Tamron SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di USD vs Minolta AF 70-210mm f/4 (Beercan)

Both are Sony A telephoto zoom lenses. Here is what actually differs.

Tamron

Pick the Tamron SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di USD if

You need more reach: 300mm vs 210mm at the long end
Your camera has no AF drive motor: the USD is built into the lens, the Minolta AF 70-210mm f/4 (Beercan) needs a screw drive in the body

Pick the Minolta AF 70-210mm f/4 (Beercan) if

You want the lighter lens to carry: 70 g lighter (695 g vs 765 g)
You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 1.1 m vs 1.5 m
Our notes say it suits: Telephoto on A-mount, portraits on film, adapted use

Spec differences

13 differences

Specifications that differ between the Tamron SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di USD and the Minolta AF 70-210mm f/4 (Beercan)
	Tamron SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di USD	Minolta AF 70-210mm f/4 (Beercan)
Brand	Tamron	Minolta
Format	not listed	Full frame
Focal length	70-300mm	70-210mm
Weight	765 g	695 g lighter
Length	143 mm shorter	152 mm
Diameter	82 mm	not listed
Filter thread	62 mm	55 mm
Min focus distance	1.5 m	1.1 m closer
Max magnification	not listed	0.25×
Aperture blades	not listed	7
Optical design	not listed	12 elements / 9 groups
Autofocus motor	USD	screw-drive
Released	not listed	1985

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

Mount: Sony A both
Type: Telephoto Zoom both
Max aperture: f/4 both
Image stabilization: No both

Our notes

Tamron SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di USD

A 70-300mm f/4-5.6 full-frame telephoto zoom lens, the Tamron SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di USD is designed for Sony A mount bodies, from the Tamron SP series. The range suits sports, wildlife, events and portraits.

Our notes