Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD vs Sony E 10-18mm F4 OSS
Sony E-Mount
Here, speed and compactness compete. The Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 Di III-A RXD (April 2021) was, according to Tamron, the first ultra-wide zoom with constant f/2.8 for Sony E APS-C. It takes 67 mm filters, focuses from 15 cm at 11 mm (1:4 magnification) and weighs 335 g. The Sony E 10-18mm f/4 OSS (2012) is a stop slower, but has optical stabilization, weighs only 225 g and starts at 10 mm instead of 11 mm.
With the Tamron you get a stop more light, with the Sony stabilization, 1 mm more wide angle and less weight.
Which one suits whom?
- Tamron 11-20mm: You shoot interiors, twilight or astro and want f/2.8 in the ultra-wide range.
- Sony 10-18mm: You value low weight and stabilization, for landscapes and travel for example.
Key differences
- Focal length: 11-20 mm on the Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD, 10-18 mm on the Sony E 10-18mm F4 OSS.
- The Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD is faster: f/2.8 instead of f/4, about 1 stops more light.
- The Sony E 10-18mm F4 OSS is 110 g lighter (225 g vs 335 g).
- The Sony E 10-18mm F4 OSS is 22 mm shorter.
- Only the Sony E 10-18mm F4 OSS has optical image stabilization.
- The Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD focuses closer: from 15 cm instead of 25 cm.
- Filter thread: 67 mm on the Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD, 62 mm on the Sony E 10-18mm F4 OSS.
Specs side by side
The key specs of both lenses side by side.
| Lens | Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD | Sony E 10-18mm F4 OSS |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 11-20 mm | 10-18 mm |
| Max. aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Weight | 335 g | 225 g |
| Filter diameter | 67 mm | 62 mm |
| Min. focus distance | 15 cm | 25 cm |
| Length | 86 mm | 64 mm |
| Autofocus | yes | yes |
| Image stabilization | no | yes |
Size comparison
- Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD: 86 × 73 mm
- Sony E 10-18mm F4 OSS: 64 × 70 mm
Side view to the same scale, length × diameter (without lens hood).