Sony - FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II vs Tamron - 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD
Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | Sony - FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II | Tamron - 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 547 g | 1725 g |
| Optical stabilization | false | true |
| Min focal | 16 mm | 150 mm |
| Max focal | 35 mm | 500 mm |
Between the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II and 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD, the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II comes out ahead in weight, while the 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD wins on optical stabilization / min focal. Overall, the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II scores 62.8 and the 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD scores 73.9 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 11.1 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II if you carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. The biggest gaps in its favor are weight. The single most decisive one: Weight — 1178.00 g less. 547 vs 1725.
Pick the 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD if you care most about optical stabilization / min focal. Its strongest claims are optical stabilization, min focal, max focal. The single most decisive one: Has Optical stabilization.
Both ship with comparable weather sealed, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Which should you buy: Sony - FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II or Tamron - 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD?
Tamron - 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD leads the current Mars Score by 11.1 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare min focal, max focal, weight against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Sony - FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II if…
Sony - FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II has the measurable edge on weight g.
Choose Tamron - 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD if…
Tamron - 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD has the measurable edge on has stabilization, focal min mm, focal max mm.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why Sony - FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II wins
- ▲Weight — 1178.00 g less. 547 vs 1725.
Why Tamron - 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD wins
- ▲Has Optical stabilization.
- ▲Min focal: 150 (vs 16).
- ▲Max focal: 500 (vs 35).
Spec comparison
Optics
| Spec | Sony - FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II | Tamron - 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD |
|---|---|---|
| Min focal | 16 mm | 150 mmlead |
| Max focal | 35 mm | 500 mmlead |
| Max aperture | f/2.8 | f/5 |
| Min aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
Build
| Spec | Sony - FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II | Tamron - 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 547 glead | 1725 g |
| Weather sealedⓘ | true | true |
| Optical stabilizationⓘ | false | truelead |
Mount
| Spec | Sony - FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II | Tamron - 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD |
|---|---|---|
| Lens mount | Sony E | Sony E |