I can’t bear in mind the final time there was a game-changing piece of drugs for pictures at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and the opposite parks. The Nikon D600, Sigma 35mm f/1.4, Sony RX100, or one of many modern ultra-wides. All of these cameras and lenses are over a decade previous, so it’s been some time.
For the overwhelming majority of you, the game-changer might be the machine you’re utilizing to learn this–one of many iPhones or Androids, or whichever cellphone you employ. These units have actually bridged the hole and made most level & shoot cameras out of date. They’re at the moment engaged on killing enthusiast-level DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. That highly effective little laptop in my pocket is commonly the one digicam I’m carrying.
Pictures has been democratized to such a level that it’s uncommon for me to put up about gear. Normally simply as soon as per yr in my annual ‘What’s in My Digicam Bag’ put up, and even that garners little curiosity as in comparison with a decade in the past. It’s truly been so lengthy that the overwhelming majority of you might be in all probability now not right here for the images…and even know that I’m a photographer. I’d be mendacity if I mentioned inquiries about my digicam bag have been nonetheless frequent–they in all probability don’t crack the highest 100 of questions we’re requested by readers.
However, I do nonetheless put quite a lot of effort and time into pictures. Properly, a minimum of the “taking images” a part of issues. For me, there’s super enjoyment within the ritual of pictures itself. I really like getting up earlier than dawn, operating round at sundown chasing that fleeting gentle, or staying till the bitter finish of the evening in Magic Kingdom because the park clears out. I don’t notably know why, however I discover peace within the pictures course of, and extra linked to the world round me. I really feel most alive at these occasions, even once I’m lifeless drained.
I can not say the identical about enhancing images–I already spend an excessive amount of sitting on the laptop. I nonetheless have tens of hundreds of images sitting on exhausting drives, utterly untouched, from final yr. The one ones I’ve managed to get processed persistently are these of Megatron, who has additionally been the catalyst for enormous modifications to my pictures model.
However, final September (14 months in the past, not 2 months in the past) I found a new-to-me lens that I couldn’t resist sharing, because it’s been an enormous game-changer and bag-lightener for my pictures at Walt Disney World, Disneyland and whereas touring internationally…
My new favourite lens for Disney or journey pictures is the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 for Nikon. (There’s additionally a mannequin for Sony that’s inexplicably inexpensive.)
Though I do know this assessment gained’t garner 5% of the curiosity as a menu replace at Tony’s City Sq., I simply felt compelled to share. Partly as a result of, not like Tony’s City Sq., I really like this lens. Additionally partially as a result of the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 is on sale for 15% off. (It’s even inexpensive for Sony, however that low cost is in some way extra regular–it’s simply cheaper for that mount.)
It’s nonetheless removed from a reasonable lens, however given what it compares to and doubtlessly replaces in your digicam bag, this lens gives super bang-for-buck. But when for some purpose that is nonetheless too costly, you would possibly contemplate the Rokinon 35-150mm f/2-2.8. That lens is both the most important coincidence ever, or it’s a reverse-engineered knock-off of this one. (Word: I’ve not used the Rokinon, so this isn’t a product endorsement–simply stating one thing suspiciously related and cheaper.)
As all the time, we earn fee in your purchases from Amazon, however that doesn’t affect product suggestions. This gem of a lens is being beneficial as a result of it’s a tremendous buy even at full value, and a superb deal at $1,700.
Why this lens is a potential game-changer may be apparent to photographers simply in its identify. The 35-150mm zoom vary coupled with a variable aperture of f/2-2.8. These are numbers that usually don’t go collectively, so I used to be instantly incredulous about this lens. Wouldn’t it be yet one more jack of all trades, grasp of none third occasion lens?
The explanation I discovered the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 within the first place is as a result of I used to be searching for an alternative choice to my Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8. A lens I really like however, if I’m being trustworthy, that I’ve “outgrown.” You can not carry each diapers and that lens–it simply isn’t attainable. (Sorry, I don’t make the principles.)
Even the diaper-less amongst you may need related misgivings in regards to the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. It’s heavy, massive, and 70mm usually too lengthy for a lot of conditions. Consequently, you additionally have to pair that with a 24-70mm lens or 35mm prime and probably a second digicam.
This would possibly sound like overkill for many Disney pictures fanatics, however one particular situation the place it comes up usually is parade images. I had often carried two cameras with that setup for Pageant of Fantasy, Boo to You, Mickey’s As soon as Upon a Christmastime Parade, and so forth.
My purpose with the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 was to exchange my Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8.
I ended up changing that lens, in addition to my 35mm f/1.4, 50mm f/1.8, and 85mm f/1.8. In equity, it’s not a whole or good substitute for all of these lenses–nor was I carrying all 4 each single time we went to the parks. However I did often pack all of them in my bag “simply in case” earlier than journeys, with 2-3 of them sitting within the resort. More often than not, particularly post-baby, I opted for the Nikon 14-30mm, Nikon 28-300mm and both the 35 or 50mm prime and known as that “ok.” (That super-zoom was not ok.)
Now, the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 is on my digicam the huge majority of the time. For during the last yr, it’s been considered one of solely two lenses I’ve carried, together with the Nikon 14-30mm f/4. For me, these two lenses are the right companions, an ultra-wide for landscapes the place sooner apertures aren’t crucial plus a workhorse zoom that covers virtually every part else.
It ought to go with out saying given the value, however the Tamron 35-150mm is just not for everybody. This lens is sizable, and heavier than it seems to be. (The picture above was not shot with the Tamron, however to point out it slung to my facet.)
Personally, I don’t view this as an actual unfavorable. It’s lighter and smaller than the 70-200mm f/2.8 alone, and noticeably so. Whereas I need much less weight, I’m not anticipating miracles–as a result of legal guidelines of physics or no matter, each dimension or weight lower is a compromise.
What I really like in regards to the Tamron 35-150mm is its skilled construct high quality, heft, and steadiness. To the contact, it jogs my memory of a Sigma Artwork lens, which could be very a lot excessive reward. Fortunately, it doesn’t really feel plasticy or like a toy lens, and I’ll fortunately take the additional weight for a more durable and extra sturdy lens–particularly as somebody who travels and punishes my gear. It’s rugged and absolutely weather-sealed, and I’ve already put the Tamron by means of its paces capturing in quite a lot of circumstances.
With that mentioned, I’ve to acknowledge that the most important criticism that I’ve seen in regards to the Tamron 35-150mm is its weight (2.6 kilos or 1,165 g). Many say that is too heavy for journey, however once more, it’s a lot lighter than the 70-200 alone, and positively lighter than the 2-3 lenses it replaces. It considerably lightened my digicam bag and, frankly, I wrestle to see the affordable comparability that makes this the heavier possibility. To every their very own, although.
As talked about above, the Tamron begins at f/2 at 35mm, rivaling my primes by means of 50mm. On the lengthy finish, it’s nonetheless a improbable f/2.8. The drop-down happens regularly, not hitting f/2.8 till 135mm. This gives loads of room to work in more durable lighting circumstances and play with the depth of subject in artistic methods, whereas permitting for sooner shutter speeds or decrease ISOs.
Essentially the most demanding situation through which I shoot is darkish rides, and the Tamron carried out admirably in these. It’s the primary time I’ve ever been in a position to shoot extensive scenes and tightly-framed Audio Animatronics on the identical ride-through. That is particularly helpful in the case of common points of interest that you simply’ll solely do as soon as.
The Tamron 35-150mm was additionally fantastic on Mystic Manor, Sindbad’s Storybook Voyage, Frozen Ever After (each variations), Haunted Mansion Vacation, and even present scenes on Huge Grizzly Runaway Mountain Runaway Mine Vehicles (a curler coaster). I want I’d’ve had this lens again when Fantasy Springs opened. The Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 is, with out query, one of the best single darkish trip lens in the marketplace.
My solely minor quibble was that generally the autofocus was gradual to maintain up on darkish rides when shortly zooming from the extensive finish of the vary to the lengthy finish. In equity, that is a minimum of partially a byproduct of the demanding circumstances. It’s darkish, I’m shifting, and zooming shortly. The common wedding ceremony or journey photographer isn’t going to be doing this stuff.
In non-dark trip eventualities, the autofocus was good. It makes use of Tamron’s VXD or “Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive,” which is the corporate’s proprietary ultrasonic drive. You already know if one thing has a elaborate identify, it should be good. And it’s.
Focusing is quick and snappy throughout most use instances, however nonetheless a half-step behind the pro-grade Nikons. The main target motor is quiet–I’d even name it silent, however once more, I’m not a marriage photographer capturing in church buildings.
One in all my pre-purchase fears in regards to the Tamron 35-150mm was that its picture high quality can be noticeably worse than the lenses it’d be changing. I used to be shocked that, for essentially the most half, it carried out on par with all of them. Possibly a half-step behind the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 and Nikon 70-200mm on the lengthy finish, however barely noticeable. These are additionally top-tier lenses–the sharpest in my bag.
Large open, the Tamron is extraordinarily sharp at 35mm, and nonetheless very sharp till round 135mm. Zoomed all the best way, I discovered it to be good. However once more, all of that is extensive open. Cease it right down to f/4 or so and it’s near-perfect. In the event you’re capturing at f/8, it’s going to be unimaginable to tell apart this from the pro-grade Nikons and even the Sigma Arts.
As a “actual world” photographer who’s capturing precise topics–not lab charts–I discovered the sharpness and picture high quality of the Tamron to be near-perfect, particularly contemplating the apertures. There may be some vignetting and edge softness, however I’m including synthetic vignettes to 95% of images in put up, so I couldn’t care much less about this.
Bokeh is extremely subjective, however I discovered the out-of-focus space the Tamron produces to be ok. It’s not lovely and buttery just like the Sigma 35mm (a lens I’ve stored in my bag by means of thick and skinny because it was first launched as a result of nothing has ever topped it for me), nevertheless it’s virtually equal to the Nikon 70-200.
The bokeh is clean and pleasing to the attention, for essentially the most half. The one potential exception is that it may well tackle an onion-ring high quality if the background (or foreground) has vibrant factors of sunshine. Since quite a lot of my pictures in the previous couple of months has revolved across the vacation season, I seen this occasionally when capturing Christmas lights.
This isn’t one thing that bothers me, and I don’t even actually suppose it’s all that noticeable in these images. However I do know some photographers are very explicit about this. Nonetheless miles higher than my Nikon 28-300mm and another all-in-one lenses I’ve beforehand used, and by a large margin.
I’ve additionally seen complaints about flare, however I really like that and the sunbursts the Tamron produces. That is one other subjective factor, and truthfully, I solely need a lens to regulate flare a lot. I like to purposefully introduce flare in images, and suppose that is an underrated artistic utility of lenses.
I really feel likewise about shallow depth of subject in panorama images to offer fascinating depth. Ditto the nice and cozy glow that capturing at f/2 with the solar barely out of body can present. The Tamron is a lens with character, which is a big test within the strengths column for me. Character is typically lacking from the pro-grade Nikons, which attempt for technical perfection above all else.
However once more, I’m a “actual world” photographer and never somebody who evaluations lenses by taking footage of charts in a lab. If that’s your most popular use case, this assessment was in all probability a waste of your time.
In the end, the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 is definitely my favourite do-it-all lens for Disney pictures. This assessment solely scratches the floor of its potential use-cases. Desire a extensive picture of your entire meals unfold but additionally a cupcake close-up? The Tamron’s received you lined. Handheld evening landscapes? This does the trick. Photographs shot amongst a crowd? The shallow depth of subject blurs faces with ease.
Maybe one of the best endorsement of this lens is how a lot I’ve used it. Since buying the Tamron, it and the Nikon 14-30mm have been the one lenses in my bag the overwhelming majority of time. Over the last ~14 months, I’ve used the Tamron for over 75% of photographs–for a complete of over 30,000 images.
That won’t appear vital, however previous to this, the Nikon 14-30mm was my most-used lens, accounting for (conservatively) over 60% of my images. The following highest lens was the Nikon 24-200mm, which barely cracked 20%. Not one of the primes or 70-200mm broke the ten% barrier, largely as a result of weight or inconvenience.
Once more, issues have modified now that we now have a daughter, however I’m guessing lots of you even have youngsters–or don’t wish to lug round a half-dozen lenses for different causes. Even once I’ve gone alone to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Occasion, I’ve used this loads. Likewise, there have been scorching summer season days once I’ve gone and not using a digicam bag in any respect and simply carried this lens. Now that was an actual game-changer within the Florida warmth and humidity!
It’s to the purpose that there have been a few total days when the Tamron 35-150mm didn’t go away my digicam. That’s one thing that will’ve been unprecedented prior to now, as I couldn’t fathom not utilizing my ultra-wide. I’ve been past happy with this lens, and it has reinvigorated my pictures, enabling me to take artistic images, on a regular basis ones, and extra.
The Tamron can be already proving improbable for a really cell toddler, which is my favourite use for it of all. Significantly, that’s in all probability essentially the most difficult kind of pictures I do now, and the zoom vary plus with the snappy autofocus and aperture means I’m not lacking these priceless photographs. For that purpose alone, the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 is effectively price it, even at full value. It’s not good, however I’m truthfully shocked at simply how few compromises it makes.
Listed below are extra images I’ve shot with the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 if you happen to want extra convincing:
That’s removed from an exhaustive roundup of images. Something new from the final year-plus that’s not an extremely extensive angle was captured with the Tamron 35-150mm. There hasn’t been a single day once I’ve carried another telephoto or all-in-one lens (which means most of my images of Starlight, Epic Universe, and so forth. have been with this lens).
The Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 is just not good, however I’m truthfully shocked at simply how few compromises it makes. It earns my highest advice after over one yr of nonstop utilization in quite a lot of circumstances.
If you would like extra in-depth evaluations of a broader collection of tools, one of the best place to start out is Tom’s Final Disney Parks Pictures Information, which covers quite a lot of matters from hyperlinks to tutorials, suggestions, and tips to suggestions for level & shoots, DSLRs, lenses, and extra. (Many of those are fairly previous and haven’t been up to date shortly, however the underlying concepts and ideas nonetheless apply.)
Your Ideas
Have you ever shot with the Tamron 35-150mm? What do you consider this lens? Interesting to you, or is the thought of an all-in-one uninteresting to you? What’s in your digicam bag? Any questions? Listening to suggestions from different photographers is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
