Dog photography with the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 for Nikon Z
As a dog photographer, I was very curious about the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8. This lens has positively surprised me during several photo sessions with dogs! The lens offers an unmatched combination of range, speed and excellent image quality.
About Fleur Scholte
Fleur Scholte works as a professional dog photographer under the name Nanuq Dog Photography. Thanks to her own dog Nanuq, she was introduced to dog photography eight years ago. Since then, she has specialised in capturing dogs in both natural and urban settings, characterised by a ‘moody’ atmosphere combined with the use of deep colours.
Quickly switch between portraits and action photography
During photo sessions with dogs, I regularly change focal lengths to create dynamics between the different images. It sometimes happens that the one lens I would have liked to use is still at home, or that I take lenses with me that I later turn out not to need. The Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 has a very flexible zoom range, allowing both wide-angle and telephoto shots. This means you can switch very quickly between portraits and action photography, for example. This is a huge advantage in dog photography!
Save space and weight in your bag
The Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 initially seems like a relatively large lens and heavy lens. Yet it saves a huge amount of weight and space in the camera bag when you only have to carry this lens instead of 4 separate prime lenses. This therefore also makes this lens extremely suitable for photo trips, for example. When I went to Iceland last year to photograph dogs, I had to make a choice between the lenses I could take with me due to restrictions on the weight of my hand luggage and what I was able to carry with me during the trip. Looking back on this trip, I would have loved to have had the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 in my bag.
Fast autofocus
Dogs are generally energetic models to photograph. A fast autofocus is essential here. During the photo sessions with this lens, I did not miss a single shot as the lens effortlessly kept up with the dogs' movements. Even when shooting in action, this lens manages to capture the dog's eyes sharply. This makes this lens ideal not only for shooting portraits, but also for running dogs in action.
Aperture of f/2-2.8 - shooting in low-light conditions
To avoid bright sunlight, I actually always work in the early morning or towards the end of the day. This sometimes means you are shooting with low light. The agility of the dogs also means that you cannot work with very slow shutter speeds. For most dogs, 1/320s is the lowest shutter speed at which you can get them in focus. So a bright lens is essential here.
"So a bright lens is essential here."
Compared to the prime lenses with f1.4 I normally work with, you do lose a bit of brightness with this lens. On the other hand, the flexibility of the zoom range makes up for a lot. Most other lenses on the market with a similar zoom range are still a lot less bright. Also, noise that arises when using a slightly higher ISO is also easy to correct these days with noise reduction.
Conclusion: the most versatile lens for dog photography
The Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 is without doubt one of the most versatile lenses you can use for dog photography. While the weight is something to consider, the benefits of this lens far outweigh that. The combination of its flexible zoom range, fast autofocus, and relatively bright aperture make it an excellent choice for both portraits and action shots.
Specifications Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Model A058)
| Focal Length | 35-150mm |
| Maximum Aperture | F2-2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | 4K60fps |
| Minimum Object Distance | 4 0.33m (WIDE), 0.85m (TELE) |
| Maximum Magnification Ratio | 1:5.7 (WIDE)/ 1:5.9 (TELE) |
| Filter Size | φ82mm |
| Length | 158mm |
| Weight | 1,165 gram |
| Accessories | Flower-shaped hood, Lens cap |
| Mount | Sony E-mount / Nikon Z-mount |
| Focal Length | Maximum Aperture | Minimum Aperture | Minimum Object Distance | Maximum Magnification Ratio | Filter Size | Length | Weight | Accessories | Mount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35-150mm | F2-2.8 | F16-22 | 0.33m (WIDE), 0.85m (TELE) | 1:5.7 (WIDE)/ 1:5.9 (TELE) | φ 82mm | 158mm | 1,165 gram | Flower-shaped hood, Lens cap | Sony E-mount / Nikon Z-mount |
