Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS vs Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2
Both are Sony E mount zooms for sports & action and telephoto — here's how the specs differ and which to pick. Every spec is from the manufacturer's own catalog.
| Spec | Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS | Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 100-400mm | 70-180mm |
| Max aperture | f/4.5-5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Coverage | full-frame | full-frame |
| Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
Which should you buy?
- the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 opens wider (f/2.8) — brighter in low light and more background blur
- the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS covers 100-400mm and the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 covers 70-180mm — pick the range that matches what you shoot
- the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS is first-party (Sony) for guaranteed full autofocus and in-camera corrections; the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is third-party — usually the value pick
Where to buy
Check the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS price on Amazon →
Check the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 price on Amazon →
FAQ
What's the difference between the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS and the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2?
The Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS is 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 zoom, full-frame; the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is 70-180mm f/2.8 zoom, full-frame. Both fit the Sony E mount.
Which is better in low light, the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS or the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2?
The Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 — its f/2.8 maximum aperture lets in more light and gives more background blur than the f/4.5-5.6 of the other.
Do the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS and Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 fit the same camera?
Yes — both are Sony E mount lenses, so they fit Sony a7/a9/a1 (full-frame) and a6000-series (APS-C).
More Sony E comparisons: Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM vs Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG DN Art · Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G vs Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G · Sony E 15mm f/1.4 G vs Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary · Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G vs Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD · all Sony E lenses · all comparisons