Sony
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Sony E Mount
The ultimate standard zoom — incredibly sharp, exceptionally compact, and built for professionals.
$2,299
Launch priceReleased Apr 2022
Tamron
17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD
Leica L Mount
17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD — 17–28mm f/2.8 for Leica L, a popular choice in the tamron lineup.
$799
Launch priceReleased Jun 2020
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is 1.8 years newer.
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Wins
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Wins
17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD
3 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- AFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has higher Max magnification (0.32 × vs 0.19 ×)
- B17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD has lower Weight (438 g vs 695 g)
- B17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD has lower Length (92 mm vs 120 mm)
- B17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD has lower Diameter (79.6 mm vs 88 mm)
- B17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD has lower Min focus distance (19 cm vs 21 cm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
⌀88 × 120 mm
695 g (1.53 lb / 24.52 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD
⌀80 × 92 mm
438 g (0.97 lb / 15.45 oz)
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is 28mm longer and 8mm wider than 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD.
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is 257 g heavier than 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD.
Diameter (⌀) is the maximum barrel width; length is measured from the mount to the front of the lens.
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 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 XA (extreme aspherical), 3 Aspherical, 2 ED…
- ✓
Control ring
Only FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II supports it
- ✓
Max magnification
0.32 × vs 0.19 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 LD, 2 GM Aspherical
- ✓
Weight
438 g vs 695 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
92 mm vs 120 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
79.6 mm vs 88 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
19 cm vs 21 cm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Max aperture (Wide)
Both f/2.8
Max aperture (Tele)
Both f/2.8
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Pros
- ✓Outstanding sharpness across the entire zoom range
- ✓Remarkably small and lightweight for an f/2.8 zoom
- ✓Four XD Linear focus motors provide blazing-fast AF tracking
- ✓Excellent close-up magnification
- ✓De-clickable aperture ring and customized function buttons
Cons
- –No built-in optical image stabilization (relies on body IBIS)
- –High launch price
- –Aperture ring can be easily bumped if not locked
17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Solid optical performance for the price tier
- ✓Native Leica L mount compatibility
Cons
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II and 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD at major authorized retailers.
Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Tamron 17-28mm F2.8 Di III RXD
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.