The Tamron 35-100mm f/2.8 Di III VXD (model A078) is a fast standard-to-short-telephoto zoom for full-frame Sony E and Nikon Z mirrorless cameras, announced on 19 February 2026 and released on 26 March 2026. It carves out an unusual niche in Tamron's Di III range: rather than the classic 24-70mm span, it covers the 35mm-to-100mm portrait sweet spot at a constant f/2.8 in a body barely bigger than a 28-75mm, and it is one of the newest lenses on the UK used market.
The optical design is 15 elements in 13 groups, and the lens keeps to Tamron's trademark 67mm filter thread shared across its mirrorless zooms. It weighs just 565g in Sony E fit (575g Nikon Z) at 119.2mm long (121.5mm Z), remarkably light for a 100mm f/2.8 zoom. Autofocus uses the VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) linear motor, minimum focus is 0.22m at the wide end for 1:3.3 magnification, and there is no optical stabilisation, so it depends on IBIS. A USB-C port supports the Tamron Lens Utility app for firmware updates and control customisation, and the barrel is moisture-resistant with a fluorine-coated front element.
Its appeal is as a 'portrait zoom' that replaces both a 35mm and an 85-100mm prime: US launch pricing was $899 (Sony E) / $929 (Nikon Z), undercutting any first-party route to 100mm at f/2.8. Early coverage framed it as a genuine alternative to a 24-70mm for wedding and portrait shooters who rarely use the ultra-wide end, and on Nikon Z it fills a gap with no direct native equivalent. Because it only reached UK shops in spring 2026, used supply is thin and mostly comprises near-mint, receipt-in-box examples, with UK listings citing the A078 model code.
As a 2026 release, any used copy should be virtually new: prioritise examples with the original box and UK receipt, which preserves the balance of Tamron UK's five-year warranty. Verify the mount version (E and Z are separate SKUs at different prices), check the USB-C port functions with Tamron Lens Utility and confirm firmware is current, since first-batch lenses commonly receive early AF-refinement updates. Shoot wide open at 100mm to check sharpness and at 35mm for corner decentring, and inspect the extending zoom barrel for smooth travel. With new UK prices around £849-£899, used savings will be modest for now; a price far below that suggests grey import (shorter or no UK warranty) rather than a bargain.