Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD for Nikon Z Announced – 380g Full-Frame Zoom, 17cm Close Focus, VXD Linear Motor

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by Nino LeitnerToday

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Tamron is bringing its 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD to Nikon Z mount, four years after the lens launched for Sony E-mount. It is a constant f/2.8 full-frame zoom that weighs 380g / 13.4oz, focuses down to 17cm / 6.7in at the wide end and uses TAMRON’s VXD linear motor.

The optical design is the same as on the original Model A062, which we covered when Tamron first announced the 20-40mm for Sony E-mount in 2022. Like SIGMA’s recent 16-300mm for Nikon Z, the Z version is developed, manufactured and sold under a license agreement with Nikon. It arrives as Nikon is putting more weight behind video, with the Nikon ZR and the announced NIKKOR Z Cinema primes. The release also comes after Sony confirmed its proposal to make Tamron a wholly owned subsidiary, which we looked at in our analysis of the Sony bid.

Optics and close focus

Inside are 12 elements in 11 groups. Tamron lists specialized lens elements but does not name them. The diaphragm has nine circular blades, which according to the company stay almost perfectly circular up to two stops down from maximum aperture. The aperture range runs from f/2.8 to f/22, and the diagonal angle of view spans 94°30′ to 56°49′.

Minimum object distance is 0.17m / 6.7in at 20mm and 0.29m / 11.4in at 40mm, with a maximum magnification of 1:3.8 at the wide end and 1:5.1 at the long end. On Nikon’s APS-C Z bodies, the lens covers a 30-60mm equivalent range.

What changes on the Nikon Z version

The Z version is slightly larger than the E-mount lens. Tamron lists it at 88.7mm / 3.5in long (front element to mount face) and 380g / 13.4oz, compared with 86.5mm / 3.4in and 365g / 12.9oz for the Sony version. The maximum diameter is 74.4mm / 2.9in, and the filter thread is 67mm.

Tamron calls the lens the most compact and lightest in its class among fast-aperture f/2.8 standard zooms for full-frame mirrorless cameras, based on its own research as of August 2026. For reference, Nikon’s own NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 weighs 565g / 19.9oz and starts at 28mm, while the NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 weighs 450g / 15.9oz and stops at 28mm. The Tamron bridges the wide and normal ranges at 380g.

Tamron lists hybrid AF, Eye AF, M/A mode and in-camera lens correction for shading, chromatic aberration and distortion as supported Nikon Z features, and notes that support varies by camera body. The lens is also compatible with the Tamron Lens Utility software. Firmware updates require the desktop version of the software and a separately sold connection cable; the mobile app does not support firmware updates.

Autofocus and video use

Focus is driven by Tamron’s VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor, which the company describes as fast, quiet and precise for both stills and video. Tamron positions the 20mm end for vlogging and selfie-style shooting and highlights the low weight for video work, where it matters on a gimbal or a handheld rig with a cage and monitor.

Current limitations

The lens has no aperture ring and no optical stabilization, so it relies on in-body stabilization where the camera has it; Nikon’s APS-C Z bodies do not. Tamron’s materials do not mention Nikon’s focus breathing compensation among the supported features, and the company makes no claim about focus breathing for this lens. Construction is moisture-resistant rather than fully weather-sealed, with a fluorine coating on the front element to repel water and grease.

Price and availability

The Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD for Nikon Z costs $729 / €709.99 / £614.99 (EUR and GBP prices include VAT) and will be available from October 22, 2026. A flower-shaped hood and front and rear caps are included. For more information, please visit the TAMRON website.

Do you shoot on a Nikon Z body, and would a 380g 20-40mm f/2.8 replace a prime or two in your gimbal setup? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!