Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS vs Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD for Sony E: A Comprehensive Comparison

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS and the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD are two telephoto zoom lenses for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras.

However, they also have some significant differences in terms of focal range, size, weight, stabilization, and price. In this comparison, we will look at the main features, and pros and cons of Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS vs Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD, based on various sources¹²³⁴.

Introduction

Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS was announced in February 2016 as a premium telephoto zoom lens for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras. It is part of Sony's G Master series of lenses, which are designed to deliver high resolution and beautiful bokeh for professional and demanding photographers.

This lens is also compatible with Sony's teleconverters, which extend its reach to 100-280mm f/4 or 140-400mm f/5.6.

Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD

The Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD was announced in April 2020 as a compact and fast telephoto zoom lens for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras. It is part of Tamron's Di III series of lenses, which are designed to deliver high image quality and performance for mirrorless cameras.

It is also part of Tamron's VXD series of lenses, which are characterized by their linear motor technology.

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS and the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD are both compatible with Sony's Fast Hybrid AF system, Eye AF function, Direct Manual Focus (DMF) mode, and in-camera lens correction features. They also support firmware updates via the camera body.

They both also offer a bright f/2.8 maximum aperture across their focal range, which enables low-light shooting and shallow depth of field effects. They also feature weather-resistant construction, fast and quiet autofocus systems, and close minimum focus distances.

Features

Feature	Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS	Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD
Mount	Sony E	Sony E
Format	Full-frame	Full-frame
Focal Length	70-200mm	70-180mm
Full-Frame Equivalent	70-200mm	70-180mm
Maximum Aperture	f/2.8	f/2.8
Minimum Aperture	f/22	f/22
Angle of View	34° – 12°30′	34°21′ – 13°42′
Optical Design	23 elements in 18 groups	19 elements in 14 groups
Special Elements	One XA element, two ED elements, one Super ED element	Six XLD elements, three LD elements, three GM elements
Coatings	Nano AR coating, fluorine coating	BBAR-G2 coating, fluorine coating
Aperture Blades	11 (rounded)	9 (rounded)
Minimum Focus Distance	0.96m (wide) / 1.2m (tele)	0.85m (wide) / 0.95m (tele)
Maximum Magnification Ratio	0.25x (wide) / 0.23x (tele)	0.21x (wide) / 0.5x (tele)
Autofocus System	SSM ring motor + dual linear motors	VXD linear motor
Optical Stabilization System	OSS (Optical SteadyShot) with three modes	None (relies on camera body)
Filter Size	77mm	67mm
Weather Resistance	Yes (dust and moisture resistant)	Yes (dust and moisture resistant)
Dimensions	88 x 200 mm (zoomed out) / 248 mm (zoomed in)	81 x 149 mm (zoomed out) / 178 mm (zoomed in)
Weight	1,480 g	810 g

Pros and Cons of Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS vs Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD

Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens

$1,998.00

Best For: Photographers seeking unparalleled image quality and autofocus precision in product photography with a focus on Sony A6400 compatibility.

Pros:

High image quality with advanced aspherical and low dispersion elements.
4x faster AF speed with XD Linear Motors for unmatched autofocus precision.
Lightweight design at 2.3 pounds, ensuring comfort during extended shooting sessions.

Cons:

Premium price point compared to other lenses in its class.

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Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS

Pros	Cons
Longer maximum focal length	Larger and heavier
Built-in optical stabilization system	More expensive
Internal zoom and focus mechanism	Some chromatic aberrations and flares
Compatible with teleconverters
Tripod mounting ring included

Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD for Sony Full Frame/APS-C E-Mount

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Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD

Pros	Cons
Smaller and lighter	Shorter maximum focal length
Cheaper	No optical stabilization system
Better close-up performance	Barrel extends when zoomed and focused
Less chromatic aberrations and flares	Not compatible with teleconverters
	Tripod mounting ring sold separately

Conclusion

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS and the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD are two telephoto zoom lenses for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras that offer a bright f/2.8 maximum aperture across their focal range, which enables low-light shooting and shallow depth of field effects.

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS is a premium telephoto zoom lens that offers a longer maximum focal length, a built-in optical stabilization system, an internal zoom and focus mechanism, compatibility with teleconverters, and a tripod mounting ring included.

It delivers excellent optical performance across its focal range, with sharpness, contrast, color rendition, and bokeh that are among the best in its class. It also controls vignetting and distortion very well, thanks to its advanced optical design and coatings.

However, the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS is also larger and heavier than the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD, which may affect the balance and handling of the lens. It is also more expensive than the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD, which may be a factor for some budget-conscious buyers.

It also shows some chromatic aberrations and flares at certain settings, which can be corrected in-camera or in post-processing.

The Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD is a compact and fast telephoto zoom lens that offers a shorter maximum focal length, no optical stabilization system, a barrel that extends when zoomed and focused, no compatibility with teleconverters, and a tripod mounting ring sold separately.

This lens delivers excellent optical performance across its focal range, with sharpness, contrast, color rendition, and bokeh that rival or surpass some of the first-party alternatives from Sony. It also controls chromatic aberrations and flares very well, thanks to its special elements and coatings.

However, the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD does not have an optical stabilization system, which means it relies on the camera body's stabilization to reduce camera shake and blur. It also does not come with a tripod mounting ring, which is sold separately as an optional accessory.

It also extends when zoomed and focused, which may affect the balance and handling of the lens. It also shows some vignetting and distortion, especially at the wide end, which can be corrected in-camera or in post-processing.

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS and the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD are both attractive options for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless camera users who are looking for a bright telephoto zoom lens that offers high image quality and performance for various genres of photography and videography, such as portraits, weddings, sports, wildlife, and more.

The choice between these two lenses may depend on your personal preferences, needs, and budget. If you value a longer maximum focal length, a built-in optical stabilization system, an internal zoom and focus mechanism, compatibility with teleconverters, and a tripod mounting ring included, then you may prefer the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS.

However, if you value a smaller and lighter design, a cheaper price tag, a better close-up performance, and less chromatic aberrations and flares, then you may prefer the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD.

If you are looking for a bright telephoto zoom lens for your Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless camera that offers high image quality and performance for various genres of photography and videography, then you may want to consider either the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS or the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD.