Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G vs Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD opens to f/2.8 versus the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G gives that up to stay lighter (143g (5.0 oz)) and cheaper ($649). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 10mm vs 20mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 143g (5.0 oz) it's lighter than the 365g (12.9 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Choose the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 40mm vs 20mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD opens to f/2.8 vs the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G is 10-20mm, Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD is 20-40mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G is 143g (5.0 oz) vs 365g (12.9 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G or the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD opens to f/2.8 versus the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G gives that up to stay lighter (143g (5.0 oz)) and cheaper ($649). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G?
Choose the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G if you shoot wide — it starts at 10mm vs 20mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 143g (5.0 oz) it's lighter than the 365g (12.9 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Who should choose the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD?
Choose the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 40mm vs 20mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G and the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD?
Aperture: the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD opens to f/2.8 vs the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 10-20mm | 20-40mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 9 | 12 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 110° – 71° | 95° – 57° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 15-30mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Linear | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 15 cm | 17 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 0.26x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $649 | $699 |
| Filter Size | 55mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 63mm | 74.4mm |
| Length | 46.9mm | 86.5mm |
| Weight | 143g (5.0 oz) | 365g (12.9 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
