As a professional photographer who’s spent countless hours testing gear in real-world situations, I’m excited to share my comprehensive comparison between two of the most talked-about zoom lenses on the market today. The Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 and Nikon 24-120mm f/4 represent two different philosophies in lens design, and I’ve put both through their paces to help you make the right choice for your photography needs.
Why This Comparison Matters?
I remember when I first started looking for that perfect “do-it-all” lens – you know, the one that could handle everything from portraits to events without forcing me to carry a backpack full of glass. After years of shooting with both prime lenses and zoom combinations, I discovered that the right all-in-one zoom can be a game-changer for many photographers.
The Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 and Nikon 24-120mm f/4 both promise versatility, but they deliver it in very different ways. Having spent November testing both lenses extensively across various shooting scenarios, I’m ready to break down everything you need to know.
Quick Specifications Overview
Let’s start with the basics – here’s how these two lenses stack up on paper:
| Feature | Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 | Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S |
|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 35-150mm | 24-120mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2-2.8 | f/4 (constant) |
| Weight | 1165g (41.1 oz) | 630g (22.2 oz) |
| Length | 158mm (6.2″) | 118mm (4.7″) |
| Filter Size | 82mm | 77mm |
| Min Focus Distance | 0.33m | 0.35m |
| Max Magnification | 0.17x | 0.39x |
| Weather Sealing | Yes | Yes |
| Price | ~$1,900 | ~$1,100 |
Right away, you can see some key differences. The Tamron offers a faster aperture but is significantly heavier and more expensive. The Nikon provides wider coverage and better close-up capabilities in a more compact package.
Build Quality and Handling
Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8: The Heavyweight Contender
When I first unboxed the Tamron 35-150mm, I was immediately struck by its substantial feel. At 1165g, this lens means business. The build quality is exceptional – it feels like a professional piece of equipment that can withstand the rigors of daily use.
The lens features:
- High-quality plastic and metal construction
- Weather sealing throughout
- Focus hold buttons conveniently positioned
- USB-C port for firmware updates and customization
- Smooth, well-damped zoom and focus rings
I discovered that the Tamron’s size and weight can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it provides excellent balance on larger camera bodies like the Nikon Z9 or Sony A1. On the other hand, after a full day of shooting at a wedding, my arms definitely felt the burn.
Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S: The Balanced Performer
In contrast, the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S feels like a completely different class of lens. At 630g, it’s nearly half the weight of the Tamron, making it much more manageable for extended shooting sessions.
Key handling features include:
- Excellent balance even on smaller mirrorless bodies
- High-quality S-Line construction
- L-Fn function button for customization
- Smooth zoom action despite external zooming design
- Compact profile that doesn’t scream “professional lens”
During my testing, I found the Nikon’s lighter weight made it my go-to choice for travel and street photography. I could carry it all day without fatigue, which is crucial when you’re exploring a new city or covering a long event.
Optical Performance: Sharpness and Image Quality
Center Sharpness
This is where things get really interesting. I tested both lenses extensively in my studio and in real-world conditions, and the results might surprise you.
At 35mm:
- The Tamron delivers exceptional center sharpness even at f/2, which is remarkable for a zoom lens
- The Nikon 24-120mm shows very good sharpness at f/4, though not quite at the same level as the Tamron wide open
- By f/5.6, both lenses perform excellently in the center
At 50mm:
- The Tamron really shines here, with center sharpness that rivals many prime lenses
- The Nikon holds its own but can’t quite match the Tamron’s wide-open performance
- Both lenses are outstanding when stopped down to f/8
At 85mm:
- The Tamron continues to impress with excellent sharpness at f/2.8
- The Nikon shows very good performance at f/4
- The difference between them becomes less noticeable as you stop down
At 120mm:
- The Nikon 24-120mm is at its strongest here, with excellent sharpness across the frame
- The Tamron, while still very good, shows a slight drop in performance compared to its shorter focal lengths
- Both lenses deliver professional-grade results
Corner Sharpness
Corner performance is where the Nikon really shows its S-Line pedigree. I discovered that the Nikon maintains excellent corner sharpness across its entire zoom range, even wide open. The Tamron, while very good in the center, shows some softness in the corners, especially at wider apertures.
This difference becomes particularly noticeable in landscape photography where edge-to-edge sharpness is crucial. For portrait work, however, the Tamron’s center sharpness and beautiful bokeh often matter more.
Bokeh and Background Rendering
Tamron 35-150mm: The Bokeh King
If there’s one area where the Tamron absolutely dominates, it’s bokeh rendering. The f/2-2.8 aperture combined with excellent optical design creates stunning background separation that many prime lenses would envy.
I discovered that:
- The 9-blade rounded aperture produces beautiful, circular bokeh balls
- Background rendering is smooth and creamy without being nervous
- Subject separation is exceptional, especially at 85mm and longer focal lengths
- The transition from in-focus to out-of-focus areas is natural and pleasing
During a recent portrait session, I was blown away by how the Tamron rendered backgrounds at f/2.2 – it created that magical “3D pop” that makes subjects really stand out.
Nikon 24-120mm: Respectable but Not Remarkable
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 produces perfectly acceptable bokeh, but it can’t compete with the Tamron’s wide aperture advantage. I found that:
- Bokeh is generally smooth but can be a bit busy in complex backgrounds
- Subject separation is good but not exceptional
- At f/4, you need to work harder to create background separation
- The constant f/4 aperture does provide consistent rendering throughout the zoom range
For portrait photographers who prioritize beautiful background blur, the Tamron is clearly the winner here.
Low-Light Performance
Tamron’s Low-Light Advantage
The Tamron’s f/2-2.8 aperture gives it a significant advantage in low-light situations. I tested both lenses in challenging lighting conditions, and the difference was clear:
- The Tamron gathers 2-3 times more light than the Nikon at equivalent focal lengths
- This translates to lower ISO settings and cleaner images
- Autofocus performance is better in low light with the Tamron
- The ability to shoot at f/2-2.8 provides more creative control in dim conditions
During an evening event shoot, I found myself reaching for the Tamron when the lights went down. The extra stop of light made all the difference in getting clean, usable images without resorting to high ISO settings.
Nikon’s Respectable Low-Light Performance
While the Nikon can’t match the Tamron’s light-gathering ability, modern camera sensors have made f/4 much more viable in low light than it used to be. I discovered that:
- With good high ISO performance from modern cameras, f/4 is often sufficient
- The lens maintains excellent sharpness even in challenging light
- Image stabilization (in-body) helps compensate for the slower aperture
- Consistent f/4 aperture means no exposure changes when zooming
For most indoor situations, the Nikon performs admirably, but when the light gets really challenging, the Tamron’s advantage becomes clear.
Autofocus Performance
Speed and Accuracy
Both lenses feature modern autofocus systems, but there are some differences worth noting:
Tamron 35-150mm:
- VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) autofocus motor
- Generally fast and accurate, though not the absolute fastest
- Excellent for portrait and event photography
- Slightly slower in continuous tracking compared to top Nikon lenses
Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S:
- Dual stepping motors
- Extremely fast and silent autofocus
- Excellent for both stills and video
- Superior tracking performance for moving subjects
I discovered that the Nikon has a slight edge in pure autofocus speed, especially for tracking moving subjects. However, the Tamron’s autofocus is more than adequate for most situations, including event photography.
Versatility and Use Cases
Portrait Photography
For portrait photography, I found the Tamron 35-150mm to be the clear winner:
- The 85-150mm range is perfect for portraits
- f/2-2.8 aperture creates beautiful background separation
- Excellent sharpness at portrait focal lengths
- The 35mm wide end is great for environmental portraits
However, the Nikon isn’t far behind and offers some advantages:
- Lighter weight makes it easier to handle for long portrait sessions
- The 24mm wide end is useful for group shots
- Better close-up capability for detail shots
Event Photography
Both lenses excel at event photography, but in different ways:
Tamron 35-150mm advantages:
- Better low-light performance
- Superior subject separation
- Excellent for candid shots with beautiful bokeh
Nikon 24-120mm advantages:
- Lighter weight for all-day shooting
- Wider coverage for group shots and venue shots
- Faster autofocus for capturing decisive moments
I discovered that for weddings and similar events, the Tamron’s low-light advantage often makes it the better choice, but the Nikon’s versatility and lighter weight make it appealing for less demanding events.
Landscape Photography
For landscape photography, the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S is clearly the better choice:
- Wider 24mm focal length is more useful for landscapes
- Better corner sharpness across the frame
- Lighter weight for hiking and travel
- Excellent close-up capability for foreground elements
The Tamron, while capable, isn’t ideal for landscape work due to its lack of wide coverage and heavier weight.
Travel and Street Photography
When it comes to travel and street photography, the Nikon’s advantages are clear:
- Much lighter and more compact
- Wider focal range is more versatile for urban environments
- Less conspicuous appearance
- Better balance on smaller camera bodies
I found myself reaching for the Nikon when traveling, as it didn’t draw attention and was comfortable to carry all day.
Video Performance
Tamron 35-150mm for Video
The Tamron shows some promise for video work:
- Beautiful bokeh for cinematic look
- Good autofocus performance
- Smooth focus ring for manual focusing
- However, focus breathing can be an issue
- The heavy weight makes it less ideal for gimbal work
Nikon 24-120mm for Video
The Nikon excels as a video lens:
- Extremely quiet autofocus motors
- Minimal focus breathing
- Lighter weight is better for stabilization
- Smooth zoom action
- Consistent f/4 aperture is helpful for exposure
For hybrid shooters who do both stills and video, the Nikon is clearly the better choice.
Value for Money
Tamron 35-150mm: Premium Price for Premium Performance
At around $1,900, the Tamron 35-150mm is definitely an investment. However, when you consider what you’re getting:
- A lens that can replace both a 24-70mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8
- Exceptional optical quality, especially at wider apertures
- Professional build quality and weather sealing
- Unique focal range with fast aperture
For professional photographers who can benefit from its capabilities, the Tamron offers good value despite its high price.
Nikon 24-120mm: Excellent Value for Versatility
At around $1,100, the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S offers tremendous value:
- Professional S-Line quality at a reasonable price
- Versatile focal range covers most shooting situations
- Excellent build quality and weather sealing
- Lightweight and portable design
For enthusiast photographers and professionals looking for a versatile all-in-one solution, the Nikon represents outstanding value.
Real-World Test Results
Wedding Photography Test
I took both lenses to a wedding to see how they performed in a real-world scenario:
Tamron 35-150mm:
- Excellent for ceremony shots in low light
- Beautiful portraits of the couple
- Great for capturing candid moments with beautiful bokeh
- However, the weight became noticeable during the 10-hour event
Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S:
- Perfect for getting wide shots of the venue and groups
- Lighter weight made it comfortable throughout the day
- Good, though not exceptional, low-light performance
- Missed some opportunities due to slower aperture
Portrait Session Test
For a professional portrait session, the differences were clear:
Tamron 35-150mm:
- Stunning portraits with beautiful background separation
- Excellent sharpness at portrait focal lengths
- The 85-150mm range was perfect for headshots and environmental portraits
- Clients were impressed with the image quality
Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S:
- Good portraits but lacked the “wow” factor of the Tamron
- The 24mm end was useful for full-body shots
- Lighter weight made it easier to work with for longer sessions
- Required more careful positioning to achieve good background separation
Landscape Photography Test
For landscape photography, the Nikon was the clear winner:
Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S:
- Excellent edge-to-edge sharpness
- The 24mm focal length was perfect for wide landscapes
- Lighter weight made it ideal for hiking
- Good close-up capability for foreground elements
Tamron 35-150mm:
- The 35mm minimum focal length was limiting for landscapes
- Heavier weight was a burden on long hikes
- While sharp in the center, corner performance wasn’t as good
- Not the ideal tool for landscape photography
Who Should Buy Each Lens?
Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 is Perfect For:
- Professional portrait photographers
- Wedding and event photographers
- Photographers who prioritize low-light performance
- Those who want to replace multiple lenses with one high-quality option
- Photographers who value beautiful bokeh and subject separation
Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S is Perfect For:
- Travel and street photographers
- Landscape photographers
- Enthusiast photographers looking for versatility
- Those who prefer lighter gear
- Hybrid shooters who do both stills and video
Final Verdict
After extensive testing with both lenses in real-world situations, I’ve come to some clear conclusions:
Choose the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 if:
- You need the best possible image quality, especially in low light
- You primarily shoot portraits, weddings, or events
- You want to replace multiple lenses with one premium option
- You don’t mind the extra weight and size for superior performance
- Your budget allows for a premium investment
Choose the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S if:
- You want a versatile all-in-one solution
- You prioritize portability and lightweight design
- You shoot a variety of genres including landscapes and travel
- You need excellent video performance
- You want professional quality at a more reasonable price
Personally, I find myself reaching for the Tamron when I’m shooting paid portrait sessions or weddings where image quality is paramount. However, for personal travel and everyday photography, the Nikon’s lighter weight and versatility make it my preferred choice.
The good news is that both lenses are excellent options that will serve you well. Your choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, shooting style, and budget.
FAQ
H3: Which lens is better for professional wedding photography?
For professional wedding photography, I recommend the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8. Its superior low-light performance and beautiful bokeh make it ideal for capturing the special moments during ceremonies and receptions. However, be prepared for the extra weight during long wedding days.
H3: Can the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S replace multiple lenses in my bag?
Absolutely! The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S is an excellent all-in-one solution that can replace a 24-70mm and a 70-200mm for many photographers. While it doesn’t have the f/2.8 aperture of professional zooms, its versatility and image quality make it perfect for travel, events, and general photography.
H3: Is the Tamron 35-150mm worth the extra money compared to the Nikon?
The Tamron 35-150mm is worth the extra money if you need its specific advantages: faster aperture, better low-light performance, and superior bokeh. However, if you prioritize versatility, lightweight design, and value, the Nikon offers better bang for your buck.
H3: Which lens is better for video work?
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S is clearly better for video work. Its quieter autofocus motors, minimal focus breathing, lighter weight, and consistent f/4 aperture make it ideal for hybrid shooters who do both stills and video.
H3: Can I use these lenses for sports photography?
Both lenses can work for sports photography, but they have limitations. The Tamron 35-150mm offers better subject separation and low-light performance, while the Nikon has faster autofocus tracking. For serious sports photography, you might want to consider a dedicated 70-200mm f/2.8 lens instead.
H3: Which lens has better build quality?
Both lenses feature excellent build quality with weather sealing. The Tamron feels more substantial and premium, while the Nikon offers a more refined, compact design. Both should withstand professional use, though the Tamron’s heavier construction might appeal to photographers who prefer a more substantial feel.
Pro Photography Tips
Maximizing Your Lens Investment
Whether you choose the Tamron or Nikon, here are some tips I’ve discovered to get the most out of your investment:
For the Tamron 35-150mm:
- Use a camera with good high ISO performance to maximize the low-light advantage
- Invest in a quality camera strap or harness to manage the weight
- Consider a battery grip for better balance on smaller camera bodies
- Use the USB-C port to customize the focus ring and other functions
- Pair with a wide prime lens for complete coverage
For the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S:
- Take advantage of the close-focusing capability for creative compositions
- Use in-body image stabilization to compensate for the f/4 aperture
- Consider a polarizing filter for landscape work
- Pair with a fast prime for low-light situations
- Use the L-Fn button for quick access to frequently used functions
Related Photography Content
If you found this comparison helpful, you might want to check out these related articles:
- [Best Lenses for Portrait Photography in 2025]
- [Ultimate Guide to Wedding Photography Gear]
- [Travel Photography: Choosing the Right Lens]
- [Low-Light Photography Tips and Techniques]
- [Camera Lens Maintenance Guide]
Save This Article for Later
Photography gear decisions are important, and you’ll want to refer back to this comprehensive comparison as you make your choice. I recommend bookmarking this article so you can easily access all the detailed information about these two excellent lenses.
Remember, the best lens is the one that helps you capture the images you envision. Both the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 and Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S are outstanding options that will serve you well for years to come.
Happy shooting!