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Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD vs Sony Vario-Sonnar T 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II

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Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 VC USD

Standard Zoom | Sony Alpha

Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD
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Sony 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II

Standard Zoom | Sony Alpha

Sony Vario-Sonnar T 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II
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Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 VC USD vs Sony 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing the Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 VC USD for the A Mount and the Sony 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II for the A Mount, two Standard Zoom lenses from Tamron and Sony. Both lenses have the same focal length and max apertures of 24-70mm and F2.8 so they are very comparable in this regard.

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 24-70mm f2.8 VC USD Key Specs

  • 24-70mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather-sealed
  • Filter Thread: 82mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Sony Alpha Mount
  • Weight: 825g.
  • Diameter: 88mm
  • Length: 117mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.38m
  • Max Magnification: 0.21x

Sony 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II Key Specs

  • 24-70mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Weather-sealed
  • Filter Thread: 77mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Sony Alpha Mount
  • Weight: 974g.
  • Diameter: 83mm
  • Length: 111mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.34m
  • Max Magnification: 0.25x

What type of photography are the Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 VC USD and Sony 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 VC USD and the Sony 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 VC USD Sony 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II
Bird/WildlifeFairFair
SportsAverageAverage
PortraitVery GoodVery Good
TravelVery GoodVery Good
StreetVery GoodVery Good
WeddingVery GoodVery Good
Walk AroundVery GoodVery Good
VloggingVery GoodVery Good
LandscapeVery GoodVery Good
MacroFairAverage

Size and Weight Comparison

The size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses. Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 VC USD is the longer of the two lenses at 117mm. The Sony 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II with a length of 111mm, is 6mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 VC USD also has a larger diameter of 88mm compared to the Sony 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II's 83mm diameter.

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. Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 VC USD weighs 825g, which means it is 149g (15%) lighter than the Sony 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II which has a weight of 974g.


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

Standard Zoom Lenses in Sony Alpha Mount for Size Comparison
Model Length Diameter Weight Street Price
Sony 28-75mm F2.8 SAM Lens Sony 28-75mm F2.8 SAM
98mm
78mm 565g Amazon B&H Photo
Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM Lens Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM
69mm
70mm 210g Amazon B&H Photo
Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM Lens Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM
88mm
81mm 577g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM Lens Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM
89mm
74mm 395g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM Lens Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 EX DG HSM
95mm
89mm 790g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Lens Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM
92mm
84mm 565g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Lens Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM
121mm
78mm 810g Amazon B&H Photo
Sony 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T Lens Sony 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM
111mm
83mm 955g Amazon B&H Photo

Lens Mounts

Both the Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 VC USD and the Sony 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II 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 24-70mm f2.8 VC USD is also available in Canon EF and Nikon F (FX) mounts.

Focal Range

Both lenses have the same focal range of 24-70mm and the fastest aperture of F2.8.

Reasons to choose Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD over Sony Vario-Sonnar T 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II

Image Stabilization Yes vs No Sharper Images at longer shutter speeds
Weight 825g vs 974g 149g lighter

Reasons to choose Sony Vario-Sonnar T 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II over Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD

Diameter 83mm vs 88mm 5mm smaller in diameter
Length 111mm vs 117mm 6mm shorter
Filter Thread 77mm vs 82mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find
Minimum Focus Distance 0.34m vs 0.38m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 0.25x vs 0.21x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Common Strengths of Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD and Sony Vario-Sonnar T 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II
Internal Focusing Yes vs Yes Length of the lens doesn't change during focusing
Distance Scale Yes vs Yes Distance Scale to assist focusing
Weather Sealing Yes vs Yes safer to use under rain and dust
Common Weaknesses of Tamron SP 24-70mm F2.8 Di VC USD and Sony Vario-Sonnar T 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II
Internal Zoom No vs No Length of the lens changes during zooming


**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 24-70mm f2.8 VC USD vs Sony 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM II Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Tamron Sony
Lens Type Zoom Zoom
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Standard Zoom Standard Zoom
Lens Mount Sony Alpha Sony Alpha
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 24-70mm 24-70mm
Image Stabilization Yes No
Colour Black Black
Zoom Method Rotary (extending) Rotary (extending)
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock Yes No
Zoom Ratio 2.9X 2.9X
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 17
Optical Groups 12 13
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.38m 0.34m
Max Magnification 0.21X 0.25X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Ultrasonic Ring-type ultrasonic
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Internal Internal
Distance Scale Yes Yes
DoF Scale No No
Distance Scale Yes Yes
Focus Distance Limiter No No
Physical Specs
Weight 825g 974g
Diameter 88mm 83mm
Length 117mm 111mm
Weather Sealing Yes Yes
Filter Thread 82mm 77mm
Filter Notes Does not rotate on focusing -
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code HA007 ALC-SH101
Tripod Collar No No
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