Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II vs Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Sony E)
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II opens to f/2.8 versus the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Sony E)'s f/3.5 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II 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 work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Sony E) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 35mm 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 — 0.5x magnification vs 0.32x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II opens to f/2.8 vs the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Sony E)'s f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II is 16-35mm, Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Sony E) is 18-300mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Sony E) has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›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 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Sony E) better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II opens to f/2.8 versus the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Sony E)'s f/3.5 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
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 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 work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Who should choose the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Sony E)?
Choose the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Sony E) if you need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 35mm 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 — 0.5x magnification vs 0.32x.
What is the main difference between the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II and the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Sony E)?
Aperture: the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II opens to f/2.8 vs the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Sony E)'s f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 16-35mm | 18-300mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 15 | 19 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 15 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| 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° | 77.4° – 5.5° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 27-450mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | XD Linear | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 22 cm | 15 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.32x | 0.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| 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 | 75.5mm |
| Length | 111.5mm | 125.6mm |
| Weight | 547g (1.21 lb) | 620g (1.37 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
