Tamron 35-150/2-2.8 or 70-200/2.8 GM II

Thanks.  I will keep 70-180 as backup or when I am shooting video on tripod.  Will possibly get 70-200/2.8 and maybe 35-150 in the future.  My favorite focal length/lens is the 35/1.4GM so that is why I was interested in the 35-150 Tamron.  Will check it out at store to see how heavy it is and if focus speed on a1 is tolerable.

Hawkmooon wrote:

For those who upgraded from 70-180 to GM2 do you notice a huge speed/accuracy difference on A1 or A9? I also shoot a lot of video and wondering how the dual-IS is on 70-200 and A1 compared to just IBIS with 70-180.

In short: YES!

I upgraded from the 70-180 to the 70-200 GM2 and the difference is night and day for me (on the A1). The OSS lets me use much slower shutter speeds (or lower ISO); I estimate it to be a 1-2 stop difference (for photos; I don't shoot video).

The image quality is a better and the lens is sharper throughout the frame (although Tamron is pretty impressive).

Also, the focusing speed is a significant upgrade with the native Sony lens, particularly for gymnastics/softball/soccer that I use the lens for. My hit rate in tough conditions went from 50-60% to 95% on the A1.

I have used it with both teleconverters occasionally and been impressed, but not enough that I have a definitive opinion on those.

Only downside (aside from price, obviously) is the extra weight....but it's not THAT much worse and is totally worth it.