Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G vs Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G is 10-20mm, the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is 50-300mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G for wide-angle, the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD for super-telephoto.
Choose the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 10mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 143g (5.0 oz) it's lighter than the 620g (1.37 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Choose the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 20mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G opens to f/4 vs the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G is 10-20mm, Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is 50-300mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G is 143g (5.0 oz) vs 620g (1.37 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G or the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G is 10-20mm, the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is 50-300mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G for wide-angle, the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD for super-telephoto.
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 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 143g (5.0 oz) it's lighter than the 620g (1.37 lb) 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 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD?
Choose the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD if you need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 20mm 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.
What is the main difference between the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G and the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD?
Aperture: the Sony E PZ 10-20mm f/4 G opens to f/4 vs the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 10-20mm | 50-300mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 9 | 18 |
| Optical Groups | 7 | 14 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/4.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| 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° | 47° – 8° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 15-30mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Linear | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 15 cm | 70 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 0.29x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| 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 | 79.4mm |
| Length | 46.9mm | 148.5mm |
| Weight | 143g (5.0 oz) | 620g (1.37 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
