TAMRON 20-40mm F/2.8 Di III VXD Nikon Z (full frame & APS-C)

Versatile 20–40 mm zoom range

The Tamron 20–40 mm F/2.8 Di III VXD is a full-frame standard zoom lens for Nikon Z cameras. At 20 mm, it provides a significantly wider perspective than a conventional 24 mm standard zoom, making it useful for landscapes, interiors, architecture and scenes where more of the surroundings need to fit in the frame. At 40 mm, it offers a more natural perspective suited to street photography, everyday subjects and portraits.

On an APS-C camera, the lens provides an angle of view equivalent to approximately 30–60 mm on a full-frame camera.

Constant F/2.8 aperture

The maximum aperture remains F/2.8 throughout the 20–40 mm zoom range. This maintains consistent exposure while zooming and provides control over depth of field for both still photography and video. Despite its constant F/2.8 aperture, the Nikon Z version measures just 88.7 mm in length and weighs 380 g, making it suitable for lightweight full-frame camera setups.

Optical design

The optical construction comprises 12 elements in 11 groups, including four LD elements, two GM aspherical elements and one hybrid aspherical element. These specialised elements help control optical aberrations throughout the zoom range.

Tamron BBAR-G2 coating helps reduce ghosting and flare, particularly when working with strong light sources or backlit subjects. The F/2.8 aperture also helps separate the subject from the background for a softer defocused effect.

VXD autofocus for photography and video

The autofocus system uses Tamron’s VXD linear motor. It provides fast, precise focusing from the minimum focus distance to infinity and is designed to track moving subjects smoothly during video recording. Its quiet operation is also useful when recording audio directly with the camera.

The combination of a 20 mm wide-angle setting and compact design makes the lens practical for handheld video, vlogging and use with compact stabilisers. The lens extends by only 9.2 mm while zooming, helping to limit changes in balance on a stabiliser setup.

Close focusing

At 20 mm, the minimum focus distance is 0.17 m and the maximum magnification ratio is 1:3.8. This allows you to work close to smaller subjects while retaining a wide view of the surroundings, creating close-up images with a pronounced sense of perspective. At 40 mm, the minimum focus distance is 0.29 m and the maximum magnification ratio is 1:5.1.

Designed for convenient use

The zoom ring rotates approximately 65 degrees, allowing quick adjustment from 20 to 40 mm without large hand movements. The 67 mm filter thread matches the filter diameter used by many other Tamron mirrorless lenses, making it easier to share filters between lenses.

The lens features a moisture-resistant construction and a fluorine coating on the front element. The treated surface repels water and oil and makes fingerprints, moisture and dirt easier to remove.

Tamron Lens Utility

The Tamron 20–40 mm F/2.8 is compatible with Tamron Lens Utility software, which lets you configure selected lens functions using a computer or smartphone. It provides additional control for both photography and video recording.

Key features

• Full-frame 20–40 mm standard zoom lens
• Constant maximum aperture of F/2.8
• 12 elements in 11 groups
• Four LD elements, two GM aspherical elements and one hybrid aspherical element
• VXD linear motor autofocus
• Minimum focus distance of 0.17 m at 20 mm
• Maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.8 at 20 mm
• 67 mm filter thread
• 9-blade circular diaphragm
• BBAR-G2 anti-reflection coating
• Moisture-resistant construction
• Fluorine coating on the front element
• Compatible with Tamron Lens Utility

In the box

• Tamron 20–40 mm F/2.8 Di III VXD lens
• Flower-shaped lens hood
• Front lens cap
• Rear lens cap