Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II vs Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2
Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II has more in its favour on paper. The 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 gathers more light for low light and background blur; the FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II is the alternative. The Sony lens is the mount maker's own, while the Tamron is a third-party alternative.
Choose the FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II for
- less weight (794g vs 855g)
- more reach (200mm vs 180mm)
Choose the 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 for
- a brighter maximum aperture (f/2.8, about 1.0 stops more light)
- a lower price (about £660 vs £1,170)
| FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II | 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Sony | Tamron |
| Focal length | 70-200mm | 70-180mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Weight | 794 g | 855 g |
| Stabilisation | Yes | Yes |
| Weather sealing | Yes | Yes |
| Filter size | 72mm | 67mm |
| Made for | Full frame | Full frame |
| New price | £1,449 | £1,199 |
| Used at MPB (Sony E / FE) | £1,119–£1,219 | £554–£769 |
More lens comparisons
See all Sony E / FE cameras and lenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II better than the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2?
The FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II offers less weight (794g vs 855g), more reach (200mm vs 180mm); the 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 offers a brighter maximum aperture (f/2.8, about 1.0 stops more light), a lower price (about £660 vs £1,170).
Which is better value, the FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II or the 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2?
On Sony E / FE, the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 costs about £660 against about £1,170 for the Sony FE 70-200mm f/4 Macro G OSS II (MPB used where listed, otherwise new; checked 5 November 2026).
Is f/2.8 worth it over f/4?
f/2.8 gathers about 1.0 stops more light, which helps indoors, at night and for background blur. If you mostly shoot in good light, the slower lens is usually lighter and cheaper.
Do both lenses fit the same cameras?
Both are available for Sony E / FE (and other mounts: Nikon Z).