Shinya Takahashi Field Tests the Tamron 35-150mm F2-2.8

In this in-depth 35-150mm field test, professional portrait photographer Shinya Takahashi shares his real-world experience using the Tamron 35-150mm F2-2.8 Di III VXD lens for portrait photography. Known for his preference for prime lenses, Takahashi explores how this versatile zoom lens for Sony E-mount and Nikon Z-mount cameras performs in demanding outdoor and on-the-move portrait sessions. His insights are valuable for photographers considering a high-quality, fast-aperture zoom that balances mobility, sharpness, and creative flexibility.

What You’ll Learn in This Article

• Why Shinya Takahashi, a dedicated prime lens user, embraced the Tamron 35-150mm for portraits
• How the lens handles in real-world field conditions, including outdoor and mobile shooting
• Key performance features like resolution, autofocus, and minimum object distance (MOD)
• The lens’s advantages for fast-paced portrait sessions where timing and rhythm are crucial
• Practical takeaways for photographers evaluating zoom lenses for professional portraits

Images and text by Shinya Takahashi

Field Impressions From a Portrait Pro: Shinya Takahashi’s Hands-On Experience

My main lenses for portrait photography are fixed-focal lenses, although I have used a number of zoom lenses before. All of them are excellent, but I’ve dared to choose fixed-focal lenses based on my understanding of their characteristics. Because I release the shutter many times, I have to change lenses frequently. This was my only complaint about fixed-focal lenses: pausing to change lenses interrupts the shooting rhythm when I bring three or four lenses in my bag.

And when you’re shooting outdoors, on the move, all those lenses can make your bag bulky and heavy. This was a serious problem to me. Then, the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058) is the solution. It is the world’s first full-frame mirrorless lens for the Sony E-mount cameras starting at F2, and its image quality is superb.

Image Quality and Autofocus That Impresses

There are a number of points I noticed when I used this lens. First of all, the resolution is very high, and the AF is fast. Focus tracking is also great, which makes this lens the best for portraits in combination with Face/Eye AF. As well as a delicate depiction at the focusing point with the F2 aperture, the lens offers a high level of resolution in every corner of the image, with excellent reproduction even in the shadow areas. This makes it ideal for those who like their photos to have a lot of shading.

Shooting Style Flexibility: From Close-Ups to Full-Length Portraits

The MOD (Minimum Object Distance) is 0.33m (13″) at the wide-angle end and 0.85m (33.5″) at the telephoto end. This is very important. I often shoot women in close-ups, and the MOD is a big concern for me. This lens has done a great job of covering all of my shooting styles. Thank you, Tamron! I’ve been waiting for a zoom lens that is perfect for portraits like this one.

Tamron 35-150mm Field Test Conclusion: A Game-Changer for Maintaining Creative Flow

With the Tamron 35-150mm F2-2.8, I no longer have to choose between lenses, and I can capture those fleeting moments I don’t want to miss with satisfying results. It is the perfect lens for portraits where the rhythm of the shot is crucial. It’s like a new era has arrived.

Learn more about Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD available for both full-frame Sony E and Nikon Z mirrorless cameras at an authorized Tamron dealer in your area or visit the TAMRON Store today.

35-150mm Field Test Professional Photographer Profile: Shinya Takahashi

As a professional photographer, he has worked on numerous international travel articles and corporate projects. He has published three books (co-authored). He also runs a popular photography school (Shinya Photography School) and a community salon (Photo Cafe S). He is also active in a wide range of publications including books, photography magazines and travel articles. Instagram: @shashinkissa_s

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