Review: Tamron 11-20mm f/2.8 for Canon RF – A Competitive Ultra-Wide Solution
Tamron’s release of the 11-20mm f/2.8 lens for Canon RF is a welcome addition to the growing range of third-party options for the RF mount. Priced at $659, this ultra-wide-angle zoom lens offers a bright constant f/2.8 aperture, making it a versatile tool for a variety of photography styles, from landscapes to astrophotography. Its compact size and lightweight design (just 335 grams) make it a convenient choice for travel and on-the-go creators. Combined with Tamron’s reputation for optical quality and fast, quiet autofocus, the lens aims to deliver exceptional value for the price.
A key competitor to the Tamron in this category is Sigma’s 10-18mm f/2.8 DC DN for RF mount. Both lenses share several similarities: a bright f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range, excellent optical performance with minimal distortion, and weather sealing for protection against dust and moisture. This makes both lenses reliable choices for outdoor and adverse shooting conditions. However, there are notable differences in focal length and design that will appeal to different types of users.
The Tamron offers a slightly longer zoom range (11-20mm compared to 10-18mm), which may seem like an advantage on paper. However, in practice, I find the extra-wide 10mm field of view on the Sigma to be far more valuable. That single millimeter on the wide end can make a dramatic difference, especially when composing immersive shots of expansive landscapes, tight interiors, or architecture. The Tamron’s additional reach on the telephoto end, extending to 20mm, is less impactful as it provides only a minor shift in perspective compared to 18mm.
Both lenses are lightweight and portable, though the Sigma is marginally more compact, making it slightly easier to carry around for extended shoots. In terms of autofocus, the Tamron’s RXD motor delivers fast and silent performance, which is excellent for both stills and video. The Sigma also performs well in autofocus but does not specifically advertise the same advanced motor technology as the Tamron.
Canon’s recent policy of opening the RF mount to third-party manufacturers like Tamron and Sigma marks a strategic shift that benefits photographers and videographers. For years, Canon’s proprietary approach limited lens options for its users, especially in the affordable third-party market. Now, with lenses like these, Canon is fostering healthy competition while broadening the RF ecosystem to attract new users. Both lenses highlight the benefits of this policy, offering photographers high-quality, weather-sealed alternatives to Canon’s native lenses at much more accessible price points.
Ultimately, the choice between the Tamron and the Sigma comes down to individual priorities. The Tamron offers a slightly longer zoom range and advanced autofocus technology, making it a great all-around performer. However, for those who value the widest possible angle of view—a critical feature for ultra-wide lenses—the Sigma’s 10mm end is a clear advantage. Personally, I lean toward the Sigma for its superior wide-end capability, as I often find the creative opportunities at 10mm outweigh the utility of 20mm. With both lenses delivering excellent performance, Canon RF users now have a richer and more competitive set of tools to elevate their photography.