Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD

Nikon Z (DX/FX)

Review

The Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD is a highly versatile lens that has quickly gained attention among Nikon Z mount users. This lens strikes an appealing balance between a fast aperture, a broad focal length range, and a compact design, making it an excellent choice for various shooting scenarios.

The standout feature of this lens is its fast constant aperture of f/2 to f/2.8, which allows for impressive low-light performance and shallow depth of field. Photographers can achieve stunning bokeh, particularly at the 150mm end, creating a nice separation between subjects and backgrounds. Its focal length range from 35mm to 150mm is perfect for everything from portraits and events to landscapes and street photography, making it an efficient all-in-one solution for those who prefer to travel light.

The lens build quality is solid, with a weather-sealed construction that keeps dust and moisture at bay—an excellent feature for outdoor shooting. The VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme Drive) autofocus system is generally fast and responsive, making it suitable for capturing moving subjects, although it can occasionally struggle in low-contrast scenarios.

However, this lens isn't without its downsides. While it performs exceptionally well at wider apertures, the sharpness can slightly degrade at the far ends of its zoom range, particularly when heavily cropped. Users might notice some distortion and vignetting at the extreme ends, which may require post-processing to correct. Additionally, the lens can feel a bit front-heavy when attached to smaller camera bodies, which might lead to fatigue during extended shoot sessions.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Fast constant aperture of f/2 to f/2.8 enables excellent low-light performance.
• Versatile focal length range from 35mm to 150mm for various photography styles.
• Solid weather-sealed construction for outdoor use.
• Fast and generally accurate VXD autofocus system.

Cons

• Sharpness can degrade at the extremes of zoom, especially when cropped.
• Some distortion and vignetting may be present at wider apertures.
• Front-heavy design on smaller camera bodies may lead to fatigue.

Verdict

The Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD for Nikon Z mount is an impressive all-around lens that combines versatility with a high-performance aperture. While it has some minor quirks regarding sharpness and handling, its strengths far outweigh these concerns. Photographers looking for a reliable, high-quality lens that can adapt to various shooting conditions will find this lens to be a fantastic addition to their kit. Whether you're capturing stunning portraits or vibrant landscapes, this lens offers great value and performance.