Sony - FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II vs Tamron - 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2
Between the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II and 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2, the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II comes out ahead in several specs, while the 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 wins on weight / min focal. Overall, the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II scores 45.9 and the 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 scores 57.1 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 11.2 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.
The FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II does not pull ahead on any single popular-comparison spec — its strengths sit in the spec-table groups rather than the headline advantages.
Pick the 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 if you carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. Its strongest claims are weight, min focal, max focal.
Both ship with comparable weather sealed, optical stabilization, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Why Sony - FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II wins
- No decisive advantages.
Why Tamron - 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 wins
- ▲Weight — 7.00 g less. 540 vs 547.
- ▲Min focal: 28 (vs 16).
- ▲Max focal: 75 (vs 35).
Spec comparison
Optics
| Spec | Sony - FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II | Tamron - 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 |
|---|---|---|
| Min focal | 16 mm | 28 mmlead |
| Max focal | 35 mm | 75 mmlead |
| Max aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Min aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
Build
| Spec | Sony - FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II | Tamron - 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 547 g | 540 glead |
| Weather sealedⓘ | true | true |
| Optical stabilizationⓘ | false | false |
Mount
| Spec | Sony - FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II | Tamron - 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 |
|---|---|---|
| Lens mount | Sony E | Sony E |
Spec-level deep dives
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