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Sony Vario-Sonnar T 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II vs Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD

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Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II

Wideangle Zoom | Sony Alpha

Sony Vario-Sonnar T 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II
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Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD

Wideangle Zoom | Sony Alpha

Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD
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Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II vs Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II and Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD, two Wideangle Zoom lenses from Sony and Tamron.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II Key Specs

  • 16-35mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 77mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Sony Alpha Mount
  • Weight: 872g.
  • Diameter: 83mm
  • Length: 114mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.28m
  • Max Magnification:0.24x

Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD Key Specs

  • 15-30mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Sony Alpha Mount
  • Weight: 1100g.
  • Diameter: 98mm
  • Length: 145mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.28m
  • Max Magnification:0.2x

What type of photography are the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II and Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II and the Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD
Bird/WildlifePoorPoor
SportsPoorPoor
PortraitFairFair
TravelGoodAverage
StreetGoodAverage
WeddingFairFair
Walk AroundGoodAverage
VloggingVery GoodGood
LandscapeVery GoodVery Good
MacroFairFair

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD is the longer of the two lenses at 145mm. The Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II with a length of 114mm is 31mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD also has a larger diameter of 98mm compared to Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II's 83mm diameter.

Below you can find the scaled side by side image of Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II and Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD to get a better idea of how their size compare in real life.

Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II vs Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD Lens Size Comparison
Comparison image of Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II and Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD Size and Weight

Weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II weighs 872g, which means it is 228g (20%) lighter than the Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD which has a weight of 1100g.


Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the 'Wideangle Zoom Lenses in Sony Alpha Mount for size comparison purposes.

Wideangle Zoom Lenses in Sony Alpha Mount for Size Comparison
Model Length Diameter Weight Street Price
Tokina AT-X Pro 11-16mm f2.8 DX II Lens Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 DX II
89mm
84mm 560g Amazon B&H Photo
Sony DT 11-18mm F4.5-5.6 Lens Sony DT 11-18mm F4.5-5.6
81mm
83mm 360g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM Lens Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM
81mm
84mm 470g Amazon B&H Photo
Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM
114mm
83mm 900g Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP AF 10-24mm F3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical IF Lens Tamron 10-24mm f3.5-4.5 II LD
84mm
83mm 406g Amazon B&H Photo
Tokina AT-X Pro 11-16mm f2.8 DX Lens Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 DX
89mm
84mm 560g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG Aspherical HSM Lens Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM
103mm
87mm 600g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM Lens Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM
106mm
75mm 555g Amazon B&H Photo

Lens Mounts

Both Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II and Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD has the same Sony Alpha lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sony Alpha lenses are Sony A99 II, Sony A68 and Sony A77 II.

Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD is also available in Canon EF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.

Focal Range

Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM 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 an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 24 - 52.5mm.
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 an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 22.5 - 45mm.

Reasons to choose Sony Vario-Sonnar T 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II over Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD

Focal Length - Tele 35mm vs 30mm 5mm more Tele coverage
Optical Zoom 2.20x vs 2.00x More flexible focal coverage
Weight 872g vs 1100g 228g lighter
Diameter 83mm vs 98mm 15mm smaller in diameter
Length 114mm vs 145mm 31mm shorter
Weather Sealing Yes vs No safer to use under rain and dust
Max Magnification 0.24x vs 0.2x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD over Sony Vario-Sonnar T 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II

Focal Length - Wide 15mm vs 16mm 1mm Wider coverage
Image Stabilization Yes vs No Sharper Images at longer shutter speeds

Common Strengths of Sony Vario-Sonnar T 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II and Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD
Distance Scale Yes vs Yes Distance Scale to assist focusing



**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sony 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II vs Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Sony Tamron
Lens Type Zoom Zoom
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Wideangle Zoom Wideangle Zoom
Lens Mount Sony Alpha Sony Alpha
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 16-35mm 15-30mm
Image Stabilization No Yes
Colour Black Black
Zoom Method Rotary (extending) No Zoom
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No -
Zoom Ratio 2.2X 2.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F2.8 F2.8
Min Aperture F22.0 F22.0
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades 9 9
Optics
Optical Elements 17 18
Optical Groups 13 13
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.28m 0.28m
Max Magnification 0.24X 0.2X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Ring-type ultrasonic Ultrasonic
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Internal Unknown
Distance Scale Yes Yes
DoF Scale No Unknown
Distance Scale Yes Yes
Focus Distance Limiter No Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 872g 1100g
Diameter 83mm 98mm
Length 114mm 145mm
Materials Unknown Unknown
Weather Sealing Yes Unknown
Filter Thread 77mm Unknown
Filter Notes - -
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code ALC-SH106 Unknown
Tripod Collar No No
Optional Accessories - -
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