Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS vs Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD
Both are Sony E mount zooms for everyday and travel — here's how the specs differ and which to pick. Every spec is from the manufacturer's own catalog.
| Spec | Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS | Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 16-70mm | 28-200mm |
| Max aperture | f/4 | f/2.8-5.6 |
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Coverage | APS-C | full-frame |
| Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
Which should you buy?
- the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD opens wider (f/2.8-5.6) — brighter in low light and more background blur
- the Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS covers 16-70mm and the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD covers 28-200mm — pick the range that matches what you shoot
- the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD covers full-frame (also works on APS-C bodies); the Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS is APS-C-only — it won't fill a full-frame sensor
- the Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS is first-party (Sony) for guaranteed full autofocus and in-camera corrections; the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD is third-party — usually the value pick
Where to buy
Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSSSee price on Amazon
Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXDSee price on Amazon
FAQ
What's the difference between the Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS and the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD?
The Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS is 16-70mm f/4 zoom, APS-C; the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD is 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 zoom, full-frame. Both fit the Sony E mount.
Which is better in low light, the Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS or the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD?
The Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD — its f/2.8-5.6 maximum aperture lets in more light and gives more background blur than the f/4 of the other.
Do the Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS and Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD 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). Note the Sony Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS is APS-C-only and won't fill a full-frame sensor.
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