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Question: Sony 135/GM vs Tamron 35-150 at long portrait distances

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travelinbri_74

travelinbri_74

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I have been leaning towards the Tamron 35-150 - which I have had on back order for months now - to be my walk around/portrait lens, as my favorite travel portrait distance is around 135, but I more often shoot wide when I am traveling. However the Sony 135/GM has begun to call me again (I took some of my favorite pictures ever with the Canon 135/L). Am curious if anyone has used both of these lenses and can compare portraits taken around 125-150 FL?

Many thanks in advance
 
b2efe656129f4377abde8970e352bfaa.jpg


c189079b5d3142c88439372ac9676396.jpg


vs.

646f869f04984a1099dd208df1f392b8.jpg


a4023d5661254f5091afaa6a1a03dea1.jpg


I prefer the rendering of the Sony, and it has more accurate AF. But I would be extremely happy to own either lens, both are stellar. (I have borrowed both but don't own either.) I will be trying out the new Samyang 135mm f1.8 next week, a 135mm prime I might actually be able to afford. Looks very promising on paper.
 
Last edited:
I own both and they are both amazing lenses. I always prefer primes at all focal lengths, but the Tamron lens does an amazing job and I use it a lot more than the GM135, due to its flexibility. The following shots came from the Tamron... two at 150mm and one at 110mm.



A1, Tamron 35-150mm, 110mm

A1, Tamron 35-150mm, 110mm



A1, Tamron 35-150mm, 150mm

A1, Tamron 35-150mm, 150mm



A1, Tamron 35-150mm, 150mm

A1, Tamron 35-150mm, 150mm



--
Jeff
Florida, USA
 
I got the Tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8 Di III VXD Lens in December and I absolutely Love it. IQ is amazing and versatility is unmatched. I was going to order the Sony 135mm f1.8 GM, but after reading reviews and looking at Test, I decided to buy the Samyang 135mm f1.8 af Sony version for only $780. I normally have a 135mm lens in my kit for low light events, and a 3 lens set up of 135mm, 50mm F1.2 GM and 20mm f1.8 is a great set up.

But the Tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8 is by far the best lens I have ever owned for wedding, event and portraits.
 
Great feedback and pictures, thanks! I think I would also prefer the rendering of the Sony 135, but for me, the 35-150 will be much more useful.
 
travelinbri_74 said:
I have been leaning towards the Tamron 35-150 - which I have had on back order for months now - to be my walk around/portrait lens, as my favorite travel portrait distance is around 135, but I more often shoot wide when I am traveling. However the Sony 135/GM has begun to call me again (I took some of my favorite pictures ever with the Canon 135/L). Am curious if anyone has used both of these lenses and can compare portraits taken around 125-150 FL?

Many thanks in advance
Click to expand...
I haven't used the Tamron but the 135mm GM quickly became one of my favorite lenses ... incredibly sharp and useful for far more than portraits. Incredible creamy bokeh too!

It's a GM and it's also a super sharp prime ... zooms in general will offer inferior IQ and be slower glass (which matters in low light) by comparison.

They are also heavier and bulkier in most cases.

Zooms are always about making a compromise ... you swap smaller maximum aperture, less sharp glass (especially at the wider end) in exchange for the ability to change the FL (ie. zoom).

Less seasoned photographers like zooms because they don't (ever) need to change lens and/or consider their required FL ahead of time.

I normally try to avoid using a zoom these days and will grab a prime over 90% of the time for the superior IQ.

These days I find that I use a zoom a lot less than I used to especially since Sony created these amazing GM primes.
 
Last edited:
aSevenArr said:
travelinbri_74 said:
I have been leaning towards the Tamron 35-150 - which I have had on back order for months now - to be my walk around/portrait lens, as my favorite travel portrait distance is around 135, but I more often shoot wide when I am traveling. However the Sony 135/GM has begun to call me again (I took some of my favorite pictures ever with the Canon 135/L). Am curious if anyone has used both of these lenses and can compare portraits taken around 125-150 FL?

Many thanks in advance
Click to expand...
I haven't used the Tamron but the 135mm GM quickly became one of my favorite lenses ... incredibly sharp and useful for far more than portraits. Incredible creamy bokeh too!

It's a GM and it's also a super sharp prime ... zooms in general will offer inferior IQ and be slower glass (which matters in low light) by comparison.

They are also heavier and bulkier in most cases.

Zooms are always about making a compromise ... you swap smaller maximum aperture, less sharp glass (especially at the wider end) in exchange for the ability to change the FL (ie. zoom).

Less seasoned photographers like zooms because they don't (ever) need to change lens and/or consider their required FL ahead of time.

I normally try to avoid using a zoom these days and will grab a prime over 90% of the time for the superior IQ.

These days I find that I use a zoom a lot less than I used to especially since Sony created these amazing GM primes.
Click to expand...
The OP isn't talking about Zoom lenses. He's taking about a Zoom lens isn't like any zoom ever manufactured. And it's Definitely a Professional lens. This lens has no compromise when it comes to IQ. It's Tack Shape no matter what focal length you use. The Sony 135mm f1.8 GM is a Great lens at ONE focal length. The Tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8 Di III VXD Lens is f2 @35mm, just a 1/3rd stop slower than the Sony 135mm f1.8 and we still have reach to 150mm.

Chris Frost did an excellent review on the Tamron, one of many that's easy to find.


--
https://www.1cor1313.com/
1cor1313_photography - Instagram
1Co 13:13 But now we still have faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is LOVE!!!
 
Last edited:
Sundre said:
vs.

I prefer the rendering of the Sony, and it has more accurate AF. But I would be extremely happy to own either lens, both are stellar. (I have borrowed both but don't own either.) I will be trying out the new Samyang 135mm f1.8 next week, a 135mm prime I might actually be able to afford. Looks very promising on paper.
Click to expand...
Curious what you thought of the Samyang 135?
 
travelinbri_74 said:
Sundre said:
vs.

I prefer the rendering of the Sony, and it has more accurate AF. But I would be extremely happy to own either lens, both are stellar. (I have borrowed both but don't own either.) I will be trying out the new Samyang 135mm f1.8 next week, a 135mm prime I might actually be able to afford. Looks very promising on paper.
Click to expand...
Curious what you thought of the Samyang 135?
Click to expand...
I ended up no getting to try it unfortunately. I will have that opportunity at the end of September instead.
 
travelinbri_74 said:
Sundre said:
vs.

I prefer the rendering of the Sony, and it has more accurate AF. But I would be extremely happy to own either lens, both are stellar. (I have borrowed both but don't own either.) I will be trying out the new Samyang 135mm f1.8 next week, a 135mm prime I might actually be able to afford. Looks very promising on paper.
Click to expand...
Curious what you thought of the Samyang 135?
Click to expand...
 
flbdig said:
travelinbri_74 said:
Sundre said:
vs.

I prefer the rendering of the Sony, and it has more accurate AF. But I would be extremely happy to own either lens, both are stellar. (I have borrowed both but don't own either.) I will be trying out the new Samyang 135mm f1.8 next week, a 135mm prime I might actually be able to afford. Looks very promising on paper.
Click to expand...
Curious what you thought of the Samyang 135?
Click to expand...
I have both the Samyang 135mm f1.8 and the Tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8 Di III.

The Samyang is absolutely stunning. It's very similar in weight and balance as the Sony 50mm F1.2 GM and it has fast, silent and accurate AF. Of course the IQ is beautiful.
Click to expand...
You have some great lenses, so the Samyan 135 is as fast and accurate as Sony lenses w/eye AF?
 
flbdig said:
travelinbri_74 said:
Sundre said:
vs.

I prefer the rendering of the Sony, and it has more accurate AF. But I would be extremely happy to own either lens, both are stellar. (I have borrowed both but don't own either.) I will be trying out the new Samyang 135mm f1.8 next week, a 135mm prime I might actually be able to afford. Looks very promising on paper.
Click to expand...
Curious what you thought of the Samyang 135?
Click to expand...
I have both the Samyang 135mm f1.8 and the Tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8 Di III.

The Samyang is absolutely stunning. It's very similar in weight and balance as the Sony 50mm F1.2 GM and it has fast, silent and accurate AF. Of course the IQ is beautiful.
Click to expand...
 
I rarely use my Sigma 135 1.8 since getting my Tamron 70-180 2.8. At equal apertures, the photos look very similar.

I normally only use the 135 for low light situations or dreamy shallow DOF shots.

Although the Sigma is not he Sony and the 70-180 is not the 35-150, according to reviews, their images are very close.

135 seems so specialized.
 
flbdig said:
aSevenArr said:
travelinbri_74 said:
I have been leaning towards the Tamron 35-150 - which I have had on back order for months now - to be my walk around/portrait lens, as my favorite travel portrait distance is around 135, but I more often shoot wide when I am traveling. However the Sony 135/GM has begun to call me again (I took some of my favorite pictures ever with the Canon 135/L). Am curious if anyone has used both of these lenses and can compare portraits taken around 125-150 FL?

Many thanks in advance
Click to expand...
I haven't used the Tamron but the 135mm GM quickly became one of my favorite lenses ... incredibly sharp and useful for far more than portraits. Incredible creamy bokeh too!

It's a GM and it's also a super sharp prime ... zooms in general will offer inferior IQ and be slower glass (which matters in low light) by comparison.

They are also heavier and bulkier in most cases.

Zooms are always about making a compromise ... you swap smaller maximum aperture, less sharp glass (especially at the wider end) in exchange for the ability to change the FL (ie. zoom).

Less seasoned photographers like zooms because they don't (ever) need to change lens and/or consider their required FL ahead of time.

I normally try to avoid using a zoom these days and will grab a prime over 90% of the time for the superior IQ.

These days I find that I use a zoom a lot less than I used to especially since Sony created these amazing GM primes.
Click to expand...
The OP isn't talking about Zoom lenses. He's taking about a Zoom lens isn't like any zoom ever manufactured. And it's Definitely a Professional lens. This lens has no compromise when it comes to IQ. It's Tack Shape no matter what focal length you use. The Sony 135mm f1.8 GM is a Great lens at ONE focal length. The Tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8 Di III VXD Lens is f2 @35mm, just a 1/3rd stop slower than the Sony 135mm f1.8 and we still have reach to 150mm.

Chris Frost did an excellent review on the Tamron, one of many that's easy to find.

Click to expand...
Agree - I used to prime only shooter for best image quality, but lens design has so much improved in the past few years, that except for weight and size there is very little reason not to use zooms.

There is a reason why this Tamron 35-150 has been sold out for months everywhere.
 
I rented an A1 and 135GM and chased the grand nephews/nieces around their house for a weekend. The 135GM was too long much of the time, but the performance was excellent. When I returned the rentals, I bought an A1 and 35-150 Tamron and have been very happy with that combination for what I need. The zoom flexibility is more useful to me than the GM's 1.8 max aperture. I can't tell the photo results apart when shot at f2.8 at the long end. I simply don't need the 135 GM, but I am glad I tried it before buying the zoom. For folks who like primes and don't mind the weight, sure, get the GM.
 
travelinbri_74 said:
flbdig said:
travelinbri_74 said:
Sundre said:
vs.

I prefer the rendering of the Sony, and it has more accurate AF. But I would be extremely happy to own either lens, both are stellar. (I have borrowed both but don't own either.) I will be trying out the new Samyang 135mm f1.8 next week, a 135mm prime I might actually be able to afford. Looks very promising on paper.
Click to expand...
Curious what you thought of the Samyang 135?
Click to expand...
I have both the Samyang 135mm f1.8 and the Tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8 Di III.

The Samyang is absolutely stunning. It's very similar in weight and balance as the Sony 50mm F1.2 GM and it has fast, silent and accurate AF. Of course the IQ is beautiful.
Click to expand...
You have some great lenses, so the Samyan 135 is as fast and accurate as Sony lenses w/eye AF?
Click to expand...
 
4Photos said:
flbdig said:
aSevenArr said:
travelinbri_74 said:
I have been leaning towards the Tamron 35-150 - which I have had on back order for months now - to be my walk around/portrait lens, as my favorite travel portrait distance is around 135, but I more often shoot wide when I am traveling. However the Sony 135/GM has begun to call me again (I took some of my favorite pictures ever with the Canon 135/L). Am curious if anyone has used both of these lenses and can compare portraits taken around 125-150 FL?

Many thanks in advance
Click to expand...
I haven't used the Tamron but the 135mm GM quickly became one of my favorite lenses ... incredibly sharp and useful for far more than portraits. Incredible creamy bokeh too!

It's a GM and it's also a super sharp prime ... zooms in general will offer inferior IQ and be slower glass (which matters in low light) by comparison.

They are also heavier and bulkier in most cases.

Zooms are always about making a compromise ... you swap smaller maximum aperture, less sharp glass (especially at the wider end) in exchange for the ability to change the FL (ie. zoom).

Less seasoned photographers like zooms because they don't (ever) need to change lens and/or consider their required FL ahead of time.

I normally try to avoid using a zoom these days and will grab a prime over 90% of the time for the superior IQ.

These days I find that I use a zoom a lot less than I used to especially since Sony created these amazing GM primes.
Click to expand...
The OP isn't talking about Zoom lenses. He's taking about a Zoom lens isn't like any zoom ever manufactured. And it's Definitely a Professional lens. This lens has no compromise when it comes to IQ. It's Tack Shape no matter what focal length you use. The Sony 135mm f1.8 GM is a Great lens at ONE focal length. The Tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8 Di III VXD Lens is f2 @35mm, just a 1/3rd stop slower than the Sony 135mm f1.8 and we still have reach to 150mm.

Chris Frost did an excellent review on the Tamron, one of many that's easy to find.

Click to expand...
Agree - I used to prime only shooter for best image quality, but lens design has so much improved in the past few years, that except for weight and size there is very little reason not to use zooms.
There is a reason why this Tamron 35-150 has been sold out for months everywhere.
Click to expand...
I agree. The Tamron 35-150mm f2-2.8 is just Multiple Prime lenses. As far as IQ goes it's just as good as Primes. Low light and Bokeh are literally the only reason a prime is needed over this lens. I purchased the Samyang 135mm f1.8 af because foe me 135mm is my Most comfortable portrait lens followed by a 50mm.
 
travelinbri_74 said:
I have been leaning towards the Tamron 35-150 - which I have had on back order for months now - to be my walk around/portrait lens, as my favorite travel portrait distance is around 135, but I more often shoot wide when I am traveling. However the Sony 135/GM has begun to call me again (I took some of my favorite pictures ever with the Canon 135/L). Am curious if anyone has used both of these lenses and can compare portraits taken around 125-150 FL?

Many thanks in advance
Click to expand...
I even shoot longer with the A6600 and Sony 135/1.8 GM for an equivalent of 202mm. I got the GM for sports (mainly indoor volleyball and outdoor tennis) and the focal length is perfect with APS-C. If I were shooting FF I would be tempted by the Tamron 35-150 because it covers the grand slam FLs of portraiture namely : 35, 50, 85 and 135mm. For travel though, I might consider the other Tamron (70-180/2.8) especially if I have a 24-70 or 24-105 lens already.

My only question mark for the Tamron is being a third party lens, how fast and accurate is the AF? OTOH, the 135GM is super fast and accurate especially with the eye-AF technology of the A6600. The only disadvantage of this lens with APS-C is for portraits, I got to have a lot of room especially for full body shots. It's a good thing that I'm an outdoor photographer.

BTW, not sure if you hang around the Canon forums before. Stephen Eastwood was one of the Canon ambassadors in the past and has an excellent site showing headshot images from various lenses with different focal lengths.

http://stepheneastwood.com/tutorials/lensdistortion/strippage.htm

Personally I don't see any differences between headshots @ 135mm and @ 200mm.

The Sony 135 GM is fast becoming my fave lens.

172887935.leJMnje9.1_JB33656_DxOcropped.jpg


172888009.hYaQGt76.1_JB33989.jpg


172894002.LHlKjpjE.1_JB34089_DxOcopy.jpg


172887939.os7fN3N8.1_JB33658.jpg
 
José B said:
travelinbri_74 said:
I have been leaning towards the Tamron 35-150 - which I have had on back order for months now - to be my walk around/portrait lens, as my favorite travel portrait distance is around 135, but I more often shoot wide when I am traveling. However the Sony 135/GM has begun to call me again (I took some of my favorite pictures ever with the Canon 135/L). Am curious if anyone has used both of these lenses and can compare portraits taken around 125-150 FL?

Many thanks in advance
Click to expand...
My only question mark for the Tamron is being a third party lens, how fast and accurate is the AF? OTOH, the 135GM is super fast and accurate especially with the eye-AF technology of the A6600. The only disadvantage of this lens with APS-C is for portraits, I got to have a lot of room especially for full body shots. It's a good thing that I'm an outdoor photographer.
Click to expand...
There appears to be some sample variation, but overall, the Tamron 35-150 is fast and accurate, even if not quite as fast or accurate as Sony's best. The 135GM is definitely among Sony's best.

The Tamron is easily fast and accurate enough to result in great AF accuracy in moderately competent hands when paired with any reasonaly recent Sony FF body. I have no experience of Sony APS-C bodies so can't compare there.

So if the 135GM is 5/5 stars in terms of AF speed and accuracy, I'd say the Tamron is 4.5/5 stars. And, of course, the Tamron is limited to 15 fps unlike Sony's GM lenses.
 
Last edited:
You win!! :-)

Nice shots.
 
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