Tamron
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
Sony E Mount
An incredibly popular third-party zoom updated with vastly improved sharpness and autofocus.
$899
Launch priceReleased Aug 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 3.3 years newer.
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.
Wins
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
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 higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- A28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has lower Min focus distance (18 cm vs 34 cm)
- A28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has lower Weight (540 g vs 855 g)
- A28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has lower Length (118 mm vs 167 mm)
- A28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has lower Diameter (76 mm vs 83 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to share28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
⌀76 × 118 mm
540 g (1.19 lb / 19.05 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)
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 is 49mm shorter and 7mm narrower than 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2.
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 is 315 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 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 LD, 2 GM
- ✓
Min focus distance
18 cm vs 34 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
540 g vs 855 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
118 mm vs 167 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
76 mm vs 83 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.37 × vs 0.34 × — higher 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
- ✓
Control ring
Only 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 supports it
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
Custom function button
Both support custom function button
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
Pros
- ✓Superb value for money compared to first-party options
- ✓Excellent sharpness throughout the range, even at f/2.8
- ✓Very lightweight and compact (only 540g)
- ✓Fast VXD linear motor focus drive
- ✓Customizable lens functions via Tamron Lens Utility software
Cons
- –Starts at 28mm instead of the wider 24mm standard
- –Slightly weaker corner sharpness at 75mm wide open
- –Weather sealing is basic compared to Sony GM lenses
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 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 and 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 at major authorized retailers.
Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
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.