Tamron 20mm F2.8 DI III OSD M1:2 | CHEAP Wide Angle Lens
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Looking for an affordable ultra-wide prime lens for your Sony full-frame camera? The Tamron 20mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 might be what you’re after. At around $299 USD, this compact lens offers a lot of value for beginner and budget-conscious shooters alike.
Why Consider This Lens?
Despite its low price, the Tamron 20mm is surprisingly capable. It’s lightweight (just 221g), weather-sealed, and supports 67mm filters, making it a great travel companion. What makes it unique is its 1:2 macro capability, allowing you to focus as close as 10.9 cm from your subject—perfect for creative close-up shots.
Performance and Image Quality
Autofocus performance is decent, though a bit slow. Since this is a wide-angle lens, that’s not a dealbreaker unless you're focusing on very close or moving subjects. The lens is sharp in the center at f/2.8 and improves around f/5.6, though corner sharpness remains soft, even when stopped down.
Like many budget lenses, you’ll find:
Heavy distortion (fixable in post)
Magenta/cyan fringing
Average bokeh
Flare sensitivity
But for the price? These trade-offs are understandable.
Who Is This Lens For?
Creators on a tight budget needing a wide-angle prime
Hybrid shooters who want a portable, lightweight option
Photographers looking to expand beyond standard focal lengths
Should You Get It?
If you don’t already own something like the Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 or Sony’s 20mm f/1.8 G (which is 3–4x the price), this Tamron 20mm f/2.8 is a solid, no-frills option. It’s not perfect—but it delivers solid performance for its price point.
Verdict: Great value for budget shooters who want to explore wide-angle photography without breaking the bank.
