Tamron 35-100mm F2.8 Di III VXD Announced
The Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A078) is a lens that is designed for Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras, released in February 2026, as a standard-to-short-telephoto zoom lens with a wide maximum aperture, suitable for full-frame cameras. The lens offers focal lengths of 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, and 100mm in a single lens, making it suitable for various applications, especially when a wide maximum aperture is needed without the bulk of a longer lens.
In terms of size, the lens is relatively compact and lightweight, especially when considering that it is a constant F/2.8 zoom lens with the focal lengths specified, measuring 80.6mm in diameter, 119.2mm in length when attached to the Sony E-mount, 121.5mm when attached to the Nikon Z-mount, and weighing 565g when attached to the Sony E-mount, 575g when attached to the Nikon Z-mount, making it relatively portable, especially when compared with the 28-75mm F/2.8 lens series, as opposed to the 35-150mm F/2-2.8 lens, as well as the 70-200mm F/2.8 lens, which is generally heavier in size.
Other build quality features include the moisture-resistant construction, including seals in key locations, the fluorine coating on the front lens element that makes it easier to clean the lens and prevents smudges and water spots, and the petal-shaped lens hood that comes with the lens. Other features include the customizable focus ring, which allows the user to assign functions through Tamron Lens Utility, and the quiet VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor that allows for fast, precise, and quiet autofocus performance with low focus breathing, perfect for video use. The lens also has a minimum object distance of 0.22m (8.7 inches) at the wide end, allowing for 0.3x maximum magnification, perfect for portraits, and accepts 67 mm filter threads.
The lens is not specialized in the extreme, focusing on high resolution, soft bokeh, and versatility, perfect for candid or controlled shooting situations. It offers good value for the $899 (Sony E) or $929 (Nikon Z) price tag, given that it is both lightweight and professional-grade, perfect for those who find zooms too heavy or standard zooms too restrictive in terms of reach. Released on March 26, 2026, it would be perfect for portrait enthusiasts, event photographers, and content creators looking for a single lens solution that they can carry around for everyday and content creation purposes.
Purchase
Purchase the Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD
Lens Construction and Optics
The optical design comprises 15 elements in 13 groups, with 3 aspherical, 1 XLD (eXtra Low Dispersion), 2 LD (Low Dispersion), and 1 LD aspherical lens elements to effectively control chromatic aberrations, distortion, and spherical aberrations. The lens is also equipped with various coatings, such as BBAR-G2, to reduce flare and ghosting effects while ensuring contrast and color accuracy under various lighting conditions. The 9-bladed rounded diaphragm maintains a near-circle shape when stopped down, ensuring smooth and pleasing bokeh with smooth gradations and minimal onion-ring effects. The VXD linear motor achieves internal focus and zooming, keeping the lens length constant during operation, with weather-sealing gaskets on the lens barrel and a fluorine coating on the front lens element to protect against moisture, dust, and fingerprints. The lens achieves excellent center-to-corner sharpness at f/2.8, with maximum sharpness in the mid-range, as well as excellent control of aberrations and pleasing bokeh, all in a compact, lightweight, and portable lens that avoids the unnecessary complexity and weight associated with long or variable aperture zoom lenses.
Press Release
The Beauty of F2.8, in the Palm of Your Hand 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A078) For Sony E-mount and Nikon Z mount Full-Frame Mirrorless
February 19, 2026, Commack, NY – TAMRON announces the launch of the 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A078), a fast-aperture standard zoom lens, compatible with Sony E-mount and Nikon Z mount full-frame mirrorless cameras, on March 26, 2026 at a USD retail price of $899 for Sony E and $929 for Nikon Z (CAD: $1,249 for Sony E and $1,299 for Nikon Z).
The 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058), launched in 2021, has earned strong praise as a high-end portrait zoom. While highly acclaimed for its imaging performance, some users have wished for a lighter, more compact option. Developed in response to user demand, the 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Model A078) focuses on the most essential portrait focal lengths.
Despite its fast F2.8 aperture, the lens is remarkably compact and lightweight at just 4.7” (119.2mm) and 19.9oz. (565g).1 Delivering high image quality and soft bokeh, it’s perfect for candid portraits and travel photography. The VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor focus mechanism provides fast, precise AF to capture natural expressions, and the 8.7” (0.22m) MOD (Minimum Object Distance) at the wide end is ideal for tabletop shots. TAMRON Lens Utility™ lets users assign functions for video and stills, while the refined design ensures comfortable handling for everyday and special moments.
Product features
- 35-100mm zoom range ― bringing out the beauty of your subject
- Overwhelmingly lightweight and compact lens that fits right in the palm of your hand ― ideal for travel photography
- Features the most popular portrait focal lengths ― 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 100mm ― combined with constant F2.8 fast aperture
- High resolution and rich bokeh ― rendering skin texture with clarity
- High-speed, high-precision VXD AF to reliably capture natural expressions
- Close-up creativity ― ideal for indoor photography
- Compatible with TAMRON Lens Utility™ application ― now wireless and compatible with iOS devices
- Comfortable ergonomic design for ease of use
- Enhanced exterior surface
- Smooth, precise operation for comfortable shooting
- Unified 67mm filter size
- Protective features (moisture-resistant construction and fluorine coating)
1 Length and weight are for Sony E-mount lens.
Specifications
| Principal specifications |
| Lens type |
Zoom lens |
| Max Format size |
35mm FF |
| Focal length |
35–100 mm |
| Image stabilization |
No |
| Lens mount |
Nikon Z, Sony E, Sony FE |
| Aperture |
| Maximum aperture |
F2.8 |
| Minimum aperture |
F22 |
| Aperture ring |
No |
| Number of diaphragm blades |
9 |
| Optics |
| Elements |
15 |
| Groups |
13 |
| Special elements / coatings |
2 apsh., 1 LD asph., 1 LD, 1 XLD |
| Focus |
| Minimum focus |
0.22 m (8.66″) |
| Maximum magnification |
0.3× |
| Autofocus |
Yes |
| Motor type |
Linear Motor |
| Focus method |
Internal |
| Distance scale |
No |
| DoF scale |
No |
| Physical |
| Weight |
565 g (1.25 lb) |
| Diameter |
81 mm (3.19″) |
| Length |
119 mm (4.69″) |
| Sealing |
Yes |
| Colour |
Black |
| Zoom method |
Rotary (extending) |
| Filter thread |
67 mm |
| Hood supplied |
Yes |
| Tripod collar |
No |