Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM vs Tamron 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2
Every published spec side by side, with today's lowest prices for the market you've chosen.
Key differences
- Aperture blades: 11 on the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM, against 9 on the 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2.
- Closest focus: 0.19 m on the 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2, against 0.28 m on the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM.
- Internal zoom: Yes on the 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2, against No on the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM.
- Weight: 440 g on the 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2, against 680 g on the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM.
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM or 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2: which should you buy?
Choose the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM for its aperture blades.
Choose the 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 for its closest focus, internal zoom and weight.
On paper the 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 wins more rows (3 to 1); if the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM's strengths are the ones you shoot with, and its price is lower where you buy, it can still be the better buy.
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest price today | $2,098 new $1,499.95 used | $879 new $695 used |
| Optics | ||
| Focal length | 16–35mm | 16–30mm |
| 35mm equivalent | 16–35mm (full frame) | 16–30mm (full frame) |
| Maximum apertureLower f-number lets in more light. A zoom wins only when it is as bright at both ends. | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Made for | Full frame | Full frame |
| Elements / groups | 16 / 13 | 16 / 12 |
| Aperture blades | 11 (best) | 9 |
| Closest focus | 0.28 m | 0.19 m (best) |
| Max magnification | 0.19× | 0.19× |
| Focus & handling | ||
| Autofocus | Yes (DDSSM) | Yes (VXD) |
| Optical stabilisation | No | No |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Internal zoom | No | Yes (best) |
| Aperture ring | No | No |
| Teleconverter compatible | No | No |
| Size & weight | ||
| Weight | 680 g | 440 g (best) |
| Diameter × length | 88.5 × 121.6 mm | 74.8 × 101.8 mm |
| Filter thread | 82 mm | 67 mm |
Green marks the better figure where “better” is unambiguous. A dash means the maker doesn't publish it or we haven't verified it yet.