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Sony

FE 20mm F1.8 G

Sony E Mount

FE 20mm F1.8 G — 20mm f/1.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the sony lineup.

$899

Launch price

Released Feb 2020

vs

Tamron

28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2

Sony E Mount

An incredibly popular third-party zoom updated with vastly improved sharpness and autofocus.

$899

Launch price

Released Aug 2021

28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 is 1.4 years newer.

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Wins

4categories

FE 20mm F1.8 G

LandscapeSports & Action

Wins

3categories

28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2

Sports & Action

1 categories tied

TL;DR — Key differences

FE 20mm F1.8 G wins 3 categories·28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 wins 2 categories
  • B28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has higher Max magnification (0.37 × vs 0.15 ×)
  • B28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has lower Min focus distance (18 cm vs 30 cm)
  • AFE 20mm F1.8 G has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.8 vs f/2.8)
  • AFE 20mm F1.8 G has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.8 vs f/2.8)
  • AFE 20mm F1.8 G has lower Weight (373 g vs 540 g)

Key specs at a glance

FE 20mm F1.8 G28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
Focal Length20 mm28-75 mm
Max Aperturef/1.8f/2.8
MountSony ESony E
CoverageFull FrameFull Frame
StabilizationNoNo
Weight373 g540 g
Min Focus30 cm18 cm
Filter Size82 mm67 mm

Use-case scoring

Which one for what?

Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class

Use caseFE 20mm F1.8 G28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
Portrait
6.0Good
4.5Fair
Sports & Action
6.5Good
6.5Good
Video & Hybrid
3.5Limited
4.0Fair
Landscape
7.0Good
4.0Fair
Travel
5.0Fair
3.5Limited
Wildlife
3.0Limited
3.0Limited
Macro & Close-up
1.5Limited
4.5Fair

Why pick one over the other

Reasons to choose the FE 20mm F1.8 G

  • Special elements

    Adds Aspherical

  • 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

  • Weight

    373 g vs 540 g — lower is better

  • Length

    102 mm vs 118 mm — lower is better

Reasons to choose the 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2

  • Special elements

    Adds 2 LD, 2 GM

  • Custom function button

    Only 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 supports it

  • Min focus distance

    18 cm vs 30 cm — lower is better

  • Max magnification

    0.37 × vs 0.15 × — higher is better

  • Diameter

    76 mm vs 86 mm — lower is better

Shared specifications

Internal focus

Both support internal focus

Weather sealing

Both support weather sealing

Pros & cons at a glance

Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.

FE 20mm F1.8 G

Pros

  • Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
  • Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
  • Lightweight design easy to carry all day

Cons

  • Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value

28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2

Pros

  • Superb value for money compared to first-party options
  • Excellent sharpness throughout the range, even at f/2.8
  • Very lightweight and compact (only 540g)
  • Fast VXD linear motor focus drive
  • Customizable lens functions via Tamron Lens Utility software

Cons

  • Starts at 28mm instead of the wider 24mm standard
  • Slightly weaker corner sharpness at 75mm wide open
  • Weather sealing is basic compared to Sony GM lenses

Decided which one is right for you?

Compare live prices for the FE 20mm F1.8 G and 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 at major authorized retailers.

Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2

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Full specifications

= category winner

FE 20mm F1.8 G
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
Focal length (Min)
20 mm
28 mm
Focal length (Max)
20 mm
75 mm
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.8+1.3 stops wider
f/2.8
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.8+1.3 stops wider
f/2.8
Elements
10
17
Groups
8
15
Special elements
Aspherical
2 LD, 2 GM
FE 20mm F1.8 G
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
Min focus distance
30 cm
18 cm−12 cm less
Max magnification
0.15 ×
0.37 ×2.5× more
Autofocus motor
Linear / Stepping Motor
VXD Linear Motor
Internal focus
Yes
Yes
FE 20mm F1.8 G
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
Optical stabilization
No
No
OIS effectiveness
0 stops
0 stops
FE 20mm F1.8 G
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
Weight
373 g−167 g less
540 g
Length
102 mm−16 mm less
118 mm
Diameter
86 mm
76 mm−10 mm less
Filter thread size
82 mm
67 mm
Weather sealing
Yes
Yes
Diaphragm blades
11
9
FE 20mm F1.8 G
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
Lens mount
Sony E
Sony E
Format coverage
Full Frame
Full Frame

Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.