The new Tamron 35-100mm f2.8 Di III VXD does not cover one of the classic focal ranges, and this makes it all the more interesting. It’s not the first time Tamron has bucked the trend, and this new lens offers a fascinating alternative to 24-70mm standard zooms, 24-105mm zooms and even 70-200mm portrait/event lenses, with a constant f/2.8 aperture, modest cost and relatively light weight.
The Tamron 35-100mm f2.8 Di III VXD is available in Sony FE and Nikon Z mounts and although it’s not as wide as a regular 24-105mm lens or as long as a 70-200mm, if its focal range is one you can work with, it has advantages over both. It’s a full f-stop faster than a 24-104mm zoom has more reach than a 24-70mm and is considerably lighter and cheaper than a 70-200mm f/2.8.
Tamron’s new lens measures 121.5mm in length (though it may extend a little while zooming) and weighs just 565g (Sony E-mount). It offers a maximum magnification of 1:3.3 (wide end)/1:5.9 (Tele end), so the minimum focus distance does vary with the zoom setting. The optical construction costs of 15 elements in 13 groups, and the filter size is 67mm, which is relatively common.
Obviously you have to decide if this is a workable focal range for what you do, but I currently shoot with the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD, so the new Tamron 35-100mm f2.8 Di III VXD would overlap with that very nicely. It all depends on how you like your focal lengths to cross over!
- Tamron 35-100mm f2.8 Di III VXD prices: $899 at B&H | £799 at Wex