Why it's a Strong Contender for "Best":
* Versatile Focal Range: 35-150mm is an incredibly useful range. It covers wide-angle landscape shots (35mm), environmental portraits and street photography (35-85mm), and compressed portraits/telephoto details (85-150mm). This minimizes the need to switch lenses.
* Fast Aperture: f/2 at 35mm and f/2.8 at 150mm is exceptionally fast for a zoom lens. This allows for shallow depth of field, better low-light performance, and pleasing bokeh. Many walk-around lenses are slower, typically f/4 or f/5.6 at the telephoto end.
* Excellent Image Quality: Tamron has consistently delivered sharp images with good contrast and color rendering with this lens. It often gets very positive reviews regarding its optical performance.
* Good Autofocus: The VXD (Voice-coil eXtreme-torque Drive) autofocus system is generally fast, accurate, and quiet.
* Build Quality: It's a well-built lens, though it's on the larger and heavier side (a common trade-off for these features).
* Customization: Many versions have customization options via Tamron's Lens Utility software, allowing you to personalize focus ring behavior, AF modes, etc.
Why it Might *Not* Be the Best for *Everyone*:
* Size and Weight: This is a *large* and *heavy* lens. It's significantly bigger and heavier than many other "walk-around" options. This can be tiring to carry all day and may not be ideal for travel if space and weight are critical. It's not a lens you'd likely want to use on a small, lightweight camera body.
* Price: It's a relatively expensive lens. You can find other lenses that cover a similar focal range (though with slower apertures) for significantly less money.
* Lack of Image Stabilization (IS): While many modern cameras have excellent in-body image stabilization (IBIS), the lens itself doesn't have IS. If your camera doesn't have IBIS, or you shoot a lot in challenging low-light conditions, this could be a disadvantage.
* 35mm Starting Point: While versatile, 35mm might not be wide enough for everyone's "walk-around" needs. Some photographers prefer a wider starting point (like 24mm or 28mm) for landscapes or architecture. If you need wider, you'll still need a separate lens.
* Limited Reach Compared to Superzooms: While 150mm is great for portraits and some telephoto needs, it's not a superzoom. If you need to photograph distant wildlife or sports, you'll likely want a lens with a longer focal length.
Alternatives to Consider:
* Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Contemporary: Smaller, lighter, and more affordable, but with a shorter zoom range. Great if you prioritize portability and don't need the telephoto reach.
* Sony 24-105mm f/4 G OSS: A very popular "walk-around" lens with a good focal range and built-in image stabilization. Slower aperture, but the stabilization helps in low light.
* Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD: A budget-friendly superzoom with a very versatile range, but the aperture narrows considerably at the telephoto end. A good option if versatility is the primary concern and you're willing to sacrifice some low-light performance.
* Camera's Kit Lens (Often 24-70mm or 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6): Surprisingly good and usually very compact, but will likely have the biggest compromises in terms of aperture and image quality compared to the Tamron 35-150mm.
In Conclusion:
The Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 is an *outstanding* lens that offers a compelling combination of versatile focal range, fast aperture, and excellent image quality. If you value those features and are willing to carry the size and weight, it's a fantastic "walk-around" option.
However, it's crucial to weigh its pros and cons against your specific shooting style, budget, and portability requirements. If size and weight are major concerns, or you need a wider starting point, then other lenses might be a better fit. Consider what you primarily shoot and prioritize when making your decision. Reading reviews and watching video comparisons is highly recommended.