Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II vs Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Sony E)
The bottom line
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to what you shoot, and let size, price and handling break the tie.
Choose the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 20mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Sony E) if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 11mm vs 16mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 335g (11.8 oz) it's lighter than the 547g (1.21 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II is 16-35mm, Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Sony E) is 11-20mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Sony E) is 335g (11.8 oz) vs 547g (1.21 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II or the Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Sony E) better?
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to what you shoot, and let size, price and handling break the tie.
Who should choose the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II?
Choose the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II if you need more reach — it goes to 35mm vs 20mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Who should choose the Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Sony E)?
Choose the Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Sony E) if you shoot wide — it starts at 11mm vs 16mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 335g (11.8 oz) it's lighter than the 547g (1.21 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II and the Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Sony E)?
Focal range: Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II is 16-35mm, Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Sony E) is 11-20mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 16-35mm | 11-20mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 15 | 12 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 107° – 63° | 105.3° – 71.6° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 17-30mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | XD Linear | RXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 22 cm | 15 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.32x | 0.25x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | Yes | No |
| Declickable Aperture | Yes | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,299 | − |
| Filter Size | 82mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 87.8mm | 73mm |
| Length | 111.5mm | 86.2mm |
| Weight | 547g (1.21 lb) | 335g (11.8 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
