35-150mm Travel Lens Review: Real-World Impressions from Peru

In this 35-150mm Travel Lens Review, adventure photographer Jose Mostajo shares his experience using the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD during a photography journey through the mountains, cities, and landscapes of Peru. From Machu Picchu to Rainbow Mountain, Jose put the lens to the test across diverse environments, showcasing its versatility for travel, landscape, and portrait photography.

In This Review, You’ll Learn:

• How the Tamron 35-150mm performs in varied natural light and weather conditions
• Why this zoom lens is ideal for travel photographers looking to carry less gear
• Real-world examples of sharpness, autofocus speed, and low-light performance
• Insights into using the lens at both 35mm and 150mm for creative flexibility
• How Jose captured fast-moving wildlife and scenic vistas with a single lens

Images and text by Jose Mostajo

Capturing the Spirit of Peru with One Versatile Lens

I recently traveled to Peru to photograph and document the cities of Huaraz and Cusco, as well as nearby mountain hikes and summits. Being from Peru, I try to visit often and continue discovering different regions. From the ruins of Machu Picchu, to the colors of rainbow mountain, to the summit of Pisco mountain, the views are so diverse that you really need to give yourself time to explore. The key lens for the entire trip was the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058) for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras (also available for Nikon Z mount). With its wide focal range and fast aperture, it gave me all the flexibility needed to capture everything from landscapes, to cities, to people.

Low-Light Versatility and High-Quality Construction

A lot of what I photographed revolved around sunrises and sunsets and being able to shoot at F2 with a zoom lens was amazing. Not only did it keep my ISO low, but the photos came out really sharp, even wide open. Another benefit of this lens is its build. Size-wise, it’s comparable to other F2.8 zooms, and it’s construction is high quality and moisture resistant. This meant I had no issues taking it up mountains where I was surrounded by snow or when rain started to fall.

Close-Up Creativity in the High Andes

This lens has an MOD (Minimum Object Distance) of 0.33m (13″) at 35mm, which was great to shoot the native flowers I encountered up close. That coupled with an aperture of F2 gave me a ton of separation and really soft, dreamy backgrounds. Overall, this lens felt like having multiple primes in one. 150mm at F2.8? I didn’t know I needed it until I started this trip. I ended up shooting a lot like that, especially when capturing the mountains up close when the sun was setting.

Autofocus Performance That Keeps Up with the Unexpected

Another pleasant surprise I am happy to report in my 35-150mm travel lens review is that the fast-autofocusing system. With its VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor, it was totally silent, but always quick and precise. Even though I wasn’t shooting too much action, I encountered a llama running full-speed and a few condors flying above, and I had no problem capturing them with continuous autofocus and high-speed bursts.

A Reliable Travel Companion for All Shooting Needs

As an avid hiker and constant traveler, having this lens around means needing less gear to carry. I can shoot portraits for a job, landscapes while on a trek, and even my dinner inside a dimly lit cafe. All in all, the 35-150mm is a high-quality mirrorless lens with killer optics that is a must have in your bag.

Conclusion: A Game-Changing Zoom for Travel Photographers

Jose Mostajo’s 35-150mm travel lens review demonstrates why this lens is more than just a zoom lens—it’s a versatile, high-performance tool for travel and adventure photographers. From golden hour landscapes to fast-moving wildlife, and from up-close flora to distant peaks, this lens delivered professional-grade results without the need to swap gear. Whether you shoot for work or wanderlust, the 35-150mm’s unique combination of focal range, fast aperture, and rugged build makes it a standout choice for creatives on the go.

The Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD is available for both Sony E and Nikon Z mirrorless cameras. If you’re looking for a lens to take on your adventures, visit one of our authorized Tamron dealers or the Tamron Store today!

35-150mm Field Test Professional Photographer Profile: Jose Mostajo

Jose is a Peruvian travel and adventure photographer based in the US. Having begun his journey with an 11-month backpacking trip across South America in 2018, his passion for the outdoors has continued with travels around the world. His work has led to partnerships with a variety of organizations such as the Australian Tourism Board and the Environmental Defense Fund, and commercial work with companies such as Enterprise, Columbia, and Hilton Hotels. With his photography he hopes to inspire people to get outside and enjoy nature. Instagram: @josemostajo