Tamron 35mm f/2.8 Di III OSD lens review (Full-frame & APS-C)

[@Static_Age]

Thank to a sale "$199" and some Amazon gift cards from work I ended up getting this lens for like $20. I am super happy with it, and use it's 24mm counterpart very often. Thanks for the quality reviews!

[@samueldamon8500]

I have this lens. It is really very sharp in most real world usage, but like others comments have mentioned, the AF is pretty slow. Most noticeable is a strange amount of shutter lag between clicking the shutter and taking the picture. I keep this lens in my bag wherever I go, and as a photographer on a budget, it’s a really great tool. For the price I can’t recommend it enough.

[@sulogno]

What other lenses do you carry with you?

[@ElmarJournal]

I thought it's only on my copy, turns out you felt that too

[@sangaydukpa8970]

Does the auto focus is better on af - c?

[@fotosvond_]

My #1 lens for Sony. Handling is superb: good size for grip, not too big, not too small, quite lightweight. Optics right from f2.8 are stellar. This doesn't look like a 180€ lens. Great contrast and sharpness. AF for photos is perfectly fine. Close-up focusing is nice to have in one lens, too, without having to switch for macro right away. AF clicking in video is where it really hurts, but you can't have everything perfect at such a small price. It is indeed the #1 value/performance lens. Plus: Its rubber gasket feels a lot more trustworthy than anything you get with Sony or Samyang. I was out with it in snow, ice and rain several times and it didn't have any problems at all.

[@DA-yd2ny]

I am amazed at the amount of quality lenses Tamron has released for the Sony mount in the past few years. I have a film Minolta with autofocus and a Tamron 28-200mm macro lens my brother used to shoot with back in the late 1980’s …… I think I now understand why Sony decided of buying 10% of the Tamron lens business and partner with them after taking over the Minolta camera business …..

[@xriskava2151]

Best outro ever!

[@RustyRogers]

...blah, blah, blah... :~D

[@ZadieBear]

I picked up this lens for a nice lightweight kit on my A7R3, but found it is even better on my A6100 Infrared converted camera, where it stays most of the time.

[@pandalavalamp]

Impressive lens considering its price. I gotta say though Chris, I'm surprised you haven't reviewed the Sony/Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 35/2,8 ZA yet... Can we expect a review of it any time soon? I'd love to know how it compares to the other 35mm you've tested so far

[@G95G95]

I came here looking for the same review

[@johndc7446]

I like tamron lenses but I hope they would also include non macro versions of these prime lenses soon. The main issue is the focus performance, not very ideal for video.

[@Necron990]

I don't know if Mr Frost or if some of you updated this lens, but you need to purchase the dock or go to a certified Tamron dealer to get this done. The AF is sped up

[@fotosvond_]

no you don't need any dock. you can update Tamron lenses without USB-C port through the camera. The dock is for Samyang lenses.

[@adrianfaulkner1353]

I owned the Tamron 24mm f2.8 but the AF was just too slow and not particularly sharp, the Samyang 24mm f1.8 on the other hand is outstanding, I believe the Samyang 35mm f1.8 is also a superb lens for the money and probably a much better option over the Tamron, great review as always....

[@uncruckus9345]

Maybe you had a soft copy because it’s tack sharp and I own gm lenses too.

[@hckwon721]

This is one Tamron lens I was very disappointed. The AF motor noise and speed was very very very bothersome and not bearable for me. I no longer have it and don’t miss it at all.

[@trinityphotography2595]

Thanks for another awesome lens review!

[@daneliberatore1978]

Thank you Christopher.

[@darrenprajna7175]

Hi Chris, first of all thank you for sharing this kind of information for us ! I just got myself a Sony A6400 with its kit lens. By far it is the best decision i won't regret. Super fast AF and compact body is a go for me. Now i'm tinking of upgrading the lens and i think i should add a prime lens first. Just want to know how this lens perform for still photography, because i rarely do video work, is this lens good enough despite the not so fast autofocus like people said in the comment ? That's all i want to ask, cheers

[@jimmywest1]

Just bought this lens for my A5100 for $145, hopefully I'll get it this week to try it out!

[@thirdson2441]

Hey Chris...what is written on your hand? :-)

[@martin9410]

I find the Tamron 24mm f2.8 very similar. I mostly use my Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM lens for wide shots, but bring the Tamron 24mm in case I need to go wider, and it takes super sharp and high resolution images on my a7riii. And for landscape I usually do a manual focus anyway.

[@angryoaf]

Disagree with Chris on the question of l the practicality of designing based on filter thread size. Maybe you pro photographers with all your fancy equipment and bag space don't have an issue. But this lense isn't for pros, obviously. All of my lenses have the same filter thread size which reduces the cost and load of filters and filter adapters so I find it to be extremely practical. 🙃

[@begr_wiedererkennungswert]

I had this lens and it was a real love-hate relationship. I loved the unusually soft bokeh for a 35mm lens and the quiet transition zones. The image quality of this lens is amazing and it's super light. But the AF-speed is the worst I have seen in any lens for a Sony camera. I really wasn't able to take casual pictures of my kids. In the end I had to sell it. Still hope Tamron will bring a Mark II with usable autofocus.

[@gerekappo]

I'm amazed with the result, but is an strange lens to look at, agrer is pretty big for its optics. I like to use and look at my lenses 😍

[@kartoffel5067]

how does image quality compare against the sony 35 1.8? Whats your opinion? I own a 35 1.8 and sometimes iam not that happy when photographing against bright lights

[@Bayonet1809]

Using 67mm filters universally is not a case of ideology, but of consistency and usability; having one set of filters for all one's lenses is very convenient.

[@christopherfrost]

Consistency and usability is the ideology I'm referring to

[@DrWurzeli]

this looks like a great alternative to the native Sony E 30mm f/3.5, which I currently use + you can keep it when updating to FF. very nice!

[@reg171reg]

If Tamron wanted to go a universal 67mm then this series of lenses should be F2

[@leventebandi]

Great review. Tbh cant really se it's place. The samy 35 2.8 is way smaller at a very similar performance and price, there is the sony "zeiss" 35 2.8 in the used market for the same money, and that one is the most compact 1st party lens with faster and better af to start. The samy 35 1.4 not much bigger and pricier, yet better in everything

[@trulsdirio]

I actually like having it be bigger in order to have one consistent filter size. Until recently I had all of my lenses have a 49mm filter thread (mostly old Minolta AF lenses) and it was so nice to always have the right sized filter!

[@broderalias]

Old Minolta lenses ❤

[@joerg_koeln]

Hm, how useful is a macro lens where you need to be as close as 0,15 meters (15 cm) to get 1:2 magnification? For static objects in a studio no problem, but for outdoor somehow less practical, isn‘t it?

[@cameraprepper7938]

I think Tamron 35mm 2.8 are the best budget 35mm you can get for Sony E-mount.

[@jobbagyferi]

Except yongnuo 35mm f2 or samyang 35mm f/1.8 :)

[@ArteUltra1195]

Add the Samyang 35mm 2.8 to that list. I think this one in one of the “worse” options, factoring in price and size

[@cameraprepper7938]

@@ArteUltra1195 The Tamron 35mm 2.8 are better than the Rokinon/Samyang 35mm 2.8, the Rokinon/Samyang 35mm 1.8 are good but more expensive.

[@cameraprepper7938]

@@jobbagyferi I will not touch a Yongnuo, The Samyang 35mm 1.8 are more expensive than the Tamron.

[@jobbagyferi]

@@cameraprepper7938 Good that we have many choice. :) I would never buy a prime lens with f/2.8 unless its a macro or 100mm+

[@kevin.itruth6880]

A little to bulbus for me. I would of liked it to be smaller and sleaker in comparison with the Zeiss and Samyang. Auto focus needs an update and then its a pretty perfect 35. Hope they release an updated version with better AF and smaller build.

[@Qxi_reviewer]

I know this is kinda "old" material, but i have a question - how can i update firmware on this Tamron lens? Do i need a "dock station", or there is an USB port?

[@FlosBlog]

Its a great lens! Cant recomend it enough to beginners

[@cameraprepper7938]

It is more than good enough for beginners ! It is a very good Lens that performs excellent in optical quality.

[@lino100x100]

Which is better between this and zeiss 35 2.8?

[@reiniervisser291]

Hello, I have a question about this lens ore his concurrent the Samyang 35mm for Sony e mount. Which lens is a better deal ,Tamron ore Samyang? Is there are a difference in sharpness betwen the two lenses? Thank you for responding.

[@ahmonon4352]

In real life situation for street photography the AF speed suffers a little

[@cameraprepper7938]

WHO uses autofocus for street photographers, noobs !?

[@charlestonealmacen]

@@cameraprepper7938 you're god damn Right, hyperfocal for life 🤣

[@SperS-222]

@@cameraprepper7938 me

[@blazerbarrel2]

Sharp lens .

[@SourPlanet]

I can't imagine owning this lens when the fantastic Zony Sonnar lens is like $280 used. All these years later and it's still holding up!

[@Tzadeck]

I got pretty excited about this, but at least here in Japan it's selling too close in price to the Sony 35mm 1.8, which I'd rather have. Guess I'll just save up and get the 35mm 1.4 GM though--will have to wait a year or so though since that lens costs a pretty penny.

[@jt663]

Probably better off getting the sony zeiss one, second hand

[@EnigMagnum]

please revuew the new sony apsc lenses, the 11mm, 15mm lenses edit: you did already review 11mm..my bad..

[@cameraprepper7938]

He did review the Sony 11mm !

[@EnigMagnum]

@@cameraprepper7938 oh yess.. thanks.. i just noticed 🤦

[@martin9410]

Had a comment that I had been selected as a "great winner." Don't know if that it is real or fake. Just wanted you to be aware Christopher. God bless.

[@СергійДмитренко-ю2ъ]

me to. What gift you won ? somy a7 ?

[@martin9410]

@@СергійДмитренко-ю2ъ I think it's a fake comment.

[@СергійДмитренко-ю2ъ]

@@martin9410 me to

[@uncruckus9345]

I got it too…can’t find the actual message though

[@СергійДмитренко-ю2ъ]

@@uncruckus9345 because it was a fake )))

[@JamesJohnsonthe4th]

It’s an extremely good lens optically, especially for the price. The AF just wasn’t good enough for me, and that size for something with a modest aperture made me opt for Sony’s 40mm f/2.5 instead.

[@FlosBlog]

But dont underestimate the difference between 35mm and 40mm. The 40 is much closer to a 50, then a 35. There is a small Zeiss 35mm - but its putting on age.

[@robertcudlipp3426]

What's the price, UD$ ,if possible ( I live in Australia but invariably convert cost from UD$ to AU$,)- thanks.

[@robertcudlipp3426]

@@FlosBlog I have the Sony/Zeiss 35 and don't worry about the age, the I.Q., focusing are superb and it's one of the best lens I have ever purchaed & very light and compact

[@angeldc54]

This lens IQ is very good, unfortunately is huge for a 2.8 aperture. Really inconvenient.

[@JesusCorrea_]

is this tamron lens also available for fujifilm X mount?

[@SunnySoCal]

for $200 you can’t get much better in terms of quality but that build quality & wonky autofocus throws it off a bit but as someone who buys expensive gear i honestly miss the cheap options that use to give me exactly what i needed so i might pick this up soon as a walk around lens my sigma 24-70mm art is just not a walk around lens lol sadly

[@griffin924]

AF motor in this lens sounds like a mechanical keyboard switch.

[@fincrattanaka4633]

this lens is the best 35mm at all 35mm.every 35mm

[@smiragnusbrowne4867]

photos seem wider than 35?

[@jukeboxjohnnie]

No way, once youve used a GM optic no going back..

[@cameraprepper7938]

I have prime GM Lenses, but I prefer Voigtländer APO-Lanthar Lenses !

[@jukeboxjohnnie]

@@cameraprepper7938 Im in it for pixels, sharpness and ultimate image quality :-)

[@hfvhf987]

Filter in front of a lens hood, lens makers really have lost it, design teams have no idea these days!

[@FlosBlog]

Its so great, honestly. Its more or less glued to mine.

[@nightdonutstudio]

A 60mm such lens would seen many more use case.

[@BITE_MECHANISM]

FINALLY 😂😂

[@twistaton]

2.8 primes are unnecessary to me as zooms these dats are way more than sharp enough with the added versatility

[@twistaton]

@ChristopherFrost01 telegram won't work without a phone number

[@twistaton]

@ the real Christopher frost please check this out ..... this seem to be from a fake page

[@lippylee947]

First!

[@ArteUltra1195]

No reasonable point taking this one over the excellent Samyang 35mm 2.8

[@cameraprepper7938]

The Tamron 35mm 2.8 performs better in optical quality performance than the Samyang 35mm 2.8