Tamron Announces the 35-100mm f/2.8 Di III VXD for Sony E-Mount and Nikon Z-Mount

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Photographer holding a Nikon DSLR camera with telephoto lens while wearing a bright pink and orange knit sweater.

Tamron has announced the 35-100mm f/2.8 Di III VXD, a constant-aperture standard zoom lens for full frame Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras. The lens will be available on March 26, 2026, priced at $899 for the Sony E-mount version and $929 for the Nikon Z-mount version ($1,249 CAD and $1,299 CAD, respectively).

A Trimmed-Down Take on a Fan Favorite

The new 35-100mm f/2.8 Di III VXD is a direct descendant of the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058), which launched in 2021 and became a popular choice among portrait photographers for its versatile zoom range and fast aperture. However, the A058 is a large, heavy lens, and Tamron says some users requested a lighter, more compact alternative. The A078 is the result, trimming the zoom range to 35-100mm and settling on a constant f/2.8 aperture to achieve a significantly smaller and lighter package.

At just 4.7 inches (119.2 mm) long and 19.9 ounces (565 g) for the Sony version, and 4.8 inches (121.5 mm) and 20.3 ounces (575 g) for the Nikon version, this lens is compact enough to be a practical everyday carry. For context, the older 35-150mm f/2-2.8 weighs about 2.4 pounds and stretches over 7.5 inches long.

Optical Design and Autofocus

The lens uses a 15-element, 13-group optical construction. While Tamron has not detailed the specific element types used, the company says the lens delivers high resolution and soft bokeh, particularly for portrait work. It features a 9-blade circular diaphragm that Tamron says maintains a near-circular shape up to two stops down from the maximum aperture.

Black telephoto zoom lens with ribbed barrel and focus ring against white background.
Young photographer in red jacket holding DSLR camera with telephoto lens to his eye.
Young woman holding a DSLR camera with telephoto lens, photographing something off-camera while smiling.
Tamron 70-180mm telephoto zoom lens with black barrel and focus ring against white background.
Tamron zoom lens positioned on a surface with blurred citrus fruits in the background.
Tamron zoom lens positioned in sharp focus against a blurred background with warm and cool bokeh lights.
Photographer in yellow jacket examining a DSLR camera with attached telephoto lens on a modern outdoor bench.

Autofocus is driven by Tamron's VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor system, which the company uses across its higher-end mirrorless lenses. The system is designed for fast and precise autofocus with minimal noise, making it suitable for both stills and video.

The lens has a notably close minimum focusing distance of 8.7 inches (0.22 m) at the wide end, yielding a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.3. At the telephoto end, the minimum focusing distance is 25.6 inches (0.65 m) with a magnification ratio of 1:5.9. This close-focusing capability could make the lens useful for tight indoor shooting and detail work.

Software and Build

The 35-100mm f/2.8 is compatible with the Tamron Lens Utility application, which now supports wireless connectivity and iOS devices. This software allows photographers to customize lens functions and update firmware.

The lens features moisture-resistant construction and fluorine coating on the front element for protection in the field. It uses a unified 67mm filter thread, which is consistent with several other Tamron mirrorless lenses, making it easy to share filters across a Tamron kit.

Key Specifications

  • Focal length: 35-100mm
  • Maximum aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum aperture: f/22
  • Optical construction: 15 elements in 13 groups
  • Minimum focusing distance: 8.7 in. / 0.22 m (wide), 25.6 in. / 0.65 m (tele)
  • Maximum magnification ratio: 1:3.3 (wide), 1:5.9 (tele)
  • Aperture blades: 9 (circular diaphragm)
  • Filter size: 67 mm
  • Maximum diameter: 80.6 mm
  • Length: 4.7 in. (119.2 mm) for Sony E / 4.8 in. (121.5 mm) for Nikon Z
  • Weight: 19.9 oz (565 g) for Sony E / 20.3 oz (575 g) for Nikon Z
  • Autofocus motor: VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor
  • Mount: Sony E, Nikon Z
  • Accessories included: Flower-shaped hood, front cap, rear cap

Why This Matters for Photographers and Videographers

The 35-100mm focal range covers the workhorses of portrait photography: 35mm for environmental portraits, 50mm for standard framing, 85mm for classic headshots, and 100mm for tighter compositions. Having all of these behind a constant f/2.8 aperture in a single, compact lens eliminates the need to carry multiple primes or a heavier zoom for common portrait and event work.

For video shooters, the combination of a constant aperture, quiet VXD autofocus, and close minimum focusing distance makes this lens a practical option for run-and-gun work, interviews, and indoor content creation where space is limited. The compact size also helps with gimbal balance.

At $899 for the Sony version, the lens undercuts many first-party 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses while offering a more portrait-friendly focal range. It positions itself as a lighter, more affordable alternative to the 35-150mm f/2-2.8 for photographers who do not need the extra reach or the wider aperture at 35mm and are willing to trade those for portability

Sample Images

Misty valley with forested slopes beneath a dawn sky and distant mountain range.
Person walking a small brown poodle on a leash down an urban sidewalk.
Woman in green striped track jacket posing against colorful geometric wall backdrop.
Woman in pink coat holding green vegetable against colorful urban building backdrop.
Woman with natural curly hair in an updo, smiling at the camera in profile against a blurred outdoor background.
Vintage industrial pendant lamp with green dome shade and ribbed metal interior suspended in workshop space.
Plated charcuterie board with cured meats, fresh greens, toasted bread, and a small bowl of sauce.
Aerial view of a blue reservoir with a concrete dam spanning between forested hillsides under clear sky.
Skateboarder performing a trick on a concrete ramp in an indoor skate park.
Street food vendor scooping fried rice from a large metal griddle onto a plate.
Skateboarder in white shirt and black pants holding a decorated skateboard deck with visible grip tape and graphics.
Woman in profile wearing ornate crystal stud earring, touching her ear with hand.
Woman in business attire sitting on bed near windows, hand to face in contemplative pose.
Woman in checkered blazer standing by wooden-framed window with diffused natural light.
Woman holding an open book while standing in front of library shelves.
Historic brick building with illuminated facade reflected on wet plaza at night.
Woman with shoulder-length dark hair and bangs looking at camera indoors.
Wet plaza at dusk with illuminated historic building and modern skyscrapers reflecting on pavement.
Wet urban plaza at night with illuminated skyscrapers and street lamps reflecting on pavement.
Wet plaza at dusk with illuminated historic building and street lamps reflecting on rain-soaked pavement.

Conclusion

Tamron's 35-100mm f/2.8 Di III VXD fills a gap in the market for a compact, constant-aperture portrait zoom that covers the most commonly used focal lengths without the bulk of longer-range alternatives. It arrives on March 26, 2026, for both Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount systems. Whether it delivers on the image quality front remains to be seen, but on paper, the combination of size, price, and focal range is compelling for portrait, event, and travel photographers who want to keep their kits light.

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Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based photographer and meteorologist. He teaches music and enjoys time with horses and his rescue dogs.

alexcooke.co/
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1 Comment

User picture for regan albertson
regan albertson February 21, 2026 - 9:05 am

I love using the 28-75 as it's light and fast. but...there's been a few times in the weeks since I started using it that I had to adjust to the lack of the wide end. I have found that switching certain longer shots to DX mode on my Z7II that I'm able to capture with enough resolution. If I was using the 35-150, I'd just keep that 24mm in my pocket and capture that wider shot. I could see the 35-100 for a walk-around lens, but for an event, meh.

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