Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM vs Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Sony E)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM is 50mm, the Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Sony E) is 11-20mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM for standard, the Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Sony E) for wide-angle zoom.
Choose the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 20mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 50mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓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 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 11-20mm zoom covers what the fixed 50mm can't reframe.
- ✓You value portability — at 335g (11.8 oz) it's lighter than the 516g (1.14 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.25x magnification vs 0.16x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM opens to f/1.4 vs the Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Sony E)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM is 50mm, Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Sony E) is 11-20mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Sony E) is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Weight: the Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Sony E) is 335g (11.8 oz) vs 516g (1.14 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM or the Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Sony E) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM is 50mm, the Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Sony E) is 11-20mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM for standard, the Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Sony E) for wide-angle zoom.
Who should choose the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM?
Choose the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM if you want more light and background blur — f/1.4 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 20mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 50mm prime over a zoom. 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 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 11-20mm zoom covers what the fixed 50mm can't reframe. Choose it if you value portability — at 335g (11.8 oz) it's lighter than the 516g (1.14 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.25x magnification vs 0.16x.
What is the main difference between the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM and the Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Sony E)?
Aperture: the Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM opens to f/1.4 vs the Tamron 11-20mm F/2.8 Di III-A RXD (Sony E)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 50mm | 11-20mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 14 | 12 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.4 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | 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 | 47° – 47° | 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 | 38 cm | 15 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.16x | 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) | $1,299 | − |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 80.6mm | 73mm |
| Length | 96mm | 86.2mm |
| Weight | 516g (1.14 lb) | 335g (11.8 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
