Sony
FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS
Sony E Mount
World's lightest 400mm F2.8 — 2895g with 3 fluorite elements, XD Linear AF, and OSS.
$12,000
Launch priceReleased Jun 2018
Tamron
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD
Sony E Mount
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD — 70–180mm f/2.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the tamron lineup.
$1,199
Launch priceReleased May 2020
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD is 1.9 years newer.
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Wins
FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS
Wins
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AFE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- B70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD has lower Min focus distance (38 cm vs 270 cm)
- B70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD has lower Weight (815 g vs 2895 g)
- B70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD has lower Length (164 mm vs 359 mm)
- B70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD has lower Diameter (81 mm vs 158.1 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to shareFE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS
⌀158 × 359 mm
2895 g (6.38 lb / 102.12 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD
⌀81 × 164 mm
815 g (1.80 lb / 28.75 oz)
FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS is 195mm longer and 77mm wider than 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD.
FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS is 2080 g heavier than 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD.
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 400mm F2.8 GM OSS
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 Fluorite, 1 ED
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS supports it
Reasons to choose the 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical
- ✓
Min focus distance
38 cm vs 270 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
815 g vs 2895 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
164 mm vs 359 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
81 mm vs 158.1 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.16 × — higher 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 400mm F2.8 GM OSS
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
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 Sony E 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 400mm F2.8 GM OSS and 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD at major authorized retailers.
Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS
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 June 2026.