The Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD is a full-frame zoom lens for Sony E mount, covering 35mm to 150mm with a maximum aperture of f/2 at the wide end and f/2.8 at 150mm, weighing 1165g, with VXD linear autofocus, a 9-blade aperture, 82mm filter thread, and a minimum focus distance of 0.33m.
Key Specifications
- Focal length: 35–150mm zoom range
- Maximum aperture: f/2 (wide) – f/2.8 (tele)
- Minimum aperture: f/22
- Lens mount: Sony E (full-frame mirrorless)
- Autofocus motor: VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor
- Filter thread: 82mm
- Minimum focus distance: 0.33m
- Aperture blades: 9 (rounded)
- Image stabilisation: None (relies on in-body IBIS)
- Weight: 1165g
What makes the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD special?
No other zoom on the market covers 35mm to 150mm while maintaining a constant bright aperture — f/2 at the wide end is genuinely unusual for a zoom, and it opens up creative options that a standard 24-70mm f/2.8 simply can't match. The f/2 opening delivers noticeably shallower depth of field for environmental portraits, and the 150mm tele end delivers real subject compression that flatters faces in a way a 70mm cannot.
The Sony FE 50-150mm f/2 GM is a more specialised portrait and event lens without the wider 35mm end. For travel photographers who want one lens that handles wide street shots and tight compressed portraits, the Tamron's range is genuinely hard to beat. The Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 FE covers the same focal range but the Tamron is widely regarded as having more robust build quality and faster, more reliable autofocus. Against the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD, you give up significant aperture at the tele end (f/5.6 vs f/2.8 at 150mm) — a decisive difference for indoor or low-light shooting. Tamron's approach with this lens was to prioritise optical speed over compactness, which works well for many shooters.
Who is the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD for?
This lens suits photographers who want one versatile zoom instead of carrying two or three primes. Wedding and event photographers get wide environmental shots at 35mm f/2 and flattering compressed portraits at 150mm f/2.8 — all without a lens swap. Travel shooters get landscapes, street photography and tight detail shots from a single optic. Portrait photographers will especially appreciate the fast aperture and 150mm reach combined with a 0.33m minimum focus distance.
