The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tamron AF 28-300mm f3.5-6.3 XR VC LD and the Canon 50mm f1.8 II 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 AF 28-300mm f3.5-6.3 XR VC LD is the longer of the two lenses at 78mm. The Canon 50mm f1.8 II with a length of 41mm, is 37mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Tamron AF 28-300mm f3.5-6.3 XR VC LD also has a larger diameter of 99mm compared to the Canon 50mm f1.8 II's 68mm 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 50mm f1.8 II weighs 130g, 76% (425g) lighter than the Tamron AF 28-300mm f3.5-6.3 XR VC LD's weight of 555g.
Filter Threads
The Tamron AF 28-300mm f3.5-6.3 XR VC LD has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Canon 50mm f1.8 II has a 52mm 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 AF 28-300mm f3.5-6.3 XR VC LD:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 50mm f1.8 II:
Lens Mounts
Both the Tamron AF 28-300mm f3.5-6.3 XR VC LD and the Canon 50mm f1.8 II 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 AF 28-300mm f3.5-6.3 XR VC LD is also available in Nikon F (FX) mount.
Focal Range
Tamron AF 28-300mm f3.5-6.3 XR VC LD has a focal range of 28-300mm and
10.7X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
44.8 - 480mm.
On the other hand, the Canon 50mm f1.8 II is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 50mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 80mm.