Sony
FE 135mm F1.8 GM
Sony E Mount
FE 135mm F1.8 GM — 135mm f/1.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the sony lineup.
$1,899
Launch priceReleased Feb 2019
Tamron
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD
Sony E Mount
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD — 70–180mm f/2.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the tamron lineup.
$1,199
Launch priceReleased May 2020
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD is 1.3 years newer.
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Wins
FE 135mm F1.8 GM
Wins
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD
2 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- B70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD has higher Max magnification (0.25 × vs 0.15 ×)
- AFE 135mm F1.8 GM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.8 vs f/2.8)
- AFE 135mm F1.8 GM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.8 vs f/2.8)
- AFE 135mm F1.8 GM has lower Min focus distance (30 cm vs 38 cm)
- B70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD has lower Weight (815 g vs 950 g)
Key specs at a glance
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the FE 135mm F1.8 GM
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 135mm F1.8 GM supports it
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.8 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.8 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
30 cm vs 38 cm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD
- ✓
Weight
815 g vs 950 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
164 mm vs 183 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.15 × — higher is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Diameter
Both 81 mm
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Control ring
Both support control ring
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
FE 135mm F1.8 GM
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
- ✓Native Sony E mount compatibility
Cons
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
- ✓Native Sony E mount compatibility
Cons
- –No optical stabilization — relies on body IBIS
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the FE 135mm F1.8 GM and 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD at major authorized retailers.
Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM
Tamron 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.