Some great news for Sony mirrorless camera users! Tamron has just announced the release of a trio of prime lenses built specifically for the E-mount system. Comprised of 20mm, 24mm, and 35mm models, the new Tamron E-mount lenses sport a feature set—and price point—that could potentially make them instant favorites.
Each lens in the new lineup has a f/2.8 maximum aperture. That might not seem terribly impressive compared to some of the ultra-fast f/1.4 lenses on the market, but limiting these models to a modest max aperture gives the new Tamron E-mount lenses a few advantages. First, the size and weight can be kept down. The new 35mm lens, for instance, weighs just 7.4 oz. Compare that to the Tamron SP35mm f/1.4 lens, which measures in at 28.4 oz. Sure, the larger lens is two stops faster, but it weighs nearly four times as much. A user who’s more interested in a compact package than a wide aperture will likely appreciate the savings.
The modest aperture also meant that Tamron could focus on optimizing pure image quality. Designing a wide-aperture lens comes with its own set of engineering obstacles that often lead to compromised image quality—softness wide open, heavy vignetting, and optical aberrations, just to name a few. By keeping the lenses at f/2.8, Tamron could avoid many of those obstacles and promise a high level of image quality. The inclusion of low dispersion and aspherical elements, along with Tamron’s BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) Coating, should help them deliver on that promise. Added bonuses include robust weather sealing, and an impressive close-focus distance—the new lenses can all focus to a 1:2 magnification ratio. All of these features add up to a lens that would normally command a pretty high price.
And speaking of price, that might one of the best aspects of these new Tamron E-mount primes: they were designed to be affordable. Each model will cost just $349. That’s a great price for anyone looking to add their first high-quality prime lens to a new camera kit. It’s also a reasonable enough price for any photographer that already has a high-end 20mm, 24mm, or 35mm prime that they love, but wants a second, smaller lens for a travel package.
Check out the MTF charts below, and click through to pre-order any of these new Tamron lenses.
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