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
20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD
Sony E Mount
20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD — 20–40mm f/2.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the tamron lineup.
$699
Launch priceReleased Oct 2022
20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD is 1.6 years newer.
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Wins
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Wins
20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- AFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
- AFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
- B20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD has lower Weight (365 g vs 778 g)
- B20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD has higher Max magnification (0.25 × vs 0.17 ×)
- B20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD has lower Length (101 mm vs 108 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 50mm F1.2 GM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 XA (extreme aspherical)
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — 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
Reasons to choose the 20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical
- ✓
Weight
365 g vs 778 g — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.17 × — higher is better
- ✓
Length
101 mm vs 108 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
38 cm vs 40 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
86 mm vs 87 mm — 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
20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Lightweight design easy to carry all day
- ✓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 20-40mm F2.8 Di III VXD at major authorized retailers.
Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Tamron 20-40mm 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.