Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD: The new compact portrait lens
A Bold Move at CP+ 2026
Tamron arrived at CP+ 2026 with a well-calculated surprise: the Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A078), a constant-aperture zoom lens for Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras. Officially announced on February 19, it will be available on March 26, 2026, priced at $899 USD for Sony E-mount and $929 USD for Nikon Z-mount.
The launch is no coincidence. It's a direct response to photographers who loved the 35-150mm F/2-2.8 but wanted something lighter, more pocketable, and easier on the budget. Tamron listened, and engineered a purpose-built alternative for the modern mirrorless shooter.
Why the 35-100mm Range?
At first glance, the focal range might seem unusual. But when you think about which focal lengths portrait, event, and travel photographers actually use day to day, the logic becomes clear: 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, and 100mm are the four most-used focal lengths in this genre. The Tamron 35-100mm covers all four with a constant F/2.8 aperture in a single lens.
- 35mm: Environmental portraits without extreme wide-angle distortion
- 50mm: The classic "nifty fifty," natural field of view
- 85mm: The king of portrait focal lengths with flattering compression
- 100mm: Tighter compositions, stronger background separation
Rather than trying to cover everything, Tamron chose to focus on what matters most. And based on early reviews from PetaPixel, Photofocus, and The Phoblographer, the result delivers on its promises.
Full Technical Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | A078 |
| Focal Length | 35-100mm |
| Maximum Aperture | F/2.8 (constant) |
| Minimum Aperture | F/22 |
| Optical Construction | 15 elements in 13 groups |
| Aperture Blades | 9 (circular diaphragm) |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.22m / 8.7" (wide) / 0.65m / 25.6" (tele) |
| Maximum Magnification Ratio | 1:3.3 (wide) / 1:5.9 (tele) |
| Filter Size | 67mm |
| Maximum Diameter | 80.6mm |
| Length (Sony E) | 119.2mm (4.7") |
| Weight (Sony E) | 565g (19.9 oz) |
| Length (Nikon Z) | 121.5mm (4.8") |
| Weight (Nikon Z) | 575g (20.3 oz) |
| Mount | Sony E / Nikon Z |
| Price | $899 USD (Sony E) / $929 USD (Nikon Z) |
| Availability | March 26, 2026 |
The optical formula includes two aspheric elements, one low-dispersion aspheric element, and one extra low-dispersion element. In practice, this translates to high contrast, controlled chromatic aberration, and sharpness that early reviewer Photofocus describes as "excellent in the center and very good toward the edges" even wide open at F/2.8.
Bokeh is another highlight. The lens renders smooth, natural background blur that works beautifully for portraits, weddings, and lifestyle shots. The nine-blade circular diaphragm maintains a near-perfect circular shape up to two stops down from maximum aperture, keeping out-of-focus highlights pleasing throughout the aperture range.
For durability, the barrel features moisture-resistant construction with seals throughout, and a fluorine coating on the front element repels oils and water during outdoor shooting.
VXD Autofocus: Fast, Silent, and Reliable
The VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor system is the same autofocus engine Tamron deploys across its professional G2 lens lineup. Real-world results confirmed in street tests through Manhattan (PetaPixel) and studio sessions (Photofocus) back up the specs: the AF is fast, whisper-quiet, and confident even in lower light, making it equally suited for stills and video.
The 0.22m minimum focusing distance at 35mm opens up creative possibilities beyond portraits: tabletop photography, café detail shots, close-up product work, and intimate indoor scenes all become viable with an appealing F/2.8 bokeh backdrop.
For video, the silent continuous autofocus is a genuine advantage over lenses that produce audible focusing noise during recording.
Compactness: The Strongest Argument
At 565g and 119mm in length, the Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 is dramatically lighter than competing constant-aperture options. For context:
- Sigma 28-105mm F/2.8 DG DN Art: 990g and 160mm long
- Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD: approx. 1,165g and 158mm long
The 35-100mm weighs nearly half as much. It's roughly the same size as Tamron's own 28-75mm F/2.8 G2, a lens already known for being compact for its class. For photographers who carry multiple lenses, this kind of weight savings translates directly to less fatigue during long shoots.
The shared 67mm filter thread — common across Tamron's mirrorless lineup — is a practical bonus: ND filters, polarizers, and other accessories can be swapped between lenses without step-up rings or adapters.
Tamron Lens Utility 5.0 and TAMRON-LINK Wireless Accessory
The 35-100mm is fully compatible with the new Tamron Lens Utility ver. 5.0 and the TAMRON-LINK (TL-01) Bluetooth accessory, announced simultaneously at CP+ 2026. This small 2-gram dongle plugs into the lens's USB-C port and enables wireless control of focus and aperture from a smartphone.
The app now supports iOS in addition to Android, and introduces new features including the Ring Stopper (which limits the rotation range of the focus and aperture rings to prevent accidental adjustments) and Focus Time Lapse, designed for videographers working with interval shooting.
Who Is This Lens For?
The Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 is a particularly compelling choice for:
- Portrait photographers who want to cover the classic focal lengths in a single lightweight lens
- Wedding and event shooters who need to move fast with a lighter kit
- Travel photographers who refuse to sacrifice optical quality for portability
- Videographers who need silent, constant F/2.8 autofocus
- Sony A7 / A7R / A7C or Nikon Zf / Z6 / Z8 users seeking a compact, high-quality zoom
If you're already shooting in the Tamron ecosystem (28-75mm G2, 70-180mm G2), this lens integrates naturally and expands your range without adding bulk to your kit.
Price and Availability
- Sony E-mount: $899 USD / CA$1,249 / £799 GBP
- Nikon Z-mount: $929 USD / CA$1,299 / £799 GBP
- Release date: March 26, 2026
- Pre-orders: Open now at B&H Photo, Adorama, Wex Photo, and major authorized retailers
At roughly half the price of the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8, the 35-100mm positions itself as an extremely competitive option for photographers who don't need the extra reach.
Final Verdict
The Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD isn't a lens for everyone. It doesn't stretch from wide-angle to telephoto, it doesn't do macro, and it has no optical stabilization. But what it does — brilliantly — is pack the most essential portrait focal lengths into a compact, lightweight body with constant F/2.8 aperture and fast, silent autofocus, at a price that makes the decision surprisingly easy.
In a market where fast-aperture lenses keep growing heavier and more expensive, Tamron chose the opposite direction. And based on the first hands-on impressions from reviewers around the world, the result is genuinely impressive.
