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 VC 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2

Tamron Di III VC 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2

Tamron
74 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 VC 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2

85 out of 100 high confidence 60 reviews

The Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 G2 is widely praised for its sharpness, lightweight design, and excellent value compared to pricier OEM alternatives like the Sony 70-200mm GM II. Users highlight fast autofocus, effective image stabilization, and solid build quality, making it a favorite for sports, wildlife, and everyday telephoto shooting. A few concerns include the lack of a 200mm reach, potential dust ingress on the extending front, and isolated reports of gray market units without full warranty. Overall, it delivers professional-grade results at a fraction of the cost.

Pros
  • Exceptional sharpness across zoom range
  • Lightweight and portable design
  • Excellent value for money
  • Fast and accurate autofocus
  • Effective image stabilization
Cons
  • Lacks 200mm reach of competitors
  • Extending front element may collect dust
  • Gray market units without full warranty
  • Not parfocal
  • Incompatible with teleconverters
👍 Sharpness 18
👍 Value for money 15
👍 Weight and portability 14
👍 Autofocus performance 12
👍 Image stabilization 8
👍 Build quality 10

Scores

Macro
Canon
91
Tamron
77
Video Cinema
Canon
81
Tamron
73
Budget
Canon
79
Tamron
73
Landscape
Canon
79
Tamron
77
Travel
Canon
78
Tamron
74
Professional
Canon
76
Tamron
69
Wildlife Sports
Canon
74
Tamron
69
Street
Canon
65
Tamron
54
Portrait
Canon
52
Tamron
49

Specifications

Canon RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM 28-70mmTamron Di III VC 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2
Optics
Typezoomzoom
Focal Length Min28 mm70 mm
Focal Length Max70 mm180 mm
Elements1520
Groups1215
Aspherical Elements23★
ED Elements24★
CoatingSuper Spectra Coating (SSC)BBAR-G2
Aperture
Max Aperturef/22f/22
Min Aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Constant✓✓
Diaphragm Blades99
Build
MountCanon RFSony E
Formatfull-framefull-frame
Weather Sealed✓✓
Weight0.49 kg★0.85 kg
Filter Thread67 mm67 mm
AF & Stabilization
AF TypeSTM★VXD
Stabilization✓✓
Stabilization Stops5.5 stops★5 stops
Focus
Min Focus Distance239 mm★300 mm
Max Magnification1:4.21:2.6

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 (90th percentile)90th %ile
  • Strong optical (86th percentile)86th %ile
  • Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
  • Below average bokeh (25th percentile)

Tamron Di III VC 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2

  • Strong optical (98th percentile)98th %ile
  • Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
  • Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
  • Strong versatility (78th percentile)
  • Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
  • Below average bokeh (25th percentile)

Verdict

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

Scores 86 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.

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

MacroBudgetStreetTravelPortraitLandscapeProfessionalVideo CinemaWildlife Sports