Highly regarded as a quality lens manufacturer for decades, Tamron has surpassed itself of late, with a slew of superb lenses designed exclusively for Sony full-frame and APS-C format mirrorless cameras. This 35mm optic is one of a trio of impressive wide-angle primes, the other two being 20mm and 24mm lenses. All three are about the same size and weight, and have a 67mm filter thread in common. Speaking of weight, the Tamron is much lighter than the other lenses on test, at just 210g. Even so, it’s solidly built with a high-precision feel and features weather-seals, including a rubber gasket on its metal mounting plate.
Handling is simple and straightforward, the only moving part being the electronically coupled manual focus ring, which works with smooth precision, driving the stepping motor focusing system. Size and weight are kept to a minimum even when attaching the hood, which has a particularly low profile thanks to a letterbox shaped aperture. The hood isn’t reversible but, when fixed in place, the overall length of the lens is only marginally greater and the front cap can clip directly onto the hood.