The Tamron 35-150mm F2-2.8 sample images have finally been shared by Tamron, including full-size sample images where we can perfectly analyze the performance of this lens. We then have other sample images of two new Tamron lenses, and much more!
Here’s the best news I’ve selected for “The Photography News Show”!

LENS NEWS

Tamron 35-150mm F2-2.8 Full-Size Sample Images

A couple of months ago, Tamron announced the development of two new lenses for full-frame Sony cameras: the 35-150mm F2-2.8 and the new version of the 28-75mm F2.8.

We were all super curious to know how these lenses would perform, especially the Tamron 35-150mm F2-2.8, and this week we finally have an answer, as Tamron has shared a press release with a lot of sample images that I will briefly analyze for you.

Let’s start with the hottest of the two, the 35-150mm.

It’s a perfect all-in-one solution for portraits, as it includes the most used focal lengths for this genre, such as 35, 50, 85, 105, and 135mm, and I think this will become a must-have for wedding photographers, where it’s crucial to have a lot of versatility together with a wide aperture.

(Sample images below by © Shinya Takahashi)

At the same time, this can also work great for travel photography. If you pair this with a wide-angle zoom, you’re pretty much covered for the vast majority of scenarios.

(Sample images below by © Thomas Adorff)

The full-size sample shots provided have been shot with a Sony a7RIV, from which we can clearly see this lens can resolve 61 megapixels very effectively.

I was honestly very impressed by the sample images, and by zooming in at 100% I could appreciate a ton of details in the models’ skins, which demonstrate the optical quality of this lens.

The bokeh is also very creamy and pleasant, which makes this a really interesting choice as an all-in-one portrait lens.

Another important sample to analyze is one of a super-decorated ceiling.

The details captured at an aperture of F2 are outstanding.

I don’t see any aberrations, and the sharpness is consistent throughout the whole frame, with just a very slight drop at the extreme edges.

Size-wise, it’s 158mm tall, it has a filter size of 82mm, and it weighs 1,165g (2lb 9.09oz).

It’s a bit heavy, but that has to be expected from such a bright zoom lens, which is actually the 1st mirrorless zoom lens with a maximum wide-open aperture of F2.

Add to that the focus hold buttons, two switches, a moisture-resistant construction, and this might be the ultimate all-in-one solution for portrait photographers.

I should receive a review unit from Tamron in the coming weeks, so make sure to stay tuned for that, and in the meantime, you can preorder it for $1,899 on B&H.

Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 Announced

The 35-150mm F2-2.8 has catalyzed all the attention, but I’d like to spend a few words also on the new version of the 28-75mm F2.8.

Tamron has in fact completely redesigned this lens, and it has shared the MTF charts to compare it to the old version. The differences are significant, as the new version will be way sharper throughout the whole frame, at all focal lengths.

Below are the MTF charts of the old model Vs. the new model at 28mm:

Below are the MTF charts of the old model Vs. the new model at 75mm:

I see this as a versatile lens for travel, street, or portraits, even though I would have personally preferred this to be on the wider end, such as a 24-70mm.

It will maintain the same compact size as the 1st version, and it will be available from October 28th for $899. Pre-order it here.

Tamron 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD Lens for Sony E & Fujifilm Announced

I also have for you some sample images of the Tamron 18-300mm lens for APS-C cameras, made for Sony & Fujifilm.

The focal length versatility is truly impressive, going from a wide-angle lens to an ultra-telephoto one, making this a perfect all-in-one lens for photographers that want to travel light while still being able to photograph every subject.

The lens also has a weather-sealed construction, and it will be available soon for $699. Pre-order it here.

CAMERA NEWS

Hasselblad 907X Anniversary Edition Kit

Hasselblad is one of the top manufacturers of digital medium format cameras and lenses. And this week, to celebrate its 80th anniversary, it has announced the 907X Anniversary Edition Kit, which includes a digital back, camera body, control grip, optical viewfinder, and a lens with a barrel engraved with countless “H” letters in celebration of the brand.

There will only be 800 units available worldwide, for $15,100 each.

SOFTWARE NEWS

Adobe Lightroom to Introduce New Masking Features

One of the biggest differences between Lightroom and Photoshop surely is related to masking.

In Photoshop you have a ton of options with layers, while in Lightroom this functionality is pretty limited.

But this week Adobe has announced that it will soon launch a complete makeover of the masking features in Lightroom.

You will have a new dedicated button, from which you will be able to select all the masking options, including the two new ones: “Select Subject”, and “Select Sky”.

These modes will use AI models to recognize the elements in your images and will select them with just one click. The interesting thing is that you can also add or subtract elements to the mask, as well as creating new masks.

This will greatly speed up the workflow, and it’s a step that brings Lightroom a bit closer to Photoshop.

WEIRD NEWS

AER TYP Throwable Camera Device

The imaging world can be at times weird. To get aerial footage you normally need to fly a drone, but from today you will simply have to throw your phone in the air and get some cool memories from above. I’m talking about the AER TYP, a throwable camera device that protects your phone from any damage.

You definitely won’t have much creative control over the content you can create with this, but well, that’s part of the fun

PICTURES OF THE WEEK

SailDrone Captures Footage from Inside Hurricane Sam

This week I have for you nothing less than some footage captured from inside hurricane Sam. The video is pretty scary as it shows the incredible power nature has, and it kinda reminds me of some movie scenes.

In the midst of 50-foot waves and winds of over 120 miles per hour, there was the Saildrone Explorer, an unmanned surface drone that collects scientific data for The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Planning is, of course, crucial, and he relies on his navigation software, which allows him to catalog the targets. From that software, he can understand where it’s day and night on Earth, while also considering weather conditions.