Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 Review | 54 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£220
  • Avg. price in US: ~$300
  • Lens mount: Sony E
  • Maximum focal length: 20 mm
  • Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 2.8
  • Optical image stabilization: no
  • Maximum angle of view: 94.5 °

Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

7.8

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

7.5

Technical Score

20.0%

8.7

User score

Very good
7.5

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

8.1

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

9.7

Build & Handling

20.0%

5.6

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

Very good
8.7

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

8.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(297)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(310)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

Excellent
  • 7.2
    Low-light photography

    Score components:

    70.0%

    9.8

    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)

    30.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

  • 7.4
    Travel

    Score components:

    30.0%

    9.1

    Lens length

    25.0%

    8.0

    Lens diameter

    25.0%

    10

    Weather sealing (splashproof)

    20.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Tamron 20mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 is a compact, ultra-wide prime lens designed for Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, featuring a 20mm focal length, an f/2.8 maximum aperture, and a 1:2 macro magnification ratio with a minimum focusing distance of 0.11m. It is built with 10 elements in 9 groups, including LD and GM elements to suppress aberrations, and is exceptionally lightweight at 220g with a 67mm filter thread. Key pros include outstanding center sharpness, excellent flare resistance thanks to BBAR coating, and a moisture-resistant construction with a fluorine coating. However, the lens is noted for significant barrel distortion, relatively slow and audible autofocus performance, and some corner softness at wider apertures.

Technical Specifications of Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

8.1

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

9.7

Build & Handling

20.0%

5.6

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.0

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

7.5
Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 has a technical score of 7.53 points, which is higher than 65.6% of camera lenses.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

8.8

User reviews

30.0%

8.5

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
4.3
(297)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
4.4
(310)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

8.7
Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 has a user score of 8.7 points, which is higher than 61.4% of camera lenses.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
8.5
Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 has a popularity of 8.5 points, which is higher than 61.8% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.8

Overall score

40.0%

9.4

Price

8.2
Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.2 points, which is higher than 96.7% of products in this category.
Lens type
What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.
When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

prime
Lens mount
What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.
When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Sony E
Sensor format coverage
What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.
When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

Full-frame
Filter thread size
What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.
When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

67 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.
When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

no
Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
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Minimum focal length
What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.
When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

20 mm
Maximum focal length
What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.
When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

20 mm
Optical zoom
What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.
When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

?
Maximum angle of view
What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.
When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

94.5 °
Minimum angle of view
What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.
When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

94.5 °
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Focus motor
What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.
When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

STM, linear motor
Minimum focus distance
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.11 m
Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 focuses as close as 0.11 m, which is closer than 98.4% of camera lenses and equal to 0.5% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.5x
Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.5x, which is higher than 91% of camera lenses and equal to 2.8% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 supports full-time manual focus. 68.3% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Override via DMF mode.
Internal focusing
What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.
When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
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Optical image stabilization
What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.
When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

no
Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 does not support optical image stabilization. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.
When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

?
Weight
What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.
When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

220 g
Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 weighs 220 g, which is lighter than 85.5% of camera lenses and equal to the weight of 0.2% of camera lenses.
Lens length
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

64 mm
Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 is 64 mm long, which is shorter than 78.4% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.2% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

73 mm
Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 has a diameter of 73 mm, which is slimmer than 62.3% of camera lenses and equal to that of 3% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 supports weather sealing. 50.2% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.
When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 uses a metal lens mount. 93.1% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
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DxOMark overall score
What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.
When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

?
DxOMark sharpness score
What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.
When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

?
DxOMark transmission
What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.
When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
DxOMark distortion
What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.
When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
DxOMark vignetting
What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.
When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
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Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 vs the average camera lens

  • Has fluorine coating
    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 25.5% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
    What it is: A protective coating on exposed elements that repels water, oil, and dirt for easier cleaning.
    When it matters: When you shoot in rain, sea spray, or dusty places and want easier front-element cleaning.

    Importance: HIGH

    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 25.5% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
  • 305.4 g lighter
    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 is lighter than the average camera lens (220 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
    What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.
    When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

    Importance: HIGH

    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 is lighter than the average camera lens (220 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.220 g vs 525.4 g
  • 0.19 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.1 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
    When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.1 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.0.11 m vs 0.3 m
  • 28 mm shorter lens
    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 is shorter than the average camera lens (64 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
    What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
    When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

    Importance: HIGH

    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 is shorter than the average camera lens (64 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.64 mm vs 92 mm
  • Newer release date
    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 was released more recently than the average camera lens.
    January 2020
    What it is: The date when the lens model was first officially introduced.
    When it matters: When you prefer a newer optical design with more modern autofocus, coatings, or stabilization features.

    Importance: LOW

    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 was released more recently than the average camera lens.2020 vs 2016
  • 0.31 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.5x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
    What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
    When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.5x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.0.5 x vs 0.192 x
  • 1 more low-dispersion elements
    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
    When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.3 vs 2
  • 1.5 µm lower chromatic aberration
    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 has a lower chromatic aberration than the average camera lens (7 µm vs 8.5 µm). The average lens has chromatic aberration of 8.5 µm.
    What it is: The DxOMark metric that quantifies unwanted color fringing caused by different wavelengths focusing unevenly.
    When it matters: When you want to avoid color fringing on high-contrast edges in backlit scenes or detailed subjects.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 has a lower chromatic aberration than the average camera lens (7 µm vs 8.5 µm). The average lens has chromatic aberration of 8.5 µm.7 µm vs 8.5 µm
  • 1 more low-dispersion elements
    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
  • 0.19 m shorter minimum focus distance
    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 has a lower minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (0.1 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
  • 0.31 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.5x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
  • Has fluorine coating
    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 25.5% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
  • 305.4 g lighter
    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 is lighter than the average camera lens (220 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
  • 28 mm shorter lens
    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 is shorter than the average camera lens (64 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
  • Newer release date
    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 was released more recently than the average camera lens.
  • 4 mm narrower lens barrel
    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 is slimmer than the average camera lens (73 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
  • 1.5 µm lower chromatic aberration
    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 has a lower chromatic aberration than the average camera lens (7 µm vs 8.5 µm). The average lens has chromatic aberration of 8.5 µm.
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
  • 1 fewer aspherical elements
    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    What it is: The number of diaphragm blades that shape the aperture opening and influence blur rendering.
    When it matters: When the look of out-of-focus highlights matters in portraits, close-ups, or cinematic video.

    Importance: HIGH

    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.7 vs 9
  • 1 fewer aspherical elements
    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
    When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.1 vs 2

Graphic comparison of Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2 and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
United States

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2?

  • Excellent value for money and affordable price point
  • Lightweight and compact design, weighing only 221g
  • Impressive 1:2 macro magnification with a short 0.11m minimum focus distance
  • Weather-sealed construction with fluorine coating on the front element
  • Strong center sharpness and optical performance at f/2.8 and f/5.6
  • Effective flare resistance and chromatic aberration control

What customers dislike about Tamron 20mm F 2 8 Di III OSD M1 2?

  • Significant barrel distortion that requires software correction
  • Autofocus is somewhat slow and produces audible noise, which may impact video
  • Noticeable focus breathing when adjusting focus
  • Corner sharpness is noticeably softer compared to the center
  • Lack of external controls like an AF/MF switch or aperture ring

Expert reviews

E
ephotozine.com
01/01/2020
Summary of the review
F
focus-review.com
29/01/2020
Summary of the review
P
pcmag.com
04/02/2020
Summary of the review
U
uk.pcmag.com
04/02/2020
Summary of the review
D
dustinabbott.net
12/02/2020
Summary of the review
C
cameralabs.com
14/04/2020
Summary of the review
C
contrastly.com
12/05/2020
Summary of the review
O
opticallimits.com
04/08/2021
Summary of the review
A
alphashooters.com
10/05/2026
Summary of the review
D
dpreview.com
18/03/2020
Summary of the review
L
lesdeuxpiedsdehors.com
09/02/2025
Summary of the review
E
ephotozine.com
07/02/2020
Summary of the review
L
lenstip.com
27/03/2020
Summary of the review
T
the-digital-picture.com
07/02/2020
Summary of the review
D
digitalkamera.de
22/09/2021
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L
lesdeuxpiedsdehors.com
25/06/2025
Summary of the review
Z
zielfoto.com
N/A
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P
phototrend.fr
30/01/2020
Summary of the review
L
lesnumeriques.com
21/10/2020
Summary of the review
L
lesdeuxpiedsdehors.com
24/06/2025
Summary of the review
T
tamron.eu
N/A
Summary of the review
D
digitalcamaralens.com
No especificada
Summary of the review
F
focus-review.com
16/01/2020
Summary of the review
F
frankwandelt.nl
27/07/2026
Summary of the review

Video reviews

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