Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM
Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
What Buyers Say
Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM
The Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM lens is widely praised as a lightweight, versatile kit lens that delivers sharp images and effective stabilization for its price. Many users appreciate its value as a travel and everyday lens, though some note significant distortion and vignetting at 24mm, a slow aperture, and limited macro capabilities. It is seen as a solid entry-level option but not a replacement for L-series or prime lenses.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Sharp image quality
- Effective image stabilization
- Versatile zoom range
- Good value for the price
Cons
- Slow aperture (f/4-7.1)
- Significant distortion at 24mm
- Vignetting at wide angle
- Soft corners after correction
- Limited true macro capability
Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
The Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD is widely praised as a versatile all-in-one zoom for Sony APS-C cameras. Users love the incredible 16.6x range, close focusing at the wide end, and solid image quality, though some note softness beyond 70-80mm and slow autofocus. The lens is heavier than typical crop-sensor lenses but still considered portable. A few verified buyers report issues with sharpness at the telephoto end and a stiff zoom ring, but the majority find it an excellent walk-around lens that replaces multiple primes and zooms.
Pros
- Incredible 16.6x zoom range
- Close focusing at wide end (semi-macro)
- Good image quality and color rendition
- Solid build with weather sealing
- Effective vibration compensation (VC)
Cons
- Softness beyond 70-80mm
- Slow autofocus compared to smaller zooms
- Heavy and bulky for APS-C
- Stiff zoom ring when zooming out
- Moderate distortion at both ends
Scores
Specifications
| Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM | Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 24 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 105 mm | 300 mm |
| Elements | 18 | 19 |
| Groups | 14 | 5 |
| Aspherical Elements | 4★ | 3 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 4★ |
| Coating | Super Spectra Coating | Fluorine Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/24 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | 4-7.1 | 3.5-6.3 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Canon RF | Sony E |
| Format | full-frame★ | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.54 kg★ | 0.62 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | STM | VXD linear motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 132 mm★ | 1.80 m |
| Max Magnification | 1:2 | 1:2 |
Pros & Cons
Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong optical (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong versatility (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong macro (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Below average aperture (8th percentile)8th %ile
- Below average bokeh (9th percentile)9th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (30th percentile)
Tamron Di III 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
- Strong versatility (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong optical (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong stabilization (80th percentile)80th %ile
Pricing
Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM offers 1.7x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 87 overall, wins 7 of 9 usage categories and 2 of 22 specs.
