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
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2
Nikon Z Mount
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 — 70–180mm f/2.8 for Nikon Z, a popular choice in the tamron lineup.
$1,299
Launch priceReleased Oct 2024
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 is 3.6 years newer.
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Wins
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Wins
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- B70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- 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)
- B70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 has higher Max magnification (0.34 × vs 0.17 ×)
- AFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Length (108 mm vs 167 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to shareFE 50mm F1.2 GM
⌀87 × 108 mm
778 g (1.72 lb / 27.44 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2
⌀83 × 167 mm
855 g (1.88 lb / 30.16 oz)
FE 50mm F1.2 GM is 59mm shorter and 4mm wider than 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2.
FE 50mm F1.2 GM is 77 g lighter than 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2.
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 (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Length
108 mm vs 167 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
778 g vs 855 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose the 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2
- ✓
Special elements
Adds GM Aspherical, LD, XLD
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 supports it
- ✓
Max magnification
0.34 × vs 0.17 × — higher is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
34 cm vs 40 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
83 mm vs 87 mm — 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
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
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 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 at major authorized retailers.
Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Tamron 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2
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 June 2026.