Tamron’s Keiya Nishimura (Product Development) was interviewed by Phototrend at CP+ 2026. You can find a translated summary of the entire interview below or check out the French interview here.

1. The New 35-100mm f/2.8 Di III VXD: Design & Philosophy

• Achieving Compactness at f/2.8: The 35-100mm f/2.8 weighs just 565g with a constant f/2.8 aperture. Tamron achieved this through extensive simulations and over ten design iterations, optimising glass selection and group distribution — particularly through the use of GM (glass-moulded) aspherical elements.
• A Different Purpose Than the 35-150mm: Although both lenses share a portrait-zoom concept, they serve different use cases. The 35-150mm f/2-2.8 prioritises maximum versatility and image quality, while the new 35-100mm is designed around mobility and everyday usability for travel and reportage.
• Ideal Pairing with the 20-40mm f/2.8: Tamron positions the 35-100mm as the perfect companion to the compact 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD, creating a lightweight and high-performance two-lens kit.
• A Possible 35-150mm G2? If Tamron decides to develop a second-generation 35-150mm, it would certainly be more compact — but it could never be as small as the 35-100mm due to technical constraints.

2. Tamron Lens Utility (TLU) & Tamron Link: iOS at Last

• iOS Support Finally Here: By solving the long-standing iOS compatibility challenge with the new Tamron Link wireless system, Tamron can now bring the Lens Utility to a much wider audience and continue expanding its feature set.
• Video-Centric Pro Features in v5.0: The latest update introduces advanced video tools including IRIS markers, Ring Stopper, and Focus Time Lapse. While aimed at advanced users, the update also includes beginner-friendly functions.
• Modest Adoption, But Big Ambitions: Current user numbers remain modest, but Tamron sees enormous potential in the video market. The Tamron Link system offers unique value that no other lens manufacturer currently provides.
• Future Vision: Tamron plans to continuously enrich the TLU so that it becomes a decisive factor in the lens purchase decision — going beyond just optics and mechanics.
• Compatibility Note: All Tamron lenses with a USB-C port are compatible with Tamron Link, except the 28-75mm f/2.8 G2 (Z-mount) and the 35-150mm f/2-2.8 (E-mount). Firmware updates for these two lenses are expected in Spring 2026.

3. Chinese Competition: Viltrox, 7Artisans, TTArtisan

• Zoom Focus as a Strategic Choice: Tamron’s current priority is compact zooms, where they believe they excel. They have not abandoned the prime lens market, but recognise it is already saturated and must carefully allocate R&D resources.
• Impressed by Chinese Competitors: Nishimura acknowledged that emerging Chinese manufacturers like Viltrox are genuinely impressive — not just for their aggressive pricing, but for their performance and rapid development cycles.
• Expecting Zooms from Chinese Brands: While Chinese competitors currently focus on prime lenses, Tamron expects them to expand into zooms. Tamron plans to leverage decades of accumulated expertise to respond with products that inspire enthusiasm.

4. Canon RF Full-Frame: Status Unknown

• APS-C Only for Now: Tamron has launched two Canon RF-mount lenses, but both are APS-C only (the 11-20mm f/2.8 and the 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3).
• Full-Frame RF Under Consideration: Nishimura could not disclose specific plans for full-frame RF lenses but acknowledged strong demand and confirmed Tamron is studying the feasibility of new projects.

5. Product Roadmap: 10 Launches Planned for Fiscal 2026

• Aggressive Launch Calendar: Tamron plans 10 product launches for fiscal year 2026 — nearly double the six launched in 2025.
• Filling Gaps in the Lineup: The roadmap is aimed at addressing segments where Tamron is currently absent. Full-frame remains the core focus, but APS-C remains a priority as it continues to be a dynamic market.
• No Public Roadmaps — By Design: Unlike some competitors, Tamron deliberately avoids publishing lens roadmaps because their products are designed to be unique and surprising at launch. Nishimura pointed out that Tamron has historically been a pioneer — citing the original compact 28-200mm all-in-one zoom in 1992 — and that competitors typically follow Tamron’s innovations.

6. Optical Technology & Computational Corrections

• Next-Gen R&D on All Fronts: Tamron’s R&D teams are working on breakthrough technologies across optics, mechanics, and electronics, including innovations that will speed up the development process itself.
• TLU as a Technology Platform: Future innovations will extend beyond glass and mechanics, with additional capabilities channelled through the Tamron Lens Utility software.
• Balanced Approach to Digital Corrections: Tamron integrates digital corrections (distortion, vignetting, chromatic aberration) throughout the design process. This helps keep lenses compact and lightweight. However, certain optical aberrations — axial chromatic aberration and coma — cannot be fully corrected digitally and must be addressed through optical design.
• Bodies Getting Smarter Helps Lenses Get Smaller: As camera body processing power improves, more aberrations can be handled digitally, allowing Tamron to remove optical elements and produce even more compact lens designs.
• 28-70mm f/2 Patent: A recent patent revealed a compact 28-70mm f/2 zoom. Nishimura declined to comment on whether it is in active development, but stated that Tamron continuously evolves its roadmap based on market feedback.

7. Third-Party Limitations & Body Compatibility

• Burst Rate Restrictions: Some features, such as the 120fps burst mode on Sony E-mount bodies, remain unavailable with Tamron lenses. Nishimura stated only that Tamron makes the most of the capabilities that camera manufacturers make available to them.

8. Sales Performance by Mount

• Sony E-Mount Leads: Sony E-mount products remain Tamron’s best sellers and primary revenue driver.
• Nikon Z Growing Fast: Nikon Z-mount is growing rapidly and Tamron must keep pace with that momentum.
• Best-Seller on Z-Mount: The 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is Tamron’s top seller in Nikon Z-mount, with telephoto lenses also performing well in certain markets.
• Competitive Landscape Matters Most: More than user demographics, Nishimura believes it is the presence and availability of competing lenses on each mount that most influences Tamron’s sales performance.
• Fujifilm and Canon Not Neglected: Although Sony E and Nikon Z take priority, Tamron confirmed it cannot afford to ignore Fujifilm X-mount and Canon RF.

9. Market Outlook: Maturity and Opportunity

• Mirrorless Lens Market Maturing: Tamron recognises that the interchangeable lens market for mirrorless is reaching maturity, with volumes up only 3% in 2025 and value roughly flat.
• Growth Through Innovation: Tamron believes significant growth opportunities remain for manufacturers who can address emerging needs — hybrid photo/video use cases, the demand for lighter gear, and new forms of creative expression.
• User-Centric Development: Tamron emphasises that it is constantly listening to users rather than simply producing standard focal lengths, which is why it develops unique optics and features.

10. The CP+ Booth: “Back to the Future” and 75 Years of Tamron

• Annual Booth Design Contest: Tamron runs a competition each year to select the best partner agency for its CP+ booth design. This year’s agency had direct contacts with Universal Studios, resulting in the “Back to the Future” theme — following last year’s Godzilla collaboration.
• The Meaning Behind the Theme: 2026 marks Tamron’s 75th anniversary. The “Back to the Future” concept reflects the company’s slogan — “Focus on the Future” — looking back on 75 years of history while keeping its eyes firmly on what lies ahead.

Tamron lenses can be purchased from B&H Photo and Amazon.

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