Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS vs Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Sony E)
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Sony E) opens to f/3.5 versus the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS's f/5.6 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 600mm vs 300mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
- ✓You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Choose the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Sony E) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/3.5 is faster than f/5.6, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 18mm vs 200mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 620g (1.37 lb) it's lighter than the 2115g (4.66 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.2x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Sony E) opens to f/3.5 vs the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS's f/5.6 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS is 200-600mm, Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Sony E) is 18-300mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Close-up: the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Sony E) reaches 0.5x magnification vs 0.2x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Sony E) is 620g (1.37 lb) vs 2115g (4.66 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS or the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Sony E) better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Sony E) opens to f/3.5 versus the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS's f/5.6 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS?
Choose the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS if you need more reach — it goes to 600mm vs 300mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't. Choose it if you use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
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 want more light and background blur — f/3.5 is faster than f/5.6, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 18mm vs 200mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 620g (1.37 lb) it's lighter than the 2115g (4.66 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.2x.
What is the main difference between the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS and the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Sony E)?
Aperture: the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Sony E) opens to f/3.5 vs the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS's f/5.6 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 200-600mm | 18-300mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 24 | 19 |
| Optical Groups | 17 | 15 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/5.6 | f/3.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | 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 | 12.3° – 4.2° | 77.4° – 5.5° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 27-450mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | DDSSM | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 240 cm | 15 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.2x | 0.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,999 | − |
| Filter Size | 95mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 111.5mm | 75.5mm |
| Length | 318mm | 125.6mm |
| Weight | 2115g (4.66 lb) | 620g (1.37 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | No |
