The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2 and the Canon 16-35mm f4L IS USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses. Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2 is the longer of the two lenses at 145mm. The Canon 16-35mm f4L IS USM with a length of 113mm, is 32mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2 also has a larger diameter of 98mm compared to the Canon 16-35mm f4L IS USM's 83mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Canon 16-35mm f4L IS USM weighs 615g, 44% (495g) lighter than the Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2's weight of 1110g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Wideangle Zoom Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Wideangle Zoom Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Lens Mounts
Both the Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2 and the Canon 16-35mm f4L IS 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 SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2 is also available in Nikon F (FX) mount.
Focal Range
Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2 has a focal range of 15-30mm and 2.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 24 - 48mm.
Canon 16-35mm f4L IS USM has a focal range of 16-35mm and 2.2X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 25.6 - 56mm.