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
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 priceReleased Aug 2021
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is 9 months newer.
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Wins
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Wins
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
3 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- B28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has lower Weight (540 g vs 695 g)
- B28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has lower Min focus distance (18 cm vs 21 cm)
- B28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has lower Diameter (76 mm vs 88 mm)
- B28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has higher Max magnification (0.37 × vs 0.32 ×)
- B28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has lower Length (118 mm vs 120 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
The verdict
The $1400 price gap between these lenses centers on whether your specific work requires the wider 24mm focal length and the 4 XD Linear Motors focus system.
Choose the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II if you are a professional requiring maximum tactile control and a more complex optical design, as it features a dedicated control ring and 20 total elements.
Choose the Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 if you prioritize a lightweight kit and higher magnification capabilities, as it weighs only 540g and offers a 0.37x maximum magnification.
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
Reasons to choose the 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 LD, 2 GM
- ✓
Weight
540 g vs 695 g — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
18 cm vs 21 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
76 mm vs 88 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.37 × vs 0.32 × — higher is better
- ✓
Length
118 mm vs 120 mm — 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
Custom function button
Both support custom function button
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
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 24-70mm F2.8 GM II and 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 at major authorized retailers.
Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.