Canon RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM 28-70mm

Canon RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM 28-70mm

Canon
86 Overall Score
vs
Tamron Di III 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD

Tamron Di III 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD

Tamron
57 Overall Score

What Buyers Say

Canon RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM 28-70mm

95 out of 100 medium confidence 12 reviews

This lens is highly praised for its sharpness, lightweight design, and versatility, making it an excellent mid-range zoom for travel and low-light photography. Users appreciate its compatibility with Canon R-series cameras and its ability to deliver professional-quality images. The only minor drawback mentioned is the limited zoom range, but reviewers agree it is the most compact and light option available.

Pros
  • Sharp image quality
  • Lightweight and compact design
  • Versatile mid-range zoom
  • Excellent low-light performance
  • Fast and accurate autofocus
Cons
  • Limited zoom range
  • High price for some users
👍 Image quality 5
👍 Build quality 4
👍 Value for money 3
👍 Low light performance 3
👍 Autofocus 2
🤔 Zoom range 2

Tamron Di III 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD

78 out of 100 medium confidence 12 reviews

This Tamron 70-300mm lens is widely praised for its excellent value, delivering solid telephoto and macro performance at a budget-friendly price. Many users highlight sharp images at mid-range and macro distances, though some note softness at the long end and noticeable chromatic aberration in high-contrast scenes. Build quality feels good for the price, with a smooth zoom action and metal mount, but a few reviewers experienced focus inconsistency and a slight catch in the zoom ring. Overall, it's a highly recommended budget telephoto for those who can work around its limitations.

Pros
  • Excellent value for money
  • Good macro performance (1:2)
  • Solid build quality for price
  • Sharp images at mid-range and macro
  • Fast and accurate autofocus
Cons
  • Soft focus at 300mm end
  • Noticeable chromatic aberration
  • Zoom ring catch around 180-200mm
  • Inconsistent autofocus on some bodies
  • Not as sharp as premium lenses
👍 Value for money 8
🤔 Image quality 10
👍 Macro performance 5
👍 Build quality 6
🤔 Autofocus performance 4
👎 Chromatic aberration 3

Scores

Macro
Canon
91
Tamron
62
Landscape
Canon
83
Tamron
70
Video Cinema
Canon
82
Tamron
53
Budget
Canon
79
Tamron
64
Travel
Canon
78
Tamron
64
Professional
Canon
77
Tamron
57
Wildlife Sports
Canon
74
Tamron
72
Street
Canon
65
Tamron
51
Portrait
Canon
51
Tamron
40

Specifications

Canon RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM 28-70mmTamron Di III 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD
Optics
Typezoomtelephoto
Focal Length Min28 mm70 mm
Focal Length Max70 mm300 mm
Elements1515
Groups1210
Aspherical Elements2★—
ED Elements2★1
CoatingSuper Spectra Coating (SSC)BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) Coating
Aperture
Max Aperturef/22f/22
Min Aperturef/2.84.5-6.3
Constant✓★✗
Diaphragm Blades9★7
Build
MountCanon RFNikon Z
Formatfull-framefull-frame
Weather Sealed✓✓
Weight0.49 kg★0.54 kg
Filter Thread67 mm67 mm
AF & Stabilization
AF TypeSTM★RXD stepping motor
Stabilization✓✓
Stabilization Stops5.5 stops★—
Focus
Min Focus Distance239 mm★800 mm
Max Magnification1:4.2★—

Pros & Cons

Canon RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM 28-70mm

  • Strong stabilization (99th percentile)99th %ile
  • Strong user sentiment (98th percentile)98th %ile
  • Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
  • Strong optical (86th percentile)86th %ile
  • Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
  • Below average bokeh (24th percentile)

Tamron Di III 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD

  • Strong versatility (91st percentile)91st %ile
  • Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
  • Strong stabilization (80th percentile)80th %ile
  • Strong optical (71st percentile)
  • Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
  • Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
  • Below average user sentiment (30th percentile)

Verdict

★ Winner: Canon RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM 28-70mm

Scores 86 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 9 of 22 specs.

Canon RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM 28-70mm Better at:

MacroBudgetStreetTravelPortraitLandscapeProfessionalVideo Cinema