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
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD
Nikon Z Mount
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD — 70–180mm f/2.8 for Nikon Z, a popular choice in the tamron lineup.
$1,199
Launch priceReleased Sep 2023
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD is 1.4 years newer.
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Wins
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Wins
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD
3 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- AFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Min focus distance (21 cm vs 38 cm)
- AFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Length (120 mm vs 166 mm)
- AFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has higher Max magnification (0.32 × vs 0.25 ×)
- AFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Weight (695 g vs 830 g)
- B70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD has lower Diameter (81 mm vs 88 mm)
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…
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II supports it
- ✓
Min focus distance
21 cm vs 38 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Length
120 mm vs 166 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
695 g vs 830 g — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.32 × vs 0.25 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical
- ✓
Diameter
81 mm vs 88 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
Control ring
Both support control ring
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
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 Nikon Z 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 24-70mm F2.8 GM II and 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD at major authorized retailers.
Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
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.