Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD and Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD and the Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G
Bird/WildlifePoorPoor
SportsPoorPoor
PortraitAverageFair
TravelGoodAverage
StreetVery GoodExcellent
WeddingAverageFair
Walk AroundGoodAverage
VloggingVery GoodVery Good
LandscapeVery GoodGood

Size and Weight Comparison

The size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses. Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD is the longer of the two lenses at 86mm. The Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G with a length of 85mm, is 1mm shorter. On the other hand, there is no difference between the max diameters of these lenses, both coming at 74mm.

Below you can find a scaled side-by-side image of Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD and Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G to get a better idea of how their sizes compare in real life.

Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD vs Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Lens Size Comparison
Comparison image of the Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD and the Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Size and Weight

The weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD weighs 365g, which means it is 8g (2%) lighter than the Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G which has a weight of 373g.


Lens Mounts

Both the Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD and the Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G has the same Sony E lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sony E lenses are Sony ZV-E1, Sony A7R V and Sony FX30.

Focal Range

Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD has a focal range of 20-40mm and 2.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 30 - 60mm.
Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 20mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 30mm.

Reasons to choose Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD over Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G

Focal Length - Tele 40mm vs 20mm 20mm more Tele coverage
Optical Zoom 2.00x vs 1.00x More flexible focal coverage
Weight 365g vs 373g 8g lighter
Minimum Focus Distance 0.17m vs 0.19m can focus closer to the subject

Reasons to choose Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G over Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD

Max Aperture - Wide 1.8 vs 2.8 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 1.8 vs 2.8 Wider aperture at tele end
Aperture Ring Yes vs No able to adjust the aperture on the lens
Length 85mm vs 86mm 1mm shorter
Max Magnification 0.22x vs x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Common Strengths of Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD and Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G
Internal Focusing Yes vs Yes Length of the lens doesn't change during focusing
Weather Sealing Yes vs Yes safer to use under rain and dust
Common Weaknesses of Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD and Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G
Image Stabilization No vs No Reliant on in-body Image Stabilization
Distance Scale No vs No No Distance Scale assist


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD vs Sony FE 20mm F1.8 G Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Tamron Sony
Lens Type Zoom Prime
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Wideangle Zoom Wideangle Prime
Lens Mount Sony E Sony E
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 20-40mm 20mm
Image Stabilization No No
Colour Black Black
Zoom Method Rotary (extending) No Zoom
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 2.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F2.8 F1.8
Min Aperture F22 F16
Aperture Ring No Yes
Diaphragm Blades 9 9
Optics
Optical Elements 12 14
Optical Groups 12 12
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.17m 0.19m
Max Magnification - 0.22X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Linear Motor Linear Motor
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Internal Internal
Distance Scale No No
DoF Scale No No
Distance Scale No No
Focus Distance Limiter No No
Physical Specs
Weight 365g 373g
Diameter 74mm 74mm
Length 86mm 85mm
Weather Sealing Yes Yes
Filter Thread 67mm 67mm
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Tripod Collar No No
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