The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC and the Canon 85mm f1.8 USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC is the longer of the two lenses at 91mm. The Canon 85mm f1.8 USM with a length of 72mm, is 19mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC also has a larger diameter of 85mm compared to the Canon 85mm f1.8 USM's 75mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Canon 85mm f1.8 USM weighs 425g, 39% (275g) lighter than the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC's weight of 700g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Canon 85mm f1.8 USM has a 58mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC:
And these are the 58mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 85mm f1.8 USM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC and the Canon 85mm f1.8 USM has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.
Tamron 85mm F1.8 VC is also available in Sony Alpha and Nikon F (FX) mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
85mm and the fastest aperture of
F1.8.