Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 vs Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical

The bottom line

The Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is a zoom (28-75mm) and the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical is a 50mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.2 vs f/2.8) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.

Choose the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 75mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You shoot wide — it starts at 28mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You want one-lens flexibility — a 28-75mm zoom covers what the fixed 50mm can't reframe.
  • You like close-focus work — 0.34x magnification vs 0.15x.

Choose the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 50mm prime over a zoom.
  • You value portability — at 336g (11.9 oz) it's lighter than the 540g (1.19 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical opens to f/1.2 vs the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is 28-75mm, Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical is 50mm — different framing and reach.
  • Type: the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is a zoom (flexible framing), the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
  • Weight: the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical is 336g (11.9 oz) vs 540g (1.19 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
  • Durability: the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is weather-sealed; the other isn't.

Frequently asked

Is the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 or the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical better?

The Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is a zoom (28-75mm) and the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical is a 50mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.2 vs f/2.8) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.

Who should choose the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2?

Choose the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 if you need more reach — it goes to 75mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 28mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 28-75mm zoom covers what the fixed 50mm can't reframe. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.34x magnification vs 0.15x.

Who should choose the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical?

Choose the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical if you want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 50mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 336g (11.9 oz) it's lighter than the 540g (1.19 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

What is the main difference between the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 and the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical?

Aperture: the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical opens to f/1.2 vs the Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length28-75mm50mm
Lens TypeZoomPrime
Optical Elements1710
Optical Groups148
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/2.8f/1.2
Minimum Aperturef/22f/16
Aperture Blades912
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountSony ESony E
Angle of View75° – 32°47°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesNo
Focus MotorVXD
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchYesNo
Min Focus Distance18 cm45 cm
Max Magnification0.34x0.15x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$799$799
Filter Size67mm58mm
Diameter75.8mm68mm
Length117.6mm67mm
Weight540g (1.19 lb)336g (11.9 oz)
Weather SealedYesNo
Tripod CollarNoNo