The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon RF 100-500mm and the Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD 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 RF 100-500mm is the longer of the two lenses at 208mm. The Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD with a length of 199mm, is 9mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon RF 100-500mm also has a larger diameter of 94mm compared to the Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD's 86mm 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 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD weighs 1135g, 16% (230g) lighter than the Canon RF 100-500mm's weight of 1365g.
Filter Threads
The Canon RF 100-500mm has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD has a 67mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Canon RF 100-500mm:
And these are the 67mm filters that we recommend for the Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD:
Lens Mounts
The Canon RF 100-500mm has the Canon RF lens mount whereas the Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Canon R6 V, Canon R6 III and Canon C50 for the Canon RF Mount and Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K for the Canon EF Mount.
Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD is also available in Nikon F (FX) mount.
Focal Range
Canon RF 100-500mm has a focal range of 100-500mm and
5.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
160 - 800mm.
On the other hand, the Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD has a focal range of 100-400mm and 4.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 160 - 640mm.
