Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) vs Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
The Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) is a zoom (35-100mm) and the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) is a 35mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.2 vs f/2.8) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 100mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 35-100mm zoom covers what the fixed 35mm can't reframe.
- ✓You value portability — at 575g (1.27 lb) it's lighter than the 970g (2.14 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 35mm prime over a zoom.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.2 vs the Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) is 35-100mm, Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) is 35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) is a zoom (flexible framing), the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Weight: the Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) is 575g (1.27 lb) vs 970g (2.14 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) or the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) better?
The Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) is a zoom (35-100mm) and the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) is a 35mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.2 vs f/2.8) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) if you need more reach — it goes to 100mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 35-100mm zoom covers what the fixed 35mm can't reframe. Choose it if you value portability — at 575g (1.27 lb) it's lighter than the 970g (2.14 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) if you want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 35mm prime over a zoom.
What is the main difference between the Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) and the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z)?
Aperture: the Viltrox AF 35mm f/1.2 LAB (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.2 vs the Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 35-100mm | 35mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 15 | 15 |
| Optical Groups | 13 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 63.4° – 24.4° | 63° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | VXD | Quad HyperVCM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 22 cm | 34 cm |
| Max Magnification | − | 0.17x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $929 | $999 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 77mm |
| Diameter | 80.6mm | 89.2mm |
| Length | 121.5mm | 123.5mm |
| Weight | 575g (1.27 lb) | 970g (2.14 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
