The Tamron 35-100mm f/2.8 Di III VXD steps into a space that barely existed before. You get a constant f/2.8 aperture, useful reach to 100mm, and a body that doesn’t weigh down your bag.
Coming to you from Dustin Abbott, this detailed video takes a close look at the Tamron 35-100mm f/2.8 Di III VXD and what this unusual range actually offers. At $899 and just 565 g, it lands much closer in size to a 28-75mm than a 70-200mm. The barrel only extends about 19 mm when zooming, and the damping is smooth enough for controlled zoom pulls. There’s no zoom lock, but the tension feels well judged. You also get weather-sealing, a gasket at the mount, and a fluorine coating on the front element. It feels built for real use without unnecessary bulk.
The focal range is the real story. Starting at 35mm means giving up the usual 24mm or 28mm wide end. In return, you reach 100mm, which is more practical than it sounds. For portraits, events, or street work, 35-100mm covers a surprising amount of ground. You may not miss 24mm as often as expected, especially if most work naturally stays above 35mm. On the long end, 100mm offers tighter framing without stepping into the size and weight of a 70-200mm. That tradeoff won’t suit every setup, but it opens a different kind of flexibility.
Tamron’s USB-C port expands control in ways most lenses still don’t. Through Tamron Lens Utility software, you can customize the control ring, assign functions to the button, and adjust manual focus response. Linear or nonlinear focus, different rotation directions for Sony E or Nikon Z, even A-B focus pulls. There’s also compatibility with the Tamron Connection Cable for wireless adjustments. If you shoot both stills and video, that level of control changes how the lens fits into your workflow.
Autofocus is driven by Tamron’s VXD motor, and it’s quick. Focus snaps from near to far almost instantly, and it stays consistent across the zoom range. Tracking holds up well, even with approaching subjects. It’s quiet too, which matters for video. Focus breathing is low, and transitions look smooth and controlled. On a gimbal, the modest weight and limited extension help maintain balance. You can zoom during use without throwing everything off.
Optically, this lens performs at a high level. At 35mm, distortion is minimal and easily corrected. Vignetting is visible wide open but manageable. Across much of the range, sharpness is strong at f/2.8 and improves slightly by f/5.6. The center is crisp, and mid-frame performance is especially impressive. Corners at 100mm are a bit softer wide open, though still usable, and sharpen up as you stop down. Chromatic aberration is present in challenging highlights but not extreme. Bokeh shows some edge definition in busy backgrounds, yet portraits look clean and detailed. Coma control for night sky work is better than expected for a zoom.
There are compromises. The zoom range isn’t traditional. The widest aperture is f/2.8, not faster. But the balance of size, price, sharpness, and reach creates a combination you don’t often see in full frame mirrorless lenses. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Abbott.
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