Tamron 35mm F2.8 Di III OSD M1:2 E-mount lens review by QuietOC

reviewer#44479 date: Mar-17-2020
sharpness: 5
color: 4
build: 4
distortion: 4
flare control: 4
overall: 4.2
tested on:
  • film camera:Film camera
  • APS-C: 6MP6 MP; 10MP10 MP; 12MP12 MP; 14MP14 MP; 16MP16 MP; 20MP20 MP; 24MP24 MP
  • full frame: 12MP12 MP; 24MP24 MP; 36MP36 MP; 42MP42 MP; 61MP61 MP
ownership:I own this lens
compared to:Tamron 20 F2.8 OSD M1:2
Tamron 24 F2.8 OSD M1:2
Sigma 30 F1.4 DC DN C & EX DC
Sigma 30 F2.8 DN Art
Sony DT 30 F2.8 Macro SAM
Neewer 32 F1.6
Zeiss 32 F1.8 Touit
Rokinon 35 F1.2
Neewer 35 F1.2
Fotasy 35 F1.6 APS-C & Mini
Kaxinda 35 F1.7
Sony FE 35 F1.8
Tamron SP 35 F1.8 USD
Minolta MD 35 F1.8
Sony E 35 F1.8 OSS
Sony DT 35 F1.8 SAM
Yongnuo EF 35 F2
7Artisans 35 F2
Minolta AF 35 F2 & RS
Rokinon AF 35 F2.8
Sony FE 35 F2.8 Sonnar
Minolta MC 35 F2.8
Vivitar 35 F2.8
Minolta 40 F1.7
Konica AR 40 F1.8
Sony FE 40 F2.5 G
Canon EF 40 F2.8 STM
Pentax-M 40 F2.8
Pentax-DA 40 F2.8 XS
price paid:271 USD (used)
positive:Sharp/Flat field
Minimal CA
Smooth bokeh
Close focusing
Moisture-Resistant
Lens Compensation
"Camera-based lens unit firmware updates"
negative:Corner shading
Magenta shift at edges
Unit focus/air pumping
Slow, audible DC motor
Nonlinear manual focus
Bulky size
67mm filter size
Warranty doesn't cover mislaignment
comment:I purchased this lens via auction on eBay from an individual. It is almost as large as the SP 35mm F1.8 USD--several times larger than the Samyang AF 35mm F2.8 or the Sony FE 35mm F2.8 Sonnar. This copy is well worn. The price was slashed to $199 in early 2021. "This product is developed, manufactured and sold based on the specifications of E-mount which was disclosed by Sony Corporation under the license agreement with Sony Corporation." "MADE IN VIETNAM"

The body material seems very similar to the Sony FE 50 F1.8. It flexes quite a bit. The Samyangs have a more durable finish and firmer construction. I prefer the focus grip of the Tamron. The OSD motor is quieter than the Sony DC motors, but louder than the Sonnar. It has a similar noise level as the Rokinon.

This lens has a slightly wider angle-of-view than my other 35mm lenses (the Sigma 35/2 is even wider.) Unlike the 24mm it has fairly mild barrel distortion--similar to the SP 35 F1.8 and Rokinon. Lens Compensation corrects it fine in-camera or in Capture One. It has a similar amount of focus breathing and somewhat worse vignetting than the Rokinon pancake.

The main photo here here shows the lens at minimum focus distance. The front element is more recessed at infinity, and even more recessed when powered off. There is a substantial gap between the moving front section and stationary outer barrel. A front filter seems like a good idea to keep out contamination.

This uses the same hood bayonet as the 20 and 24 mm primes and the HF050 petal hood from those fits perfectly. I am not sure why they created the odd HF053 hood for this lens. The larger HF012 petal hood from the SP 35 and 45 primes also swaps over. The stock hood will not mount on those larger SP lenses.

Tamron has used 67 mm filter thread at least as far back as their 35-105mm F2.8 in 1992. It is ridiculous choice on this lens when the 40.5 mm filter thread diameter of the Samyang's hood is oversized.

Tamron claims that firmware updates can be done through the camera body, but no updates have become available.

As a general budget stills wide prime this is one of the best optically if F2.8 is fast enough. I wouldn't recommend it for video or fast action.

rating summary

lens image
  • total reviews: 4
  • sharpness: 5.00
  • color: 4.50
  • build: 4.00
  • distortion: 4.25
  • flare control: 4.25
  • overall: 4.40
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