Earlier this week, Tamron announced its “category disrupting, fast-aperture standard zoom lens—the 20-40mm f/2.8 DI III VXS (AO62). The company is promoting the lens as the smallest and lightest in its class, one that can “open new video opportunities.”

Designed for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras, the lens has been created “in aggressive pursuit of portability that is ideal for everyday use,” according to Tamron. “At the longest zoom end, the lens offers a standard focal range of 40mm, handy for everyday shooting of snaps, portraits, and food photos. The ultra-wide 20mm focal length lets users enjoy “a broad range of photography including stunning and powerful natural landscapes that make use of the ultra wide-angle perspective.” 

[Read: Tamron is Making a Compact 20-40mm f/2.8 for Sony E-Mount]

The 20-40mm F2.8 has an optical construction of 12 elements in 11 groups. With four LD (Low Dispersion), two GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) and one Hybrid Aspherical lens elements, it boasts a generous arrangement of special lens elements that strike a balance between high image quality and compact size across the entire zoom range. Another feature is the beautifully soft defocus blur effects and circular bokeh that are unique to the fast f/2.8 aperture. 

Other features of the lens include a nine-blade aperture diaphragm, a moisture-resistant construction, a 67mm front filter thread and a fluorine coating on the front-most element to keep dirt, debris and water away.

Tamron’s 20-40mm f/2.8 lens: PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS: 

• Fast f/2.8 aperture, compact size and a versatile 20-40mm zoom range.  
• Great for family videos, vlogs, and other online content.
• High image quality in a compact, lightweight body
• Includes Tamron’s VXD linear motor for high-level AF speed and precision
• Wide macro shooting: MOD of 6.7” and maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.8 at the wide end
• Rapid zooming (Zoom ring rotation arc is 65°)
• TAMRON Lens Utility^TM software for Focus Ring Function Setting and firmware updates
• New design with improved texture and scratch resistance
• 67mm filter size, same as most other TAMRON lenses for mirrorless cameras
• User-friendly features (Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating) 
• Compatible with many camera-specific features and functions, including Fast Hybrid AF and Eye AF

Tamron’s 20-40mm f/2.8 lens goes on sale October 27, for $699.