![[Impression] Tamron 35-150mm Di III VXD F2-F2.8 for Sony FE](https://www.jamestanphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/20211019_tamron35150_0001.jpg)
Are you tired of bringing the 24-70mm F2.8 and 70-200 F2.8 lenses to shoot the whole day? If you do not have 2 camera bodies, swapping the lenses frequently between the different scenarios is troublesome and time-consuming. If you choose an all-in-one zoom lens like a 24-200mm, the aperture at wide-open is pretty small, usually starting from F3.5 to F6.3. On top of that, you have to use a crazily high ISO like ISO 25600 or even ISO 51200 in low-light scenarios, which renders the images with a horrible amount of noise.
Is there any solution for the hassles? Yes! Tamron has impressed us again with a new solution for the scenarios above: the new Tamron 35-150mm Di III VXD all-in-one zoom lens with a maximum aperture of F2 at 35mm, and F2.8 at 150mm.
Before you read further, I must remind you that this lens is only compatible with the Sony FE mount.
I’m glad to have a hands-on on it for around an hour long and bring you this Tamron 35-150mm Di III VXD hands-on impression post.
Build and Features
The Tamron 35-150mm Di III VXD has an 82mm filter thread and weighs 1165g (41.1 oz). It is a hefty lens with a solid polycarbonate build. The unique sculpted shape makes it surprisingly comfortable to be used on the Sony A7 MK III.
Customizable Buttons
The new lens features a zoom lock switch, an AF/MF switch, a secondary customizable 3-modes switch, and 3 customizable focus hold buttons. You can connect the lens to the computer through its USB-C Connector Port at the bottom and configure the functions through Tamron’s free Lens Utility software.
The USB-C Connector Port on the lens is uncovered (you could get a third-party port cover as shown below), but Tamron assures that it is fully water-proofed. Besides, the lens is moisture-resistant as other Tamron FE lenses.
Comparison with Tamron 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD
If you use the Tamron 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD, you will be surprised that the Tamron 35-150mm have a similar size and handling. Both are front-heavy when mounted on the Sony A7 MK III, despite the Tamron 70-180mm having a smaller 67mm filter thread and a lighter weight at 810g (28.6oz).
Besides, they utilize the exact linear motor focus mechanism, the VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive). Therefore, you could expect a similarly quiet and responsive AF performance.
Take note here that the rings function on the Tamron 35-150mm is the opposite of the Tamron 70-180mm and other Tamron FE zoom lenses. The ring that is closer to the camera body is a zoom ring, while the further one is a focus ring. It could be confusing when using it with other Tamron FE zoom lenses.
35mm vs 150mm Perspective
The 35mm is narrower to my liking (I was a 35mm shooter for 5 ~ 6 years and switched to the 24mm). The 150mm gives a reasonably good reach for shooting on the portraits and events shooting. Below are some of the comparisons of the 35mm and 150mm.
The Magnification Ratio
Tamron has spoilt us with its close-up performance on its Tamron FE lenses. Sadly, the close-up performance of the new Tamron 35-150mm is not as fantastic as its siblings. The 35mm has a minimum focus distance (MFD) of 0.33m (13in) with a magnification ratio of 1:5.7 (0.175x). The 150mm has a minimum focus distance of 0.85m (33.5in) with a magnification ratio of 1:5.9 (0.169x).
Sample Images
Verdict
The Tamron 35-150mm Di III VXD comes with a price tag of SGD 2,688 (USD 1,899). I will hold my conclusion for the lens until I have a more in-depth assessment of its optical performance.
Until then, I would say that an all-in-one zoom lens with a large aperture wide open sounds promising. The focal length from 35mm to 150mm with the F2 to F2.8 is handy for portrait and event shooting. It eliminates the troubles of swapping lenses and saves the weight of carrying two camera bodies and two different zoom lenses. For general daily usage, it could be too large and heavy, which defies the purpose of using a mirrorless camera. Overall, I have a positive impression of this Tamron 35-150mm Di III VXD.
You may also visit Tamron’s official website for other technical specifications and additional features descriptions.
That’s all for my Tamron 35-150mm Di III VXD hands-on impression. Feel free to leave your comment below if you are interested in getting this lens or want to find out more details.
See you in the coming posts. Peace!
