Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM vs Tamron 16-50mm f/2.8 A

Both are Sony E zoom lenses. Here is what actually differs.

Sony · 2016

FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM

f/2.8886 g

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Tamron · 2026

16-50mm f/2.8 A

f/2.8305 g

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Pick the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM if

You need more reach: 70mm vs 50mm at the long end
Our notes say it suits: Weddings and events, portrait and lifestyle work, general professional use

Pick the Tamron 16-50mm f/2.8 A if

You want the lighter lens to carry: 581 g lighter (305 g vs 886 g)
You want a wider view: 16mm vs 24mm at the wide end
You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.15 m vs 0.38 m
You want a compact lens: 79.6 mm vs 136 mm long
You prefer a newer design: released 2026 vs 2016

Spec differences

13 differences

Specifications that differ between the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM and the Tamron 16-50mm f/2.8 A
	Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM	Tamron 16-50mm f/2.8 A
Brand	Sony	Tamron
Format	Full frame	not listed
Focal length	24-70mm	16-50mm
Weight	886 g	305 g lighter
Length	136 mm	79.6 mm shorter
Diameter	87.6 mm	64.4 mm slimmer
Filter thread	82 mm	55 mm
Min focus distance	0.38 m	0.15 m closer
Max magnification	0.24× larger	0.22×
Aperture blades	not listed	7
Optical design	not listed	14 elements / 10 groups
Weather sealing	not listed	Yes
Released	2016	2026

4 identical specs hidden: mount, type, max aperture, image stabilization. Show all

Mount: Sony E both
Type: Zoom both
Max aperture: f/2.8 both
Image stabilization: No both

Our notes

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM

Sony's G Master standard zoom for full-frame E-mount, covering 24-70mm at a constant f/2.8. It has a dust and moisture resistant design and no built-in stabilization.