How does the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 VC compare with the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II for sports?

Asked 2/26/2015

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I'm choosing between the Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD and the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM. Since the Canon costs significantly more, I'm trying to understand where the real differences are in image quality and performance, especially for shooting sports. If both offer the same focal range, constant f/2.8 aperture, and stabilization, what practical advantages does the Canon have over the Tamron? I'm also interested in how they compare wide open at 200mm and when used with a 2x teleconverter.

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

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

11y ago

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The biggest differences between the two lenses can be seen at 200mm and f/2.8, but that is where many of us use a 70-200 f/2.8 the most. If you ever plan on using a 2x extender with your 70-200 f/2.8, the difference between the two lenses at 400mm are remarkable. In the end, everyone has to decide for themselves what the relationship is between "close enough" and "good enough", and how much the difference, if there is any, is worth.

From Bryan Carthanan's review of the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 SP Di VC USD. The review is very comprehensive and includes a lot of comparisons between the two lenses mentioned in your question, as well as the current Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 offering.

You buy a 70-200 f/2.8 to use at f/2.8. Otherwise, buy a Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM Lens. It will give you modestly better image quality in a smaller and lighter package – with a lower price tag. Thus, I feel that for most, the Tamron VC is a better choice than the Sigma OS from an image sharpness perspective.

The Canon 70-200 L IS II is perhaps the best zoom lens I've ever used – and represents a very formidable competitor to any lens in this class. Surprising is that, at its lower price point, the Tamron 70-200 VC delivers image quality very close to the Canon IS II until the long end of the focal length range where the Canon easily bests the Tamron. Before deciding that you are going to give up that Canon advantage for the lower price, remember that we tend to most-use the full extents of the focal length range in our zoom lenses. And 200mm is perhaps the most important focal length in a 70-200mm f/2.8 stabilized lens. The better 200mm image quality is also translated into better with-extender image quality at the 200mm focal length setting.

Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user15871

11y ago

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The main differences show up where this type of lens is often used most: at 200mm and wide open at f/2.8. The Canon is generally regarded as stronger there, and the gap becomes even more noticeable if you plan to use a 2x extender, where performance at 400mm can differ a lot.

That matters for sports, because a 70-200mm f/2.8 is often bought specifically to be used at f/2.8. If you expect to shoot wide open frequently, especially at the long end, the Canon’s higher price is not just for the name.

The Tamron is still a capable lens, and for many photographers it may be “close enough” depending on budget and expectations. The decision really comes down to how much those performance gains are worth to you in your real use.

In short: if top performance at 200mm f/2.8 and better results with a 2x teleconverter are priorities, the Canon has the edge. If budget matters more and you can accept somewhat less performance in those demanding situations, the Tamron remains a reasonable choice.

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11y ago

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