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
18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC
Sony E Mount
18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC — 18–300mm f/3.5-6.3 for Sony E, a popular choice in the tamron lineup.
$699
Launch priceReleased Oct 2021
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is 6 months newer.
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Wins
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Wins
18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC
TL;DR — Key differences
- B18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- AFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/2.8 vs f/6.3)
- AFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Min focus distance (21 cm vs 38 cm)
- B18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC has lower Diameter (65 mm vs 88 mm)
- AFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has higher Max magnification (0.32 × vs 0.25 ×)
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 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 XA (extreme aspherical), 3 Aspherical, 2 ED…
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8 vs f/6.3 — lower is better
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II supports it
- ✓
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
- ✓
Min focus distance
21 cm vs 38 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8 vs f/3.5 — lower is better
- ✓
Length
120 mm vs 137 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC supports it
- ✓
Diameter
65 mm vs 88 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
620 g vs 695 g — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
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
18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Native Sony E 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 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC at major authorized retailers.
Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Tamron 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.