Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G vs Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2

Both are Sony E mount zooms for wide-angle and astrophotography — here's how the specs differ and which to pick. Every spec is from the manufacturer's own catalog.

Last verified 2026-09-01 · Sony E mount · prices change — check the retailer

Spec	Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G	Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2
Focal length	12-24mm	16-30mm
Max aperture	f/4	f/2.8
Type	zoom	zoom
Coverage	full-frame	full-frame
Mount	Sony E	Sony E

Which should you buy?

the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 opens wider (f/2.8) — brighter in low light and more background blur
the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G covers 12-24mm and the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 covers 16-30mm — pick the range that matches what you shoot
the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G is first-party (Sony) for guaranteed full autofocus and in-camera corrections; the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is third-party — usually the value pick

Where to buy

Sony - FE 12-24mm F4 G Wide-Angle Zoom Lens (SEL1224G),Black

Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 GSee price on Amazon

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Tamron 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 for Sony E-Mount Full Frame and APS-C Mirrorless Cameras

Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2See price on Amazon

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FAQ

What's the difference between the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G and the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2?
The Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G is 12-24mm f/4 zoom, full-frame; the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 is 16-30mm f/2.8 zoom, full-frame. Both fit the Sony E mount.

Which is better in low light, the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G or the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2?
The Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 — its f/2.8 maximum aperture lets in more light and gives more background blur than the f/4 of the other.

Do the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G and Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 fit the same camera?
Yes — both are Sony E mount lenses, so they fit Sony a7/a9/a1 (full-frame) and a6000-series (APS-C).

Citing these specs? Go ahead — manufacturer data, last verified 2026-09-01. Copy a ready-made reference:

More Sony E comparisons: Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II vs Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 · Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD vs Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 · Sony FE 24-50mm f/2.8 G vs Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 · Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM vs Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 FE · all Sony E lenses · all comparisons

Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 GAffiliate linkSee price on Amazon