Tamron is Bringing the Excellent 35-150mm f/2-2.8 to Nikon Z Mount
Tamron has announced that it is developing a Nikon Z-mount version of its 35-150mm f/2-2.8 lens, a very popular optic that was came to Sony E-mount in 2021.
The 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (model A058) is described by Tamron as the only zoom lens for Nikon Z mount with a maximum wide-open aperture of f/2. Not only that, it extends out to 150mm while maintaining a maximum aperture of f/2.8, an unusually long telephoto range for such a consistently fast aperture.
Tamron says that because of this, the lens is ideal for both travel and portrait photography. It integrates the VXD (voice-coil eXTreme-torque Drive) linear motor focusing system which the company says features a very high-speed and high-precision autofocus for a fast-aperture lens. It also incorporates a new design for what Tamron says is “in the pursuit of enhanced operability and ergonomic convenience.”
While certainly an assumption, it is probably fair to say the lens will change very little from the E-mount version and will retain the same performance. While Tamron did not release full specifications in its development announcement, it would be surprising if it didn’t use the same construction of 21 elements arranged in 15 groups, including four low dispersion and three glass-molded aspherical elements that are designed to provide superior optical performance through the zoom range.
Image samples shot on the Sony version of the lens can be found in PetaPixel‘s previous coverage.
“With its versatile focal range and high-level performance under a wide variety of shooting conditions, this fast lens is ideal for travel aimed at creating photographic works. Users can enjoy shooting magnificent views and large buildings at 35mm and dynamic close-up shots at 150mm,” Tamron says.
“Incorporating the most frequently used focal lengths from wide-angle and standard to medium telephoto and telephoto all within this single lens allows for seamless shooting without the need to swap lenses, which is beneficial especially when shooting portraits where a sense of rhythm is particularly important. This helps the user capture outstanding shots without missing the fleeting expressions of the model.”
In his time at Imaging Resource — before Imaging Resource became fraught with uncertain management and fired all of its writers — PetaPixel‘s Jeremy Gray wrote in his review of the lens that he found the build quality and image quality to both be excellent and the lens was sharp across the focal range even wide open. These benefits, along with good autofocus performance and bokeh, largely offset the somewhat heavy nature of the lens and the fact that it is a bit pricey at $1,899. Tamron didn’t say if it planned to keep that same price for the Z-mount version.
Tamron also did not reveal exactly when the lens is expected to be available, but the company tells PetaPixel it expects it to be in market this fall.
Image credits: Tamron
