Nikon NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4 35mm
Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
What Buyers Say
Nikon NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4 35mm
Users praise this 35mm f/1.4 lens for its sharpness, character, and value, especially for low-light and portrait work on Nikon Z cameras. While it shows some chromatic aberration and softness wide open, these imperfections are easily corrected in post and add a desirable "3D pop." The build quality is considered adequate, and autofocus speed is satisfactory. Overall, it is highly recommended for those seeking a lens with character rather than clinical perfection.
Pros
- Sharpness
- Character and 3D pop
- Great value for money
- Excellent for low light
- Good autofocus speed
Cons
- Chromatic aberration wide open
- Softness at f/1.4
- Not as sharp as S-line lenses
- Plastic build feel
- No weather sealing
Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
The Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD lens is widely praised for its sharpness, versatile zoom range, constant aperture, and effective stabilization, making it an excellent all-around lens for APS-C cameras. Users appreciate its solid build quality and value for money, though many note it is noticeably heavier and larger than typical kit lenses, which can feel unbalanced on smaller camera bodies. A few reviewers mention minor issues like chromatic aberration at the longer end and noise from the aperture blades at certain settings, but overall sentiment is very positive.
Pros
- sharp image quality across zoom range
- constant f/2.8 aperture
- effective image stabilization
- fast and quiet autofocus
- versatile 17-70mm focal range
Cons
- heavy and large for APS-C body
- chromatic aberration at 50-70mm
- aperture blade noise above f/5.6
- short zoom throw initially stiff
- no aperture ring on Fuji version
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4 35mm | Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | prime | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 35 mm | 17 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 35 mm | 70 mm |
| Elements | 11 | 16 |
| Groups | 9 | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 1 | 3★ |
| ED Elements | 2 | 2 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Fluorine Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/1.4 | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/1.4 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon Z | Sony E |
| Format | full-frame★ | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.41 kg★ | 0.54 kg |
| Filter Thread | 62 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Silent Wave Motor | RXD |
| Stabilization | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 270 mm | 190 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.18x | 1:4.8★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4 35mm
- Strong bokeh (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong aperture (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong social proof (77th percentile)
- Strong build (77th percentile)
- Below average versatility (34th percentile)
Tamron Di III 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
- Strong optical (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong versatility (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong bokeh (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong aperture (87th percentile)87th %ile
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 21 specs.
