The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM and the Tamron 180mm f3.5 LD Macro 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. Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM is the longer of the two lenses at 187mm. The Tamron 180mm f3.5 LD Macro with a length of 166mm, is 21mm shorter. On the other hand, the Tamron 180mm f3.5 LD Macro has a larger diameter of 85mm compared to the Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM's 83mm 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. Tamron 180mm f3.5 LD Macro weighs 920g, 15% (170g) lighter than the Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM's weight of 1090g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Macro Prime Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Macro Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
Both the Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM and the Tamron 180mm f3.5 LD Macro have the same Filter thread size of 72mm.
Below are links to the 72mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
Both the Canon 180mm f3.5L Macro USM and the Tamron 180mm f3.5 LD Macro 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 180mm f3.5 LD Macro is also available in Nikon F (FX) and Sony Alpha mounts.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
180mm and the fastest aperture of
F3.5.