Tamron has given photographers using Sony full-frame mirrorless cameras not one but two reasons to be happy after announcing the launch of two feature-packed zoom lenses. Better still, the Tamron 35-150 mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD and Tamron 28-75 mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 both offer fast maximum apertures which will bring a host of benefits to the user.
Let’s start with the 35-150 mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD, which offers a massively versatile focal range that covers everything from landscapes and architecture photography right through to longer lens work such as wildlife photography. With such a wide focal range, the lens will also be of great interest to travel photographers who are looking to travel light and not have the hassle of switching lenses.
Featuring a variable maximum aperture that starts at f/2 at the wide end of the lens and rises to f/2.8 at the long end, the lens is built around a ‘21 elements in 15 groups’ design that includes four LD (Low Dispersion) and three GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) lens elements. Autofocus is taken care of thanks to a VXD linear motor focus mechanism which aims to deliver fast and quiet AF.
Pair the 35-150 mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD with a crop sensor Sony and that versatile focal length changes to 52-225mm, enabling the user to capture objects in the distance, which again is perfect for travel photography where the shooter can’t always place themselves in the best position for a composition. Other features include a minimum focusing distance of 33cm, Fluorine coating, a 9-bladed aperture for impressive bokeh and protection against dust and moisture and tips the scales at 1165g.
Meanwhile, the 28-75 mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (which is a replacement for Tamron’s 28-75 mm F/2.8 Di III RXD is more of a workhorse zoom for professional photographers seeking a fast zoom that can cover off both wider scenes but is especially at home with portraiture work. When used on crop sensor Sony cameras, such as the a6600, the focal length switches up to 42-112mm.
Weighing in at only 540g, Tamron says the lens is ‘fully compatible with the latest model digital cameras that offer increased resolution’ meaning it will cope with the resolution offered by Sony’s 61-megapixel monster a7R IV camera. Built around a ‘17 elements in 15 groups’ design that includes two optimally arranged LD (Low Dispersion) and GM (Glass Moulded Aspherical) lens elements, the lens, high image quality can be expected, which further reinforces its professional credentials.
Featuring Tamron’s VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focusing mechanism technology, the 23-75mm features an incredibly close minimum focusing distance of just 18cm and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.7, enabling photographers to get frame-filling shots of smaller subjects.
Both the Tamron 35-150 mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD and 28-75 mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 are expected to start shipping from October and will be priced around £1599 and £849 respectively.
