Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II vs Tamron 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD

Pick the Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II if

• You shoot handheld in dim light or video: it has optical image stabilization and the Tamron 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD does not
• You prefer a newer design: released 2021 vs 2020
• Our notes say it suits: Sports and action, event and wedding photography, hybrid video work

Pick the Tamron 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD if

• You want the lighter lens to carry: 469 g lighter (576 g vs 1045 g)
• You want a wider view: 28mm vs 70mm at the wide end
• You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.19 m vs 0.4 m
• You want a compact lens: 117 mm vs 200 mm long
• Our notes say it suits: Travel when you want one lens, casual video, street and walkabout shooting

Our notes

Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II

The second-generation f/2.8 G Master telephoto zoom, redesigned to be much lighter than the original. It has an internal zoom and built-in Optical SteadyShot.

Pros

• Internal zoom keeps the length fixed
• About 1,045 g, far lighter than the first version
• Multiple linear motors for fast autofocus

Cons

• Still a large, heavy lens
• Heavier than the f/4 alternatives

Our notes

Tamron 28-200mm F/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD

Full-frame superzoom for Sony E-mount that opens to f/2.8 at 28mm and covers 28-200mm. It uses an RXD stepping motor and has no built-in stabilization.

Pros

• f/2.8 at the wide end is unusual for a superzoom
• Compact at about 576 g
• Close focus to 0.19 m

Cons

• No vibration compensation, so it relies on body stabilization
• Aperture narrows to f/5.6 at 200mm