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Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD vs Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS

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Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD

Wideangle Zoom | Sony E

Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD
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Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS

Standard Zoom | Sony E

Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS
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Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD vs Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two lenses with different focal types: Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD for the E Mount is a Wideangle Zoom lens with a 20-40mm focal range and a max aperture of F2.8 whereas the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS for the E Mount is a Standard Zoom lens with a 28-70mm focal range and max aperture of F3.5 - F5.6.

We will start by looking briefly at the main specs of these two lenses, and in the next section, we will start analyzing them in more detail and listing the pros and cons of each lens.

Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD Key Specs

  • 20-40mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Weather-sealed
  • Filter Thread: 67mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Sony E Mount
  • Weight: 365g.
  • Diameter: 74mm
  • Length: 86mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.17m

Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS Key Specs

  • 28-70mm Focal Range
  • F3.5 - F5.6 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Filter Thread: 55mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Sony E Mount
  • Weight: 295g.
  • Diameter: 73mm
  • Length: 83mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.4m
  • Max Magnification: 0.2x

What type of photography are the Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD and Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD and the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS
Bird/WildlifePoorFair
SportsPoorFair
PortraitAverageGood
TravelGoodGood
StreetVery GoodGood
WeddingAverageGood
Walk AroundGoodVery Good
VloggingVery GoodGood
LandscapeVery GoodVery Good

Size and Weight Comparison

The size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses. Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD is the longer of the two lenses at 86mm. The Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS with a length of 83mm, is 3mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD also has a larger diameter of 74mm compared to the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS's 73mm diameter.

Below you can find a scaled side-by-side image of Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD and Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS to get a better idea of how their sizes compare in real life.

Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD vs Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS Lens Size Comparison
Comparison image of the Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD and the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS Size and Weight

The 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 FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS weighs 295g, 19% (70g) lighter than the Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD's weight of 365g.


Lens Mounts

Both the Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD and the Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS has the same Sony E lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sony E lenses are Sony ZV-E1, Sony A7R V and Sony FX30.

Focal Range

Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD has a focal range of 20-40mm 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 30 - 60mm.
Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS has a focal range of 28-70mm and 2.5X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 42 - 105mm.

Reasons to choose Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD over Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS

Focal Length - Wide 20mm vs 28mm 8mm Wider coverage
Max Aperture - Wide 2.8 vs 3.5 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 2.8 vs 5.6 Wider aperture at tele end
Diaphgragm Blades 9 vs 7 Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Weather Sealing Yes vs No safer to use under rain and dust
Minimum Focus Distance 0.17m vs 0.4m can focus closer to the subject

Reasons to choose Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS over Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD

Focal Length - Tele 70mm vs 40mm 30mm more Tele coverage
Image Stabilization Yes vs No Sharper Images at longer shutter speeds
Optical Zoom 2.50x vs 2.00x More flexible focal coverage
Weight 295g vs 365g 70g lighter
Diameter 73mm vs 74mm 1mm smaller in diameter
Length 83mm vs 86mm 3mm shorter
Filter Thread 55mm vs 67mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find
Max Magnification 0.2x vs x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Common Strengths of Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD and Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS
Internal Focusing Yes vs Yes Length of the lens doesn't change during 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.

Tamron 20-40mm F2.8 VXD vs Sony FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 OSS Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Tamron Sony
Lens Type Zoom Zoom
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Wideangle Zoom Standard Zoom
Lens Mount Sony E Sony E
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 20-40mm 28-70mm
Image Stabilization No Yes
Colour Black -
Zoom Method Rotary (extending) Rotary (extending)
Power Zoom No -
Zoom Lock No -
Zoom Ratio 2.0X 2.5X
Aperture
Max Aperture F2.8 F3.5 - F5.6
Min Aperture F22 F22.0
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades 9 7
Optics
Optical Elements 12 9
Optical Groups 12 8
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.17m 0.4m
Max Magnification - 0.2X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Linear Motor Stepper motor
Full Time Manual Yes
Focus Method Internal Internal
Distance Scale No -
DoF Scale No -
Distance Scale No -
Focus Distance Limiter No No
Physical Specs
Weight 365g 295g
Diameter 74mm 73mm
Length 86mm 83mm
Weather Sealing Yes No
Filter Thread 67mm 55mm
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code - ALC-SH130
Tripod Collar No No
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