Is Tamron Building a New Lens to Replace Its Beloved 35-100mm?

Tamron has been one of the few companies who haven’t shied away from introducing all-in-one zoom lenses. As a result, for those who are into travel, events or weddings, Tamron lenses make far more sense to cover the whole range. As part of their research, the company has introduced a new patent that hopes to offer something different.

Additional reporting has been provided by Editor in Chief Chris Gampat.

According to Asobinet, Tamron has introduced patent P2026105742, which showcases a lens system that resembles a 50-130mm f2.8. The lens is said to have an inner zoom and promises to be a refined version of Tamron‘s existing 35-100mm f2.8.

Example 1

• Focal length: 51.5100-130.9425
• F-number: 2.8840
• Half-field angle: 22.5646-8.9407

The patent showcases multiple designs that center around a focal range of 51.5-130.9mm. Even the field angle ranges between 22.56° to 8.94°, which confirms that this is used for portraits, events and other general purposes.

Tamron’s existing 35-100mm f2.8 features an extending barrel design, which can be a challenge for those who want to keep the model small. However, the 35-100mm was launched this year, which means a new lens will take a minimum of six months before its replacement is announced. The 35-100mm is weather resistant, lightweight, and has sharp image quality. As we added in our review:

The Tamron 35-100mm f2.8 Di III VXD handled the autofocus performance really well. Even better, it also worked pretty accurately and quickly when using the 3D tracking setting. This was the case with the setting effect preview turned off. 

A 50-130mm may seem odd, but it can compete with Sony’s own 50-150mm f2, purely from the point of view of pricing. Tamron lenses work the best with Nikon cameras in terms of how they fit into the focal lengths, and this has been proven in our reviews. Since Nikon users don’t have all-round zooms, Tamron’s version could be far more helpful for them. A f2.8 may seem narrow, but it can help keep the front barrel small, unlike sticking to f2. Tamron‘s lenses have been designed to keep in mind many enthusiasts on a budget, and the 50-130mm could a great in between for them.

Thankfully, it doesn’t seem to be replacing their very good 35-150mm f2-2.8.

For Sony users, too, Tamron’s lens can be a great alternative. As for Nikon users, they have the 50-250mm f4.5-6.3 VR, which is only designed for crop sensor users. This leaves full frame users to rely on third-party zoom.

Either way, it must be remembered that a patent may never see the light of the day as a finished product. Since Tamron is trying to offer something largely for portrait use, the lens could be helpful to those practicing the genre, including fashion, portfolios, weddings and more. But even if the lens is scrapped, Tamron will certainly introduce something that benefits everyone.