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
50-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD
Sony E Mount
50-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD — 50–400mm f/4.5-6.3 for Sony E, a popular choice in the tamron lineup.
$1,299
Launch priceReleased Sep 2022
50-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is 1.5 years newer.
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Wins
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Wins
50-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD
TL;DR — Key differences
- B50-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD 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/4.5)
- AFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Length (108 mm vs 212 mm)
- AFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Weight (778 g vs 1155 g)
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 (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/6.3 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/4.5 — lower is better
- ✓
Length
108 mm vs 212 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
778 g vs 1155 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose the 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD supports it
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.17 × — higher is better
- ✓
Diameter
81 mm vs 87 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
38 cm vs 40 cm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Control ring
Both support control ring
Custom function button
Both support custom function button
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
50-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
- –Slower maximum aperture limits low-light performance
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the FE 50mm F1.2 GM and 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD at major authorized retailers.
Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Tamron 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.