Choice of Gear and Overcoming Challenges
While a zoom lens trinity is traditionally suggested to cover all necessary ranges, manufacturers like Tamron are offering a single lens that meets various needs, hence reducing the amount of gear you need to carry. This shift is due to the unpredictability that travel and landscape photography presents. Camera brands and ancillary equipment manufacturers continuously work towards providing dedicated ‘travel gear’ to make photographic adventures efficient.
The Standard: Traveling with the Zoom Lens Trinity
Internet wisdom suggests sets of three zoom lenses to cover a range of photographic needs. This set usually includes a standard zoom lens, an ultra-wide-angle zoom, and a telephoto lens. Despite other combinations, these three lenses generally cover most of what you need. Replacements and swaps for these lenses with prime lenses often depend on the photographer’s expertise and knowledge of their expected subjects.
Experiencing the Tamron 35-150mm: Redefining the Norm
During a recent journey, a shift was made from the traditional three-lens setup to the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD paired with an ultra-wide-angle lens. This unique lens provides a broad perspective range and offers the opportunity for a 24mm wide shot to a maximum of 150mm without a lens change. Despite its bulk, the Tamron lens poses a less significant drawback when compared to an entire bag of different gear.
Specifications and Performance of the Tamron 35-150mm
With weight and size similar to its 70-200mm counterparts, the Tamron provides a more extensive range, intersecting the ranges of a standard zoom and a telephoto zoom lens. From this perspective, the lens can be seen as a clever fusion option that results in less gear and less total weight.
Optical Performance and User Experience
The Tamron 35-150mm boasts impressive optical performance and excellent wide-aperture sharpness, slightly softening at f/11. Being able to shoot at 35mm f/2 without changing lenses offers a pleasant experience, although low-light focusing seems less effective. The only concern is the lack of a tripod collar to support the lens due to its front-heavy construction.
To Summarize
Like:
- Unique range with f/2-2.8 widest aperture
- High-quality image output
Dislike:
- Front heavy
- No tripod collar
Purchasing the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD will undoubtedly add an efficient and versatile tool to your travel photography gear, providing a streamlined solution to the traditional three-lens approach.
