The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon 70-200mm f4L IS USM and the Tamron SP 70-200mm 2.8 Di VC USD G2 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 SP 70-200mm 2.8 Di VC USD G2 is the longer of the two lenses at 194mm. The Canon 70-200mm f4L IS USM with a length of 172mm, is 22mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Tamron SP 70-200mm 2.8 Di VC USD G2 also has a larger diameter of 88mm compared to the Canon 70-200mm f4L IS USM's 76mm 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 70-200mm f4L IS USM weighs 760g, which means it is 740g (49%) lighter than the Tamron SP 70-200mm 2.8 Di VC USD G2 which has a weight of 1500g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Canon 70-200mm f4L IS USM has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Tamron SP 70-200mm 2.8 Di VC USD G2 has a 77mm 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 Canon 70-200mm f4L IS USM:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Tamron SP 70-200mm 2.8 Di VC USD G2:
Lens Mounts
Both the Canon 70-200mm f4L IS USM and the Tamron SP 70-200mm 2.8 Di VC USD G2 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 SP 70-200mm 2.8 Di VC USD G2 is also available in Nikon F (FX) mount.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
70-200mm but while Canon 70-200mm f4L IS USM has the fastest aperture of
F4.0, the Tamron SP 70-200mm 2.8 Di VC USD G2's widest aperture value is
F2.8.