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 VXD
Sony E Mount
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD — 70–180mm f/2.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the tamron lineup.
$1,199
Launch priceReleased May 2020
FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II is 1.4 years newer.
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Wins
FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
Wins
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD
2 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- AFE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II has higher OIS effectiveness (4.5 stops vs 0 stops)
- B70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD has lower Weight (815 g vs 1045 g)
- B70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD has lower Length (164 mm vs 200 mm)
- AFE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II has higher Max magnification (0.3 × vs 0.25 ×)
- B70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD has lower Diameter (81 mm vs 88 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 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 XA, 1 Aspherical, 1 Super ED…
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
4.5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II supports it
- ✓
Max magnification
0.3 × vs 0.25 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical
- ✓
Control ring
Only 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD supports it
- ✓
Weight
815 g vs 1045 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
164 mm vs 200 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
81 mm vs 88 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
38 cm vs 40 cm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Max aperture (Wide)
Both f/2.8
Max aperture (Tele)
Both f/2.8
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
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 VXD
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
- ✓Native Sony E mount compatibility
Cons
- –No optical stabilization — relies on body IBIS
- –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 VXD at major authorized retailers.
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
Tamron 70-180mm 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.