Sony SEL2470GM
Score: 82/100
Tamron 150-500mm
Score: 86/100Rankings
The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD offers superb sharpness and effective 3-mode vibration compensation in a relatively portable super-telephoto package. Its drawbacks include a variable aperture that hampers low-light AF and a heavy build that benefits from tripod use. Best suited for wildlife and sports photographers who need long reach without the bulk of native lenses.
Sony's FE 24-70 mm f/2.8 G Master delivers professional-grade sharpness, constant aperture and robust weather sealing for demanding full-frame work. The lens is heavy and large, and lacks built-in stabilization, which can be a drawback for handheld or gimbal use. Best for professionals needing a versatile, high-performance standard zoom.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
2.8best | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.38 mbest | 0.6 m |
| ↓ lower better | 884 gbest | 1,879 g |
2.9 | 3.3best | |
9best | 9best | |
0.2best | — | |
18best | — | |
13best | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(2) | ||
Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E-mount |
Mount Compatibility | Sony E-mount full-frame | Sony E-mount |
Features(2) | ||
Image Stabilization | false | true |
Autofocus Type | SSM | VXD |
Optics(4) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 24-70 mm | 150-500 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 2.8 | 5-6.7 |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 0.38 m | 0.6 m |
Zoom Ratio | 2.92 | 3.33 |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 884 g | 1879 g |
Length (mm) | 134.6 mm | 211 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 87.6 mm | 94 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consistently praise the SEL2470GM for its G Master-level resolution, robust weather-sealed build, and quiet, precise SSM autofocus, noting that it delivers studio-quality sharpness and beautiful bokeh across the zoom range. However, they also flag its considerable weight and lack of focus-limiter features, and some question whether the 2016 design remains the best choice now that lighter, newer GM II variants are available.
Everyday users celebrate the lens's versatile focal length, fast aperture, and reliable AF, especially for weddings, events, and portrait work, while repeatedly mentioning its heavy build and size as a drawback for long handheld sessions, travel, and gimbal mounting. Corner softness at 70 mm and the absence of a focus limiter also surface as common concerns.
Professional reviewers consistently praise the Tamron 150-500mm for its excellent sharpness throughout the zoom range, especially when stopped down, and for its 2-3 stop VC system that makes handheld shooting at 500mm viable. The VXD autofocus is lauded for speed, quietness and reliable bird-tracking, while the weather-sealed build and Arca-Swiss tripod collar add rugged appeal. Critics note the extending barrel's exposure to elements, the slower variable aperture that hampers low-light AF, and the reduced 15 fps burst on Sony A1 compared with native lenses.
Everyday users echo the pros highlighted by experts, valuing the lens's sharp handheld wildlife results, close-focus flexibility and strong price-to-performance ratio. Recurring complaints focus on the lens's weight during extended handheld use, occasional low-light autofocus hesitation, and concerns about the extending barrel in dusty or rainy environments.
“excellent throughout focal range”
“very capable super-tele zoom”
“brilliant AF/VC for f/5-6.7 and image quality”
