Press release: New Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD

TAMRON announces world’s first1 compact, lightweight F2.8 ultra wide-angle zoom lens for Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras

11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Model B060)

April 22, 2021, Saitama, Japan – Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Shiro Ajisaka), a leading manufacturer of optics for diverse applications, announces the launch of the 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A2 RXD (Model B060), a fast-aperture ultra wide-angle zoom lens for Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras on June 24, 2021. Due to the current global health crisis, the release date or product supply schedule could change.

Preorders:
Tamron 150-500mm FE at BHphoto. Fotokoch DE. Parkcameras UK.
11-20mm E at BHphoto. Fotokoch DE. Parkcameras UK.

lens: Model B060
Model B060
PRODUCT NAME 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Model B060)
DATE OF LAUNCH June 24, 2021
*Due to the spread of COVID-19, the release date or the product supply schedule could be delayed.

1 Among interchangeable F2.8 ultra wide-angle zoom lenses for Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras (As of March, 2021: TAMRON)
2 Di III-A: For APS-C format mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras

The new 11-20mm F2.8 zoom is the world’s first ultra wide-angle zoom lens for Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras that features an aperture of F2.8. Despite its fast F2.8 aperture, the lens is very small (86.2mm / 3.4 in) and feels perfectly balanced attached to a compact APS-C mirrorless camera body. It is the ideal ultra wide-angle lens for regular use. At the 11mm ultra wide-angle end, the lens exhibits stunning close-range shooting performance, achieving an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 0.15m (5.9 in) and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4. This feature invites wide-angle macro shooting that exploits the creative effects of naturally occurring distortion that only ultra wide-angle lenses can provide.

The new zoom is protected by Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating in consideration of outdoor shooting. Its 67mm filter size is identical to TAMRON’s 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Model B070) fast-aperture standard zoom lens for Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras and TAMRON’s nearly all lenses in the series of full-frame mirrorless cameras that sit nicely on APS-C cameras as well. Compatible with many of the features that Sony builds into its cameras, including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF, the lens is packed with features that support comfortable shooting. The highly practical features enable photographers to enjoy the superb image quality of this ultra wide-angle, fast F2.8 aperture lens.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

  1. 1. The world’s first F2.8 ultra wide-angle zoom lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras

    The 11-20mm F2.8 is a bona fide ultra wide-angle zoom lens with an aperture of F2.8 across the entire zoom range. Meanwhile, it is compact, light weight and very practical. You can enjoy the unique and powerful world of ultra wide-angle photography at the 11mm end (the full-frame equivalent of 16.5mm). Ideal for regular use, the 20mm focal length (the full-frame equivalent of 30mm) is well suited for casual snapshot photography such as street shooting. With its usefulness rooted in its compact, lightweight design and fast F2.8 aperture, the 11-20mm F2.8 provides an exciting shooting experience with greater freedom in diverse shooting situations.

  2. 2. Compact and light weight for superior usability

    The 11-20mm F2.8 is only 86.2mm (3.4 in) in length and weighs just 335g (11.8 oz). For a fast-aperture F2.8 ultra wide-angle zoom lens, this is remarkably compact and light. When used with an APS-C mirrorless camera body, it enables photographers to enjoy a responsive image capture system without being hindered by the size or weight of the lens. It provides a comfortable user experience for still photography and for shooting video using a small tripod or gimbal stabilizer.

  3. 3. Outstanding optical performance

    The 11-20mm F2.8 construction includes 12 elements in 10 groups. Two precisely located GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) lens elements assure high resolution across the entire image, from edge to edge. In addition, the 11-20mm F2.8 incorporates one XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion) and two LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements to produce sharp images with optical aberrations highly corrected. It also features the BBAR-G2 (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection Generation 2) Coating that suppresses ghosting and flare to a minimum level and reveals the minute details of objects even when the subject is backlit. The combination of features harmonizes to provide sharp images with natural colors and rich saturation.

  4. 4. MOD of 0.15m (5.9 in) at the 11mm focal length

    The 11-20mm F2.8 boasts an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 0.15m (5.9 in) at the 11mm focal length setting and 0.24m (9.4 in) at the 20mm end. This results in better and more versatile close-range shooting performance than existing ultra wide-angle zoom lenses at their widest focal length. At the widest 11mm setting it has an astonishing maximum magnification ratio of 1:4 that enables wide-angle macro photography that parlays the perspective unique to ultra wide-angle lenses, while also leveraging the expressive bokeh provided by the fast, bright maximum aperture of this lens.

  5. 5. A user-friendly unified 67mm filter size across the series

    The 11-20mm F2.8 is so light that the total weight of it and the 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Model B070) standard zoom lens for Sony E-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras together is only approximately 860g (30.3 oz). The combination of these two lenses covers an extreme range of focal lengths from 11mm to 70mm (equivalent to 16.5mm to 105mm on full-frame cameras) with a fast, wide-open aperture of F2.8 at every focal length, thereby enabling the size and weight of an entire mirrorless system to be massively reduced without sacrificing capabilities. Same as TAMRON’s nearly all lens models for Sony E-mount cameras, it has a unified 67mm filter size that allows reciprocal sharing of filters such as PL and ND, and lens caps.

  6. 6. The RXD (Rapid eXtra-silent stepping Drive) stepping motor unit is exceptionally quiet and perfect for video use

  7. 7. Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating provide extra protection

  8. 8. Compatible with many camera-specific features and functions, including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF

SPECIFICATIONS

Model B060
Focal Length 11-20mm
(for full-frame mirrorless format: 16.5-30mm equivalent field-of-view)
Maximum Aperture F2.8
Angle of View (diagonal) 105° 20′-71° 35’　(for APS-C mirrorless format)
Optical Construction 12 elements in 10 groups
Minimum Object Distance 0.15m /5.9 in (WIDE), 0.24m /9.4 in (TELE)
Maximum Magnification Ratio 1:4 (WIDE) / 1:7.6 (TELE)
Filter Size φ67mm
Maximum Diameter φ73mm
Length* 86.2mm (3.4 in)
Weight 335g (11.8 oz)
Aperture Blades 7 (circular diaphragm)**
Minimum Aperture F16
Standard Accessories Flower-shaped hood, Lens caps
Compatible Mounts Sony E-mount

* Length is the distance from the front tip of the lens to the lens mount face.
** The circular diaphragm stays almost perfectly circular up to two stops down from maximum aperture.

Specifications, appearance, functionality, etc. are subject to change without prior notice.

This product is developed, manufactured and sold based on the specifications of E-mount which was disclosed by Sony Corporation under the license agreement with Sony Corporation.

B060 Product Page

RUMOR: Sigma 35mm f/1.4 FE lens specs leaked and it will cost $899 (and Tamron price leaked too)

We have two new rumors:

  1. The soon to be announced new Sigma 35mm f/1.4 FE lens will cost $899. Here are the specs
    -15 elements in 11 groups
    – minimum shooting distance of 30cm
    – maximum shooting magnification of 1: 5.4
    – number of aperture blades of 11
    – filter diameter 67mm
    – size φ75.5×109.5mm (     The E-mount version is 111.5mm)
    – weighs 645g (E-mount version is 640g).     
  2. The Tamron 150-500mm FE lens will is scheduled to be released on June 3, 2021 at a mass retailer price of 159,500 yen including tax (That’s roughly $1,499 but in USA the real price will be lower)
  3. The Tamron 11-20mm F / 2.8 Di III-A RXD is 88,000 yen including tax It seems that it will be released on June 24, 2021 (That’s roughly $800 but in USA the real price will be lower).

via Nokishita

Press release: Sony Announces the Compact, Ultra-Wide Angle, Large Aperture FE 14mm F1.8 G Master™ Prime

Preorders:
Sony 14mm f/1.8 GM at BHphoto, Adorama, Focuscamera, Fotokoch, Calumet DE, Park Cameras UK, Wex UK.

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Press text:

Sony Announces the Compact, Ultra-Wide Angle, Large Aperture FE 14mm F1.8 G Master™ Prime

The Newest Addition to Sony’s E-mount Lens Lineup Offers Extraordinary Resolution, Quiet Autofocus Capabilities, Beautiful Bokeh and More

Sony further expands its E-mount lens lineup with the introduction of the FE 14mm F1.8 GM (model SEL14F18GM) – a compact, large F1.8 aperture, ultra-wide angle lens that allows users to capture the world with new perspectives, especially when shooting landscapes, architecture, starry skies and interiors.

“The newest member of Sony’s G Master series, the FE 14mm F1.8 GM, delivers extraordinary resolution, fast and quiet autofocus and is remarkably compact, “said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Director of Product Marketing, Digital Imaging, Sony Europe. “We are constantly innovating based on the needs of our customers and will continue to develop the best technology so that they can realise their creative vision.”

Extraordinary Resolution in a Compact and Lightweight Design

The new FE 14mm F1.8 GM features a compact optical design, measuring just 3⅜ in x 4 in and weighing just 16.3 oz, with advanced optical technology that delivers superb resolution and stunning contrast. Two XA (extreme aspherical) elements maintain excellent resolution throughout the image area even at corners, which enables its compact and lightweight design. Two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element and one Super ED glass element result in optical refinements that suppress chromatic aberration and deliver excellent contrast and precise rendering at all apertures.

Users can faithfully render light point sources thanks to a maximum aperture of F1.8, making it possible to capture astrophotography or shoot in other low-light environments without having to use extremely slow shutter speeds. When shooting in challenging lighting conditions, Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II technology maximises clarity by subduing flare and ghosting.

The FE 14mm F1.8 GM can produce beautiful bokeh at F1.8, even with the ultra-wide 14mm focal length. With a 9.8-inch minimum focus distance, the FE 14mm F1.8 GM offers expanded possibilities for close-up still and video shooting and creates stunning bokeh known to Sony’s G Master premium series of lenses. In addition, its precise XA elements, a 9-blade circular aperture mechanism and optimally managed aberration allows the FE 14mm F1.8 GM to produce exquisite background bokeh without the undesirable onion-ring effect.

Advanced and Quiet Autofocus

Using two XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors, focus can be accurately acquired and maintained even when shooting with narrow depth of field at F1.8, giving professional shooters the reliability they need to get the job done in challenging conditions. Moreover, the FE 14mm F1.8 GM enables quiet AF with minimal vibration for smooth focus transitions, perfect for video content creation.

Professional Level Control and Reliability

The new lens also features several advanced and versatile control options including, a focus hold button, a focus mode switch and a focus ring to ensure smooth, efficient operation in a wide range of shooting environments. For added customisation, a number of functions can be assigned to the focus hold button from the camera body interface. The FE 14mm F1.8 GM also features Linear Response MF for direct and precise manual focusing. An aperture ring that allows intuitive aperture control is also included. For added creative freedom, the FE 14mm F1.8 GM includes a rear filter holder that accepts standard sheet-type filters for ND, colour correction, soft filter, etc.

A dust and moisture resistant design[i] provides the reliability needed for challenging conditions. The front lens element features a fluorine coating that repels water, oil, and other contaminants. The rear element is also fluorine coated to keep that surface clean when changing the rear filter. The lens also has a built-in petal hood that effectively blocks extraneous light that can cause flare and ghosting.

Pricing and Availability

The new FE 14mm F1.8 GM will be available in May 2021 at a variety of Sony’s authorised dealers, for an estimated retail price of €1,600 EUROS.

For detailed product information on the lenses, please visit: https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/camera-lenses/sel14f18gm

A product video of the new lens can be viewed here.

A variety of exclusive stories, videos and exciting new content shot with the newest cameras and other Sony products can be found here. Sony’s European photography hub is available in 22 languages and details product news, competitions and an up-to-date list of Sony events in each country.

 

 

For more information, please contact your local PR manager or:

Sarah Louise Maultsaid, Corporate Communications, Sony Europe

+44 (0)1932 817000 / sarah.louise.maultsaid@sony.com

 

Notes:

[i] Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and moisture proof.

Size comparison between the new Tamron 150-500mm FE and other Sony tele zooms

Here is the size comparison between the soon to be announced new Tamron 150-500mm FE lens and the other Sony tele zooms. Lens specs:

  • 25 elements in 16 groups
  • minimum shooting distance 0.6m (wide angle) /1.8m (telephoto)
  • maximum shooting magnification 1: 3.1 (wide angle) / 1: 3.7 (telephoto)
  • filter diameter 82mm, size φ93×209.6mm
  • weight 1725g
  • tripod mount 155g. 

Lens brochure:

The lens will be announced on April 22.

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Comparison image using Camerasize as background