Last month, I bought a new Nikon Z8, paired with the new Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 lens for Z mount—an absolute powerhouse of a setup.
Sure, it’s a bit on the heavy side, but I’ll be putting this focal range to good use, both professionally and for the sheer joy of capturing the world as I see it. With 35mm as my favourite focal length and perspective, the ability to zoom in without swapping lenses when I need a little bit more reach is a game-changer. So, naturally, I had to take it for a spin. This is not a review of either one, but more of a general first impression.
Golden hour in Melbourne’s CBD was calling, and as the sun dipped behind the skyline, I set off, eager to test the new kit in low-light scenarios. Melbourne is a city that transforms beautifully as day shifts into night. The streets hum with movement, from after-work rush hour to late-night revellers, street performers, and of course, Melbourne’s beautiful architecture, making it an ideal place to test a lens that thrives on versatility. Laneways laced with neon signs, reflective tram tracks leading into the urban core, and illuminated storefronts offered the perfect blend of light, shadow, and texture.
Obviously, the biggest benefit of using the Tamron 35-150, is the sheer flexibility it provides. I can still grab relatively wide shots showcasing the grandeur of Melbourne’s historic facades, then zoom in to frame a finer detail or even a street portrait without missing a beat. With the large f/2 – 2.8 aperture, and the Z8’s incredible sensor, every shot popped with detail, whether it was the rich glow of golden-hour light bouncing off glass towers or the moody ambience of the backlit alleyways that define Melbourne’s night life.
Whenever I get new gear, I make it a priority to know it inside & out. I don’t want to be caught fumbling with settings when a shot presents itself. I really like to know my gear like the back of my hands. This walk was both a test and an opportunity to build muscle memory for my new setup. The Z8 feels much like my D850 but on steroids. That, and the weighty & buttery smooth zoom of the Tamron lens, it’s a pairing that fits my style of photography like a glove. Now, if only I could convince my arms that carrying them around is a brilliant idea.
