Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD vs Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD opens to f/2 versus the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2's f/2.8 — more light and shallower background blur. The Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 gives that up to stay lighter (855g (1.88 lb)). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Choose the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 if…
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You value portability — at 855g (1.88 lb) it's lighter than the 1165g (2.57 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.25x magnification vs 0.12x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD opens to f/2 vs the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD is 35-150mm, Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 is 70-180mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 is 855g (1.88 lb) vs 1165g (2.57 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD or the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD opens to f/2 versus the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2's f/2.8 — more light and shallower background blur. The Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 gives that up to stay lighter (855g (1.88 lb)). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD?
Choose the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD if you want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Who should choose the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2?
Choose the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you value portability — at 855g (1.88 lb) it's lighter than the 1165g (2.57 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.25x magnification vs 0.12x.
What is the main difference between the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD and the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2?
Aperture: the Tamron 35-150mm F/2-2.8 Di III VXD opens to f/2 vs the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 35-150mm | 70-180mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 22 | 22 |
| Optical Groups | 15 | 18 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 63° – 16° | 34° – 14° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | VXD | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 33 cm | 52 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.12x | 0.25x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $999 | $999 |
| Filter Size | 82mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 89.8mm | 80mm |
| Length | 157.8mm | 165.6mm |
| Weight | 1165g (2.57 lb) | 855g (1.88 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
