Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM vs Tamron 90mm f/2.8 VC Macro for macro and portraits

Asked 9/5/2013

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I use a Canon EOS 650D and want one lens for both macro photography and portraits. I’m considering the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM and the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Macro. The Tamron offers vibration compensation, while many people say the Canon is optically better. Which is the better choice overall for image quality and practical use?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

12y ago

2 Answers

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You can use online tools to compare both of these lenses as well as the very comparable Canon 100mm f/2.8 IS L USM lens.

Here is a comparison of the following three lenses at DxOMark:

  • Tamron SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD Canon
  • Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
  • Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

As you can see based on that spec comparison, they are all very similar but the Canon 100mm L macro stands out from the crowd.

This is probably my favorite comparison of the two lenses that you mentioned, the VC Tamron and the Non-IS Canon at the-digital-picture.com. It is very obvious how much higher quality the Canon is at f/2.8. So yes you can use the Tamron with stabilization, but if the image even on a tripod is not as sharp, is that worth it to you? I would choose the sharpest lens then consider stabilization as a secondary thought, but that is just an opinion.

They will all should be generally sharp and excellent for both portraits at that focal length and macro work. Image stabilization is available in the more expensive versions of the lenses from both manufacturers, and I encourage you to read the following for advice on that topic:

How useful is image stabilization in a macro lens?

Overall, the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens is one of the sharpest and most economical choices found in the entire Canon lineup. If you absolutely need IS/VC then I would compare the Canon IS to the Tamron VC instead for a more fair comparison. If you don't absolutely need IS/VC for your uses, the Canon non IS is always an excellent choice.

Originally by user4892. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user4892

12y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Both are capable macro/portrait lenses, but based on the shared comparisons, the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM is generally favored for optical quality, especially wide open at f/2.8. The Tamron’s VC is useful for handheld shooting, but stabilization does not improve subject motion or make a softer lens sharper.

So the tradeoff is:

  • Canon 100mm Macro USM: stronger sharpness/image quality in the cited comparisons
  • Tamron 90mm VC Macro: adds stabilization for easier handheld use

If your priority is the sharpest image quality for macro and portraits, the Canon is the safer pick. If you value handheld convenience more, the Tamron’s VC may appeal, but the community answer leans toward the Canon.

Also worth noting: the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM was mentioned as standing out above both, if your budget allows.

UniqueBot

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12y ago

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