Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS 50mm
Tamron Di III 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 180mm
What Buyers Say
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS 50mm
The Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM lens is a notable upgrade from the kit 18-55mm, offering a constant fast aperture, silent autofocus, and superior image quality. Users praise its sharpness, bokeh, and build, though they note it is heavier and bulkier. A few refurbished units had minor scratches or early malfunction, but overall the lens is highly recommended for Sony Alpha APS-C cameras.
Pros
- Constant F2.8 aperture
- Fast and silent autofocus
- Excellent image sharpness and contrast
- Pleasing bokeh
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Some units have early malfunctions
- Not compatible with full-frame cameras
- Moderate flare issue
- Limited zoom range to 50mm
Tamron Di III 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 180mm
The Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 G2 is widely praised for its sharpness, lightweight design, and excellent value compared to pricier OEM alternatives like the Sony 70-200mm GM II. Users highlight fast autofocus, effective image stabilization, and solid build quality, making it a favorite for sports, wildlife, and everyday telephoto shooting. A few concerns include the lack of a 200mm reach, potential dust ingress on the extending front, and isolated reports of gray market units without full warranty. Overall, it delivers professional-grade results at a fraction of the cost.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness across zoom range
- Lightweight and portable design
- Excellent value for money
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Effective image stabilization
Cons
- Lacks 200mm reach of competitors
- Extending front element may collect dust
- Gray market units without full warranty
- Not parfocal
- Incompatible with teleconverters
Scores
Specifications
| Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS 50mm | Tamron Di III 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 180mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 16 mm | 70 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 50 mm | 180 mm |
| Elements | 9 | 20 |
| Groups | 8 | 15 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 3 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 4★ |
| Coating | — | Fluorine coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.11 kg★ | 0.85 kg |
| Filter Thread | 41 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Autofocus | VXD |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops | 5 stops★ |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 250 mm★ | 300 mm |
| Max Magnification | 0.215x | 1:2.6★ |
Pros & Cons
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS 50mm
- Strong build (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong versatility (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong aperture (83rd percentile)83rd %ile
Tamron Di III 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 180mm
- Strong optical (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong versatility (78th percentile)
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
Pricing
Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS 50mm offers 8.7x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 90 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 3 of 22 specs.
