Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 for Nikon Z and Tamron 17-50mm f/4 for Sony E Announced

Lens News

by Jakub HanAugust 30^th, 2023

The versatile, fast, full-frame zoom lens, Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD, is set to arrive soon for the Nikon Z lens mount. Additionally, Tamron announced the development of an ultra-wide 17-50mm f/4 lens designed for Sony E-mount cameras.

The Japanese lens manufacturer Tamron has recently announced two new lenses. In fact, the 35-150mm f/2-2.8 is not entirely new, but Tamron will bring the lens to Nikon Z cameras. In addition, the Sony E cameras will soon receive another ultra-wide angle lens, the 17-50mm f/4. Let’s take a look at the details.

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD lens for Nikon Z

First announced back in 2021, the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 features a unique combination of fast aperture and extensive zoom range. Considering its specs, it is no wonder this lens is relatively large and heavy (diameter: 89.2mm / 3.5″, length: 158mm / 6.2″, weight: 1165g / 2.6 lb). However, in my opinion, the lens presents a compelling option as an all-in-one fast lens for travel, events photography, and videography. When paired with a 16-35mm f/2.8, you can effectively cover a wide range of situations.

Initially, Tamron only offered this lens for Sony E-mount cameras, but now the company has announced that a Nikon Z version will be released very soon.

Optically, this full-frame lens offers a minimum focus distance of 33cm (13″), and a 9-bladed rounded aperture that is available between f/2 and f/16 (f/2.8-f/22). There is an 82mm front filter thread and the lens has no optical stabilization.

As for other mirrorless lens mounts, there is no information from Tamron. The good news is that at least L-mount users can look forward to the arrival (hopefully soon) of the Samyang 35-150mm f/2-2.8 lens for Sony E, with identical specifications, on L-mount cameras. This comes from the company recently joining the L-mount alliance. The Canon RF mount is notoriously restricted to Canon-only lenses (when it comes to AF-capable lens designs), so no hopes there yet.

Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD lens for Sony E

The other newly announced lens from Tamron is a full-frame, ultra-wide f/4 lens for Sony E-mount cameras. The zoom range of 17-50mm is rather unique and covers quite a few usable focal lengths. I believe the lens could work nicely for gimbal use. Tamron’s announcement, however, is more of a “lens in development” type of news, so it is not clear yet when this will be available.

As Tamron claims, thanks to the VXD linear motor focus mechanism, the lens should provide fast, quiet, and reliable autofocus (when paired with a capable Sony E-mount body). Both zoom and focus are internal, so the lens features a moisture-resistant design.

Optically, the front element has a fluorine coating that allows for easier cleaning. The lens features a minimum focusing distance of 19cm (7.5″) at the wide end and 30cm (11.8″) on the long end, so recording a vlogging session at “arms-length” is definitely possible. Please note that there is no optical stabilization.

The lens body design includes a 67mm front filter thread. Currently, there is no information about the size and weight of the lens. We will add the info when we find out.

Price and availability

The first lens mentioned in the article, Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 for Nikon Z, can be pre-ordered right now for $1,999. Shipping should start September 21, 2023.

As I mentioned above, the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 is currently in development, so we don’t know yet when it will be available or what the price will look like. We will, of course, keep you informed.

What do you think of the 35-150mm f/2-2.8 lenses (Tamron and Samyang)? Do you use any of these lenses for your work? Would you like to see this lens available for other mounts as well? Let us know in the comments section underneath the article.