Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM vs Tamron 16-50mm f/2.8 A

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

Sony · 2020

FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM

f/2.8847 g

Check price Full specs

Tamron · 2026

16-50mm f/2.8 A

f/2.8305 g

Check price Full specs

Pick the Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM if

You want a wider view: 12mm vs 16mm at the wide end
Our notes say it suits: Astrophotography, architecture and interiors, dramatic landscapes

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

You want the lighter lens to carry: 542 g lighter (305 g vs 847 g)
You need more reach: 50mm vs 24mm at the long end
You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.15 m vs 0.28 m
You want bigger close-ups: 0.22× vs 0.14× maximum magnification
You want a compact lens: 79.6 mm vs 137 mm long

Spec differences

14 differences

Specifications that differ between the Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM and the Tamron 16-50mm f/2.8 A
	Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM	Tamron 16-50mm f/2.8 A
Brand	Sony	Tamron
Type	Wide Zoom	Zoom
Format	Full frame	not listed
Focal length	12-24mm	16-50mm
Weight	847 g	305 g lighter
Length	137 mm	79.6 mm shorter
Diameter	97.6 mm	64.4 mm slimmer
Filter thread	not listed	55 mm
Min focus distance	0.28 m	0.15 m closer
Max magnification	0.14×	0.22× larger
Aperture blades	not listed	7
Optical design	not listed	14 elements / 10 groups
Weather sealing	not listed	Yes
Released	2020	2026

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

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

Our notes

Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM

An f/2.8 ultra-wide zoom for full-frame E-mount covering 12-24mm. The bulbous front element prevents screw-in filters, so filters are handled at the rear or with a holder.