In this review, we will be comparing Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD and Canon 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM, two Telephoto Zoom lenses from Tamron and Canon. Both lenses have the same focal length and max apertures of 70-300mm focal range and a max aperture of F4.0 - F5.6 so they are very comparable in this regard.
We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.
What type of photography are the Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD and Canon 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM lenses good for?
The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD and the Canon 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
| Photography Type |
Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD |
Canon 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM |
| Bird/Wildlife | Good | Good |
| Sports | Good | Good |
| Portrait | Average | Average |
| Travel | Fair | Fair |
| Street | Fair | Fair |
| Wedding | Average | Average |
| Walk Around | Average | Average |
| Vlogging | Poor | Poor |
| Landscape | Average | Average |
| Macro | Average | Average |
Size and Weight Comparison
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 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM weighs 630g, 17% (135g) lighter than the Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD's weight of 765g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the 'Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Lens Mounts
Both Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD and Canon 70-300mm f4-5.6 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 70-300mm f4-5.6 VC USD is also available in Nikon F (FX) mount.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of 70-300mm and the fastest aperture of F4.0 - F5.6.