The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II and the Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD is the longer of the two lenses at 145mm. The Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II with a length of 112mm, is 33mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD also has a larger diameter of 98mm compared to the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II's 88mm diameter.
Below you can find a scaled side-by-side image of Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II and Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD to get a better idea of how their sizes compare in real life.
Comparison image of the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II and the Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD Size and Weight The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II weighs 547g, which means it is 553g (50%) lighter than the Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD which has a weight of 1100g.
Lens Mounts
The Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has the Sony E lens mount whereas the Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD has the Sony Alpha lens mount . Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony FX5 , Sony A7R VI and Sony A7 V for the Sony E Mount and Sony A99 II , Sony A68 and Sony A77 II for the Sony Alpha Mount.
Canon EF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has a focal range of 16-35mm and
2.2X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
24 - 52.5mm .
On the other hand, the Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD has a focal range of 15-30mm and 2.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 22.5 - 45mm .
