Sony E 20mm F2.8 § 03 Head to head
Sony E 20mm F2.8 vs Tamron 20 mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M 1:2
Sony 20mm f/2.8 is 151 g lighter. Tamron 20mm f/2.8 focuses 9 cm closer.
Both lenses are made for the Sony E mount: the Sony E 20mm F2.8 is a 20mm f/2.8 prime, and the Tamron 20 mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M 1:2 is a 20mm f/2.8 prime. On paper they trade blows, with 3 advantages each.
Sony E 20mm F2.8 
Tamron 20 mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M 1:2 01
Key differences
Why is the Sony E 20mm F2.8 better than the Tamron 20 mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M 1:2?
- 151 g lighter (69 g vs 220 g)
- 53 mm shorter (20.4 mm vs 73 mm long)
- Smaller filter thread (49 mm vs 67 mm)
Why is the Tamron 20 mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M 1:2 better than the Sony E 20mm F2.8?
- Focuses 9 cm closer (0.11 m vs 0.2 m)
- Covers a larger sensor format (full-frame vs APS-C)
- Newer design (2019 vs 2013)
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Which should you buy?
- landscape For landscape photography, the Sony E 20mm F2.8 has the edge: it is 151 g lighter to carry.
- architecture For architecture, the Sony E 20mm F2.8 has the edge: it is 151 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Sony E 20mm F2.8 | Tamron 20 mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M 1:2 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 20mm | 20mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Lens type | Wide-angle prime lens | Prime lens |
| Format | APS-C | Full frame |
| Weight | 69 g (0.15 lbs) ◆ | 220 g (7.76 oz) |
| Dimensions | 62.6 mm (diameter) x 20.4 mm (length) | 64 x 73 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.2 m (7.87 inches) | 0.11 m (4.33 inches) ◆ |
| Maximum magnification | 0.12x | — |
| Image stabilization | No | No |
| Weather sealing | No | — |
| Aperture ring | No | No |
| Aperture blades | 7 (circular) | 7 |
| Optical construction | 6 elements in 6 groups, including 3 aspherical elements | 10 elements / 9 groups |
| Filter size | 49 mm ◆ | 67 mm |
| Lens mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Released | 2013 | 2019 |
| Price | — | $349 launch price |
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Size
- A · Sony
- B · Tamron
- 20.4 × 62.6 mm
- 73 × 64 mm
The Tamron 20 mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M 1:2 is 53 mm longer and 151 g heavier than the Sony E 20mm F2.8.
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Sample frames
Sony E 20mm F2.8
Tamron 20 mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M 1:2
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Sony E 20mm F2.8 or the Tamron 20 mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M 1:2?
- The Sony E 20mm F2.8 weighs 69 g, 151 g less than the Tamron 20 mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M 1:2 (220 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Sony E 20mm F2.8 or the Tamron 20 mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M 1:2?
- The Tamron 20 mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M 1:2 focuses down to 0.11 m, against 0.2 m for the Sony E 20mm F2.8.
- Do the Sony E 20mm F2.8 and the Tamron 20 mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M 1:2 have image stabilization?
- No, neither lens has optical image stabilization; rely on in-body stabilization if your camera has it.
- Is the Sony E 20mm F2.8 or the Tamron 20 mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M 1:2 better for landscape photography?
- For landscape photography, the Sony E 20mm F2.8 has the edge: it is 151 g lighter to carry.
- Is the Sony E 20mm F2.8 or the Tamron 20 mm f/2.8 Di III OSD M 1:2 better for architecture?
- For architecture, the Sony E 20mm F2.8 has the edge: it is 151 g lighter to carry.
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