Sony users rejoice! This is the first ever zoom with an f/2 maximum aperture

By James Artaius
published

The Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 brings an f/2 zoom to Sony for the first time – and there's an improved 28-75mm f/2.8, too

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD
(Image credit: Tamron)

Tamron has announced the first ever full frame Sony mirrorless lens with a maximum aperture of f/2: the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD. 

At the same time, it also announced an updated version of its 28-75mm lens (also for  Sony full frame) the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2. Both lenses are "expected" to launch this year. 

• Read more: Best telephoto lenses

While mirrorless f/2 zoom lenses aren't new, with the ridiculously good Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM being the first one to hit the market, the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD is the first one to hit Sony systems – and possesses a much more all-purpose focal length and form factor. 

Ideal as a walkabout lens, and especially for shooting travel photography, the 35-150mm will undoubtedly prove popular for those seeking a one-size-fits-all optic – particularly with its minimum object distance of 0.33m at the wide end. 

Tamron promises that its VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism "features a very high-speed and high-precision autofocus for a fast-aperture lens."

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Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD
The Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD full frame lens for Sony E-mount (Image credit: Tamron)

Grabbing less headlines, though no less exciting, the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2 is the successor to the brilliant Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD (which we awarded five stars in our review). 

The G2 retains the compact size (and 67mm filter thread) of its predecessor, but boasts a new and improved optical formula to "based on a design that has been revamped to enhance imaging performance and its features are compatible with the latest model digital cameras that offer increased resolution." 

It likewise features Tamron's VXD autofocus drive for fast and precise AF. It also has a minimum object distance of 0.18m at the wide end, with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.7, again making it a go-to optic for creative close-up shooting. 

Again, Tamron says that it expects both lenses to ship in 2021 – though release dates are obviously a bit of a moving target, between pandemic issues and the global component and chip shortages. 

Read more: 

Best Sony lenses
Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III RXD review
Best standard zoom lenses

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James Artaius
James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera Magazine, PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine, N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine, Digital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.

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