Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD vs Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD

The bottom line

Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD opens to f/2 versus the Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD's f/2.8 — more light and shallower background blur. The Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD gives that up to stay lighter (565g (1.25 lb)) and cheaper ($899). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.

Choose the Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD if…

  • You value portability — at 565g (1.25 lb) it's lighter than the 1165g (2.57 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Choose the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You need more reach — it goes to 150mm vs 100mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD opens to f/2 vs the Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD is 35-100mm, Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD is 35-150mm — different framing and reach.
  • Price: the Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD is $899, $100 under the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD.
  • Weight: the Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD is 565g (1.25 lb) vs 1165g (2.57 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.

Frequently asked

Is the Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD or the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD better?

Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD opens to f/2 versus the Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD's f/2.8 — more light and shallower background blur. The Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD gives that up to stay lighter (565g (1.25 lb)) and cheaper ($899). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.

Who should choose the Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD?

Choose the Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD if you value portability — at 565g (1.25 lb) it's lighter than the 1165g (2.57 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Who should choose the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD?

Choose the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD if you want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 150mm vs 100mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

What is the main difference between the Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD and the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD?

Aperture: the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD opens to f/2 vs the Tamron 35-100mm F/2.8 Di III VXD's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length35-100mm35-150mm
Lens TypeZoomZoom
Optical Elements1522
Optical Groups1315
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/2.8f/2
Minimum Aperturef/22f/22
Aperture Blades99
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountSony ESony E
Angle of View63.4° – 24.4°63° – 16°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorVXDVXD
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchNoYes
Min Focus Distance22 cm33 cm
Max Magnification0.12x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$899$999
Filter Size67mm82mm
Diameter80.6mm89.8mm
Length119.2mm157.8mm
Weight565g (1.25 lb)1165g (2.57 lb)
Weather SealedYesYes
Tripod CollarNoNo