Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS vs Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS is 70-350mm, the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD is 17-28mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS for super-telephoto, the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD for wide-angle.
Choose the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 350mm vs 28mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.32x magnification vs 0.19x.
Choose the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 420g (14.8 oz) it's lighter than the 625g (1.38 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD opens to f/2.8 vs the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS is 70-350mm, Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD is 17-28mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD is 420g (14.8 oz) vs 625g (1.38 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS or the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS is 70-350mm, the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD is 17-28mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS for super-telephoto, the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD for wide-angle.
Who should choose the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS?
Choose the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS if you need more reach — it goes to 350mm vs 28mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.32x magnification vs 0.19x.
Who should choose the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD?
Choose the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 420g (14.8 oz) it's lighter than the 625g (1.38 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS and the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD?
Aperture: the Tamron 17-28mm F/2.8 Di III RXD opens to f/2.8 vs the Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 70-350mm | 17-28mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 21 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 16 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 23° – 5° | 104° – 75° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 105-525mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | RXD |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 87 cm | 19 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.32x | 0.19x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $799 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 77.5mm | 73mm |
| Length | 142mm | 99mm |
| Weight | 625g (1.38 lb) | 420g (14.8 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
