Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD

The Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A078) is a fast standard to short telephoto zoom for full-frame mirrorless cameras, available for Sony E and Nikon Z. Tamron built it around the portrait focal lengths 35mm, 50mm, 85mm and 100mm, with a constant F2.8 aperture in a small body. According to Tamron it was developed after users of the larger 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058) asked for a lighter and more compact option.

Optical design

Tamron lists 15 elements in 13 groups, including one XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion), two LD (Low Dispersion) and three GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) elements. The circular diaphragm has 9 blades and stays almost perfectly circular up to two stops down from maximum aperture, according to Tamron. The minimum aperture is F22. The angle of view runs from 63 degrees 26 minutes to 24 degrees 25 minutes. Minimum focusing distance is 22 cm at the wide end and 65 cm at the long end, with magnification of 1:3.3 and 1:5.9.

Autofocus and handling

The VXD linear motor (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) drives the autofocus. Tamron states it is fast and precise for natural expressions. The lens works with Tamron Lens Utility, which assigns functions for stills and video. Tamron notes a minimized barrel extension that stabilizes the center of gravity while zooming, which helps handheld work and gimbals. The zoom and focus rings use a material meant to improve grip. No vibration compensation is listed, so shake reduction depends on the camera body.

Build and size

On Sony E the lens weighs 565 g and is 119.2mm long. The Nikon Z version weighs 575 g and is 121.5mm long. Maximum diameter is 80.6mm and the filter thread is 67mm. The barrel has moisture-resistant construction with leak-resistant seals, and the front element has a fluorine coating that repels water and oil.

Where it fits

The larger sibling is the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD. On Sony E and Nikon Z, other standard zoom options include the Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 and the Tamron 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 for more reach. On Sony E there are also the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II and the Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G, and on Nikon Z the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2.8 S and Nikon Nikkor Z 70-180mm F2.8.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Constant F2.8 across 35-100mm
• Compact for the class: 565 g and 119.2mm on Sony E
• Moisture-resistant construction with fluorine coating
• Available for Sony E and Nikon Z

Cons

• No vibration compensation listed
• 100mm is shorter than the 150mm of the 35-150mm
• Quality claims come from Tamron, independent measurements are still needed

Verdict

A small F2.8 zoom aimed at portrait and travel shooters who find the 35-150mm too large. It is a sensible trade if 100mm is long enough.