Conclusion

Tamron have spent most of the last two years releasing some truly unique lenses, and the new 20-40mm F/2.8 Di III VXD is another innovative optic that you won't find available from any other manufacturer.

Combining an ultra-wide-angle and standard zoom in one effectively replace two fast lenses in your camera bag, saving space and weight and negating the need to change lenses every time you went to switch from a wide-angle to standard viewpoint.

OK, so 20mm isn't that ultra-wide and 40mm isn't that standard, so there are some obvious compromises to be made with this lens, but for many photographers and videographers the simplicity of one lens that can cover such a wide focal range will be worth it.

Paired with the equally innovative 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD, you could use two zoom lenses to take the place of three, if you don't mind the reduction in zoom range at either end.

Being able to quickly zoom from wide-angle to standard using one lens is extremely liberating and really allows you to concentrate on capturing the moment.

What's more, there are virtually no compromises in terms of image quality, other than a tendency for exhibiting a little too much vignetting and some obvious barrel and pin-cushion distortion at either end of the range.

This is a sharp lens throughout the zoom range and at both the centre and edges of the frame, and in our opinion it's more than good enough to effectively replace your typical wide-angle and standard f/2.8 zooms.

Priced at around £879 / $699 in the UK and the US, it's also very good value for money, being much cheaper than a dual 17-28mm and 28-70mm f/2.8 setup.

Once again Tamron have thought outside the box to create a truly unique lens that offers something genuinely fresh and most importantly of all useful, crucially backed up by excellent image quality, impeccable performance, solid build quality, just enough features and an attractive price-tag.

Ratings (out of 5)
Design	4.5
Features	4
Ease-of-use	4
Image quality	4.5
Value for money	4.5