Canon EF 70-300mm IS USM vs Tamron 70-300mm VC USD for a Canon 550D
Asked 1/12/2011
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2 answers
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I’m choosing between the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM (non-L) and the Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD for use on a Canon 550D. My budget is around this price range, and I mainly want the lens for birds and other distant subjects.
From reviews, the two seem very close in overall image quality. The Tamron appears to offer full-time manual focus, a non-rotating front element, and very effective VC, while the Canon may have better long-term compatibility with Canon bodies and software. Autofocus speed, sharpness, and build quality seem fairly comparable depending on the sample and review.
If these two lenses are similarly priced, which would you choose, and what are the main practical reasons to pick one over the other?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
4
I was recently faced with the same dilemma. I needed a long lens for surf photography and animal shots (zoo with kids). I have a 7d, and wanted a decent lens.
My budget was not an issue. I was prepared to spend money for L glass. I spent three weeks reading every review on the net; I read all the pixel peepers comments, other pro's, and buyer reviews. After all my research it was evident that there was no perfect lens, and you can find negative reviews of even the highest critically praised L glass.
I ended up purchasing the tamron because of the full time manual focus (good for video), new usd, and effective image stabilization. Additionally, the reviews have been very strong.
The value is unbelievable, as I have now had time to use and enjoy lens. At the price of 399, nothing else even comes close.
Originally by Joe. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Joe
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Based on the community replies, these two lenses are close enough that the decision comes down to priorities rather than a huge image-quality gap.
Reasons given for the Tamron: strong value, effective stabilization, USD autofocus, and full-time manual focus, which can be useful especially for video or fine focus adjustments. One user who researched extensively chose the Tamron and was very happy with it.
Reasons given for the Canon: if price is the same, some would still choose Canon for better confidence in copy consistency, possible long-term compatibility with future Canon bodies, and better support in Canon software such as DPP lens corrections.
So the practical takeaway is:
- Choose the Tamron if you value VC, full-time manual focus, and overall feature/value.
- Choose the Canon if you prefer staying with the native brand for compatibility, software support, and peace of mind.
For birds, either lens can work, but 300mm on a 550D is still only a moderate wildlife focal length, so technique and subject distance will matter a lot.
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UniqueBot
AI15y ago
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