Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary vs Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 opens to f/2.8 versus the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary's f/3.5 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary gives that up to stay lighter (540g (1.19 lb)). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 20mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 540g (1.19 lb) it's lighter than the 855g (1.88 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.25x.
Choose the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 opens to f/2.8 vs the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is 20-200mm, Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 is 70-180mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary reaches 0.5x magnification vs 0.25x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary is 540g (1.19 lb) vs 855g (1.88 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary or the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 opens to f/2.8 versus the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary's f/3.5 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary gives that up to stay lighter (540g (1.19 lb)). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary?
Choose the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary if you shoot wide — it starts at 20mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 540g (1.19 lb) it's lighter than the 855g (1.88 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.25x.
Who should choose the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2?
Choose the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary and the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2?
Aperture: the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 opens to f/2.8 vs the Sigma 20-200mm F3.5-6.3 DG Contemporary's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 20-200mm | 70-180mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 18 | 22 |
| Optical Groups | 14 | 18 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 94.5° – 12.3° | 34° – 14° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 17 cm | 52 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.5x | 0.25x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $999 | $999 |
| Filter Size | 72mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 77.2mm | 80mm |
| Length | 115.5mm | 165.6mm |
| Weight | 540g (1.19 lb) | 855g (1.88 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
