Sony
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Sony E Mount
Exquisite resolution and dreamy bokeh combine in a masterful f/1.2 prime.
$1,999
Launch priceReleased Mar 2021
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
18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC is 7 months newer.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Wins
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Wins
18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- B18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- AFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/6.3)
- AFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/3.5)
- B18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC has higher Max magnification (0.25 × vs 0.17 ×)
- B18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC has lower Diameter (65 mm vs 87 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to share
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
⌀87 × 108 mm
778 g (1.72 lb / 27.44 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC
⌀65 × 137 mm
620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz)
FE 50mm F1.2 GM is 29mm shorter and 22mm wider than 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC.
FE 50mm F1.2 GM is 158 g heavier than 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC.
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 50mm F1.2 GM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 XA (extreme aspherical)
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/6.3 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/3.5 — lower is better
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only FE 50mm F1.2 GM supports it
- ✓
Control ring
Only FE 50mm F1.2 GM supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 50mm F1.2 GM supports it
- ✓
Length
108 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 87 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
620 g vs 778 g — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.17 × — higher is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
38 cm vs 40 cm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Pros
- ✓Outstanding sharpness wide open at f/1.2
- ✓Stunningly smooth, circular bokeh with 11 aperture blades
- ✓Extremely quiet and fast autofocus tracking
- ✓Manageable size and weight for an f/1.2 lens
Cons
- –Expensive investment for a single focal length
- –Heavy compared to standard f/1.8 options
- –Some visible vignetting wide open
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 50mm F1.2 GM and 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC at major authorized retailers.
Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Tamron 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed October 2026.