Sony
FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
Sony E Mount
The standard telephoto zoom, completely redesigned to be 29% lighter and significantly sharper.
$2,799
Launch priceReleased Oct 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 years newer.
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Wins
FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
Wins
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- B70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 has lower Weight (855 g vs 1045 g)
- B70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 has lower Length (167 mm vs 200 mm)
- B70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 has lower Min focus distance (34 cm vs 40 cm)
- B70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 has higher Max magnification (0.34 × vs 0.3 ×)
- B70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 4.5 stops)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to shareFE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
⌀88 × 200 mm
1045 g (2.30 lb / 36.86 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 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II is 33mm longer and 5mm wider than 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2.
FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II is 190 g heavier 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 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 XA, 1 Aspherical, 1 Super ED…
Reasons to choose the 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2
- ✓
Special elements
Adds GM Aspherical, LD, XLD
- ✓
Control ring
Only 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 supports it
- ✓
Weight
855 g vs 1045 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
167 mm vs 200 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
34 cm vs 40 cm — lower is better
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 4.5 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Diameter
83 mm vs 88 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.34 × vs 0.3 × — 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
Optical stabilization
Both support optical stabilization
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Custom function button
Both support custom function button
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
Pros
- ✓Extremely lightweight for an f/2.8 telephoto zoom (only 1045g)
- ✓Virtually instantaneous and silent autofocus with 4 XD Linear motors
- ✓Stunning optical performance and contrast across entire range
- ✓Outstanding built-in Optical SteadyShot stabilization
- ✓Dedicated physical aperture ring with click and lock switches
Cons
- –Very high price tag
- –Lens hood is bulky and can block storage space easily
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 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II and 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 at major authorized retailers.
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
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.