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
Tamron
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2
Sony E Mount
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 — 70–180mm f/2.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the tamron lineup.
$1,299
Launch priceReleased Oct 2024
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 is 2.1 years newer.
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Wins
50-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD
Wins
70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2
4 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- B70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/2.8 vs f/6.3)
- B70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2.8 vs f/4.5)
- B70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 has lower Weight (855 g vs 1155 g)
- B70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 has lower Length (170 mm vs 212 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 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD
No major spec wins compared to 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2.
Reasons to choose the 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8 vs f/6.3 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8 vs f/4.5 — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
855 g vs 1155 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
170 mm vs 212 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Min focus distance
Both 38 cm
Max magnification
Both 0.25 ×
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Optical stabilization
Both support optical stabilization
OIS effectiveness
Both 5 stops
Diameter
Both 81 mm
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
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
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 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD and 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 at major authorized retailers.
Tamron 50-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD
Tamron 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VC VXD G2
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.