Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD vs Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 opens to f/2.8 versus the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD's f/4.5 — more light and shallower background blur. The Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD gives that up to stay lighter (620g (1.37 lb)) and cheaper ($699). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 180mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You're on a budget — $699 vs $999 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 620g (1.37 lb) it's lighter than the 855g (1.88 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 opens to f/2.8 vs the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is 50-300mm, Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 is 70-180mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is $699, $300 under the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2.
- ›Weight: the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is 620g (1.37 lb) vs 855g (1.88 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD or the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 opens to f/2.8 versus the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD's f/4.5 — more light and shallower background blur. The Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD gives that up to stay lighter (620g (1.37 lb)) and cheaper ($699). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD?
Choose the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD if you need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 180mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you're on a budget — $699 vs $999 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 620g (1.37 lb) it's lighter than the 855g (1.88 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
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 want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
What is the main difference between the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD and the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2?
Aperture: the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 opens to f/2.8 vs the Tamron 50-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 50-300mm | 70-180mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 18 | 22 |
| Optical Groups | 14 | 18 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | 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 | 47° – 8° | 34° – 14° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | VXD | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 70 cm | 52 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.29x | 0.25x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $699 | $999 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 79.4mm | 80mm |
| Length | 148.5mm | 165.6mm |
| Weight | 620g (1.37 lb) | 855g (1.88 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
