Unleashing Portability: Tamron's Compact Powerhouse for Every Photographer
Introducing Tamron's New Lightweight Zoom Lens
Tamron has officially launched its new 35-100mm f/2.8 Di III VXD lens, designed for both Nikon Z and Sony E-mount camera systems. This lens is positioned as a more compact and lighter option compared to the previously released 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD, which, despite its excellent performance, was often noted for its substantial size and weight.
Bridging the Gap: Performance and Portability
The 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD lens earned considerable praise from photographers and critics alike, including the review team at PetaPixel, for its exceptional capabilities as a high-end portrait zoom. However, its bulkiness and cost led many users to desire a more streamlined option. Responding to this demand, Tamron developed the 35-100mm f/2.8, consciously trading some focal range and maximum aperture for a significantly reduced footprint and enhanced portability, while retaining crucial portrait focal lengths.
Compact Design and Advanced Features
The new 35-100mm f/2.8 Di III VXD boasts impressive dimensions, measuring approximately 4.7 inches (119.2mm) in length and weighing around 19.9 ounces (565 grams) for the Sony E-mount version. The Nikon Z-mount variant is marginally larger, at 4.8 inches (121.5mm) and 20.3 ounces (575 grams). Both versions feature a common 67mm front filter thread, enhancing compatibility with various filter accessories. The lens incorporates Tamron's VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) autofocus system, ensuring rapid, precise, and quiet focusing. While not a dedicated macro lens, its minimum focusing distance of 8.7 inches (0.22 meters) at the wide end allows for close-up shots when needed.
Optical Excellence and User Convenience
Internally, the lens is comprised of 15 elements arranged in 13 groups, coupled with a nine-bladed circular diaphragm that offers a versatile aperture range from f/2.8 to f/22. This optical construction promises outstanding clarity, sharpness, and a pleasing bokeh effect, making it suitable for a diverse range of photographic styles. Furthermore, the 35-100mm f/2.8 Di III VXD is compatible with Tamron's Lens Utility app, which now supports iOS devices in addition to Android smartphones. Connectivity is facilitated via Bluetooth, using an optional USB dongle that connects to the lens's USB-C port, allowing for easy firmware updates and customization.
Showcasing Versatility Through Sample Imagery
To demonstrate its capabilities, Tamron has released a collection of sample images captured with the 35-100mm f/2.8 Di III VXD. These examples highlight the lens's ability to render stunning portraits, detailed landscapes, and dynamic action shots, underscoring its versatility across different photographic genres.
Simultaneous Availability for Dual Mount Systems
Breaking from previous release patterns where Sony users often received new lenses earlier, Tamron is making the 35-100mm f/2.8 Di III VXD available simultaneously for both Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount at launch. This move ensures that a wider audience of photographers can access this innovative optic without delay.
Pricing and Market Release Details
The Tamron 35-100mm f/2.8 Di III VXD lens is scheduled for release on March 26. It will be priced at $899 for the Sony E-mount version and $929 for the Nikon Z-mount version, offering an attractive proposition for photographers seeking a high-performance, lightweight zoom len