Home · Register · Join Upload & Sell

Moderated by: Fred Miranda

New fredmiranda.com Mobile Site

New Feature: SMS Notification alert

New Feature: Buy & Sell Watchlist

FM Forums | Sony Forum | Join Upload & Sell

3 end

Tamron 35-150mm, replace most of my lenses?

Viramati
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #1 · p.2 #1 · Tamron 35-150mm, replace most of my lenses?

As an event lens there is really nothing to match it. Having f2 at 35mm is a real plus and the range really covers everything. Yes it's big and heavy but wow what a performer in one package. handles beautifully with great IQ and lovely bokeh for a zoom. I wouldn't be without it and it lives on my A1 for event/documentary work with the 16-35GM on my A7r3

Jan 25, 2023 at 01:38 PM

dcisive
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.2 #2 · p.2 #2 · Tamron 35-150mm, replace most of my lenses?

Before committing to the Tamron lens I analyzed a ton of pics I'd taken over the last few years. I was actually surprised at how many were at the 40-60mm range. At the longer end around 150-200mm. So when I was deciding on a primary lens for use with the A7R5 I got, the 200-600 was a no brainer for the far away stuff. But the Sony 24-70 f2.8 GM II simply wasn't going to be long enough without an additional lens. I decided the Tamron, with it's great reviews was a lens I simply had to try. I fell in love using it the first night I had it in my hands on the A7RV. Instant to focus, sharp all across it's range, great bokeh and wonderful color rendition. Just like a couple of wedding photographers on Youtube stated using it it indeed provided a "One lens does all" solution for them. And after using it now for a bit I feel much the same. No desire for another lens in it's coverage area. Even a touch on the botton activating the APS-C mode allowing me that 225mm view covers the gap nicely.

Jan 25, 2023 at 02:18 PM

liggy
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #3 · p.2 #3 · Tamron 35-150mm, replace most of my lenses?

I really wanted to have the 35-150 as an upgrade to the 28-200 but it was more than I want to lug around for a casual shooting.

If I did a bunch of events or weddings it would probably be a must have.

Jan 25, 2023 at 03:48 PM

ruthenium
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.2 #4 · p.2 #4 · Tamron 35-150mm, replace most of my lenses?

pcrit wrote:
I am debating the Tamron 35-150mm for Sony, I used to shoot a lot of weddings but mainly do videography but still do photo for weddings sometimes. I am looking to lessen the amount of gear I have and currently use the 24-105 (most of the time), 70-200 f/4, 55 1.8, & 85 1.8. Do you think I can replace my primes and the 70-200 with just the 35-150? I would probably keep the 24-105 as I use 24 for dance and large formals. I am a little concerned about losing the 200mm reach but think I can manage that....Show more →

I bought my copy of the 35-150 in Nov 2021. The lens exceeded my expectations - I use it all the time. Considering that my other favorite lens is Sony 200-600, neither the size nor the weight of the Tamron bother me. I still own the excellent 24-105 f/4 but have not used it after acquiring the Tamron.
Optically, the Tamron should not disappoint. On a 50MP camera, it is strong at f/2-2.8, near prefect at f/4, and is perfect at f/5.6, then the diffraction kicks in at f/8. On a 24MP camera, f/8 should be excellent. I like the relatively low amount of veiling (haloing) around bright lights when using the Tamron in the dark. Ghosting has almost never been a problem in my use.
On a high-MP camera, cropping to 200 mm should probably rarely be a problem. On a 24MP camera, cropping can be more problematic, and having access to a 70-200 zoom can be useful. I recently added the 70-200 GM II to my kit. Both this lens and the Tamron 35-150 are outstanding, however, one cannot 100% replace the other. The Tamron is arguably more like a "Swiss-knife" device - it can do so much, and do well. The 70-200 GMII is more of an elite "specialist" lens and would be my choice for any action and unpredictably moving subjects in the 70-200 mm range - the AF seems to be a notch faster than the excellent AF of the Tamron. The 70-200 GMII should also be good for semi-macro, but this is a different subject.
Can the Tamron replace primes? Assuming that one shoots raw:
I believe, yes, every time when the primes are closed to f/2.8 and more.
I would say, no, when the primes are used wide open, e.g. to f/1.2 or 1.4.
I well understand that there are professional photographers who work on special projects when the best instrument might be a certain prime. For many other types of photography, the Tamron 35-150 should work just fine.
Thus, there is no simple answer to your question "Do you think I can replace my primes?" It might help if we knew the f/values you need and use 90% of the time. Even if the answer is "yes, you can," it would make sense to keep the primes. For example, I very rarely use my Sony 35 GM or 20 G, but I would not consider selling these primes. I am also interested in adding the 50 f/1.2 GM lens, despite knowing that the Tamron 35-150 should most likely remain my main go-to lens in the foreseeable future. Because of the Tamron, I am interested in the new a7RV that might be a better match than a1.
Good luck with your decision-making!

Jan 25, 2023 at 04:45 PM

Uncle Chip
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #5 · p.2 #5 · Tamron 35-150mm, replace most of my lenses?

I would get your last weddings up and look at the quantity of images you have taken at the various focal lengths,
200mm is really good for candid photos, do you feel you can achieve the same with the tamron?

I also think primes work for candid, small prime on a small body and you have taken the picture before they notice you, with big heavy lenses your body position is different you are more obvious, so most of your shots are posed,

Cracking lens though, if I still did weddings I would use it with the 24mmGM on a second body, 15mmCV, in the bag just in case, and the 100-400 for candid, I used this for a relatives wedding as I no longer have the 70-200GM, and was surprised how many shots I did towards the 300FL, I could keep well out of the way for speeches,

Jan 25, 2023 at 05:27 PM

dcisive
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.2 #6 · p.2 #6 · Tamron 35-150mm, replace most of my lenses?

Hard to believe. perhaps, but this Tamron is my designated "walk around" lens. I feel for nearly everything when I'd be walking around or on a jaunt it would accommodate my needs nicely. So far so good.

Jan 25, 2023 at 05:56 PM

j4nu
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #7 · p.2 #7 · Tamron 35-150mm, replace most of my lenses?

Same for me, I find the extra aperture and range very useful in a walk around lens.
Handling-wise, I think if somebody is ok with larger primes like 135GM, the he/she shouldn't have any issues with the Tamron.
On vacation, this is my most used lens and at home I take it off mostly when I feel like shooting primes

. In a way it did replace some of my primes, the biggest "loser" being 35GM probably, as I take it out now only when I really need that compact 1.4.

Jan 25, 2023 at 06:26 PM

dcisive
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.2 #8 · p.2 #8 · Tamron 35-150mm, replace most of my lenses?

I did find, today, after receiving a Neewer brand grip for my A7R5 that this combo is even MORE well balanced with the Tamron lens. Can't wait to try the 200-600 on it with the grip. The Sony grip has issues and doesn't fit properly requiring a camera being sent back to Sony service for replacement of the bottom plate. How pathetic is that. I'll enjoy this Neewer model it's a nice tight fit.

Jan 25, 2023 at 06:45 PM

pcrit
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #9 · p.2 #9 · Tamron 35-150mm, replace most of my lenses?

I can't thank everyone enough for the advice. I am sure I will get one in the future and sell off the lenses I won't use.

Jan 25, 2023 at 08:49 PM

chez
Offline
• • • • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #10 · p.2 #10 · Tamron 35-150mm, replace most of my lenses?

pcrit wrote:
I can't thank everyone enough for the advice. I am sure I will get one in the future and sell off the lenses I won't use.

I'd rent one before selling off your lenses and purchasing the 35-150. I tried one out in a camera shop and the weight was just too much for my style.

Jan 25, 2023 at 08:52 PM

MKRhodes
Offline
•
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #11 · p.2 #11 · Tamron 35-150mm, replace most of my lenses?

Having used it here and there for video, it's actually an amazing lens for that purpose. Really nice rendering for a zoom, not much distortion, and even behaves parfocally if you focus at the long end (minimum focus is different on the long and short ends). I prefer my primes but if you really only could have one lens it would be up to the task. The weight isn't bothersome either--it's pretty much an all-in-one, it isn't going to be light as a feather.

Jan 26, 2023 at 01:04 AM

pcrit
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #12 · p.2 #12 · Tamron 35-150mm, replace most of my lenses?

I will probably be using it manly for video and yet to use my primes for that so I won't miss them.

Jan 26, 2023 at 03:25 PM

Frogfish
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #13 · p.2 #13 · Tamron 35-150mm, replace most of my lenses?

Only if you like walking around with 1,165g (41.1 oz) on your camera and don't shoot wider than 35mm. Undoubtedly a very high quality lens but that weight is a high penalty to pay for that (limited) flexibility and needing to switch lenses anyway (if you shoot wider than 35mm - as most people do - means it isn't a one lens solution, for me at least).

A better 'solution' if it's simply as a walkaround, would be the Sony 24 -105mm, or similar (even though slower - no free lunch). Though a two lens zoom kit of the wonderful 16-35/4 PZ (a brilliant video lens too with it's PZ zoom giving ultra smooth transitions) and say a Tamron 70-180/2,8 for the occasional tele shot would weigh the same but increase flexibility and FL range immensely, at zero IQ loss. Add a fast 35/40/50 for any lowlight environmental portraiture (when you'd be leaving the Tamron in the car/hotel).

Jan 27, 2023 at 12:13 AM

aCuria
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #14 · p.2 #14 · Tamron 35-150mm, replace most of my lenses?

The 35-150 has certain weaknesses that may or may not matter for you:

1) The magnification is fairly poor

35-150 has a magnification of 1:5.7 at 35mm and 1:5.9 at 150mm. This means that at 35mm, you can only fill the frame with an object larger than ~20cm. In comparison, your 24-105 can fill the frame with an object 11 cm long.

2) Theres no OSS

This is actually a significant problem if you shoot video without a gimbal

OP: "mainly do videography"

3) Is 35mm actually wide enough? You did not mention an ultrawide in your lens list.

4) Egronomic Factors

The lens is much heavier compared to your 24-105
Weight distribution is front heavy
lens lacks internal zoom,
burst rate capped to 15fps

Jan 27, 2023 at 02:24 AM

ruthenium
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.2 #15 · p.2 #15 · Tamron 35-150mm, replace most of my lenses?

You speak from personal experience? If not, you may want to add "I believe" or "it is possible that (this property of the lens) can be a significant problem."

aCuria wrote:
The 35-150 has certain weaknesses that may or may not matter for you:

1) The magnification is fairly poor

35-150 has a magnification of 1:5.7 at 35mm and 1:5.9 at 150mm. This means that at 35mm, you can only fill the frame with an object larger than ~20cm. In comparison, your 24-105 can fill the frame with an object 11 cm long.

2) Theres no OSS

This is actually a significant problem if you shoot video without a gimbal

OP: "mainly do videography"

3) Is 35mm actually wide enough? You did not mention an ultrawide in your lens list.

4) Egronomic Factors

The lens is much heavier compared to your 24-105
Weight distribution is front heavy
lens lacks internal zoom,
burst rate capped to 15fps

...Show more →

Jan 27, 2023 at 08:16 AM

j4nu
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #16 · p.2 #16 · Tamron 35-150mm, replace most of my lenses?

For some it's difficult to separate personal bias from facts, as this forum shows

.
I don't know where this "front heavy" idea comes from, but I'm most likely biased as well

Jan 27, 2023 at 08:27 AM

hevaKmaI
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: On

p.2 #17 · p.2 #17 · Tamron 35-150mm, replace most of my lenses?

Agree with the prior two comments (though I'm probably similarly biased toward this lens

). This lens easily spends the most time on my camera and is the default when I'm around the house and want to take candid shots of family. I'm consistently blown away by the portraits and shots this thing can take. It's certainly not the lightest, but it's not unwieldy either (and I have a 24-105mm, which used to be my most used lens before I picked the 35-150mm up).

It does seem like there's a fair amount of self-convincing that happens in these forums, whether trying to convince oneself that they either should or should not purchase this lens. The only observable, corroborated weakness with this lens across all the pro and armchair reviews here is the size/weight isn't as small/portable as lenses like the 24-105mm. Yes, that's true, but that doesn't mean it's not portable. I and others on here have taken this lens on trips, hikes, what have you quite successfully. Whether you can do that comfortably is something you'll have to determine for yourself and your uses.

Jan 27, 2023 at 12:38 PM

Dustin Gent
Offline
• • • • •
Upload & Sell: On

p.2 #18 · p.2 #18 · Tamron 35-150mm, replace most of my lenses?

i am intrigued by this lens, as it seems to be headed towards "legendary" status, however i wasted $140 renting the 70-200mm GMII; i promptly bought it when i sent the lens back to borrowlens on Monday lol.
Also i have the Sigma 24-70 ART that i am going to sell as I have never been in love with that range, ever. Weird I know

Jan 27, 2023 at 05:44 PM

aCuria
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #19 · p.2 #19 · Tamron 35-150mm, replace most of my lenses?

ruthenium wrote:
You speak from personal experience? If not, you may want to add "I believe" or "it is possible that (this property of the lens) can be a significant problem."

I have tested it out in-store, regardless theres not much opinion in my comment.

Jan 28, 2023 at 01:27 AM

j4nu
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #20 · p.2 #20 · Tamron 35-150mm, replace most of my lenses?

Dustin Gent wrote:
i am intrigued by this lens, as it seems to be headed towards "legendary" status, however i wasted $140 renting the 70-200mm GMII; i promptly bought it when i sent the lens back to borrowlens on Monday lol.
Also i have the Sigma 24-70 ART that i am going to sell as I have never been in love with that range, ever. Weird I know

Yeah, I have similar feelings towards 24-70/2.8, but people can make it sing

. It's really nice to have 24mm on the wide end, but then you're kinda missing an actual tele... Anyways, I also still have the Sigma as I think it has really nice rendering, though sharpness-wise I think the Tamron beats in general it (at least my copies).
In the end it's about the lens choices you make, as there's no one perfect lens (duh). 16-35 + 35-150 looks like a nice combo, but then other will choose 12/14-24 instead of the former and 24-70 + 70-200 in place of the latter...

Jan 28, 2023 at 07:35 AM

1 2 3 end
FM Forums \| Sony Forum \| Join Upload & Sell 1 2 3 end