Canon L RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Canon
62 Overall Score
vs
Tamron Di III-A 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD 300mm
Tamron
98 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
Canon L RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM
No customer feedback yet
Tamron Di III-A 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD 300mm
78 out of 100 high confidence 70 reviews
The Tamron 18-300mm superzoom is widely praised as a versatile all-in-one travel lens, with users highlighting its convenience, sharpness, and effective image stabilization. Many appreciate not needing to swap lenses, though some note compromises in image quality at the telephoto end and a heavier build compared to smaller zooms. A few users report issues with manual focus, stiff zoom rings, and warranty concerns, but overall sentiment is strongly positive.
Pros
- Versatile all-in-one zoom range
- Sharp images for the price
- Effective image stabilization
- Convenient for travel
- Good value for money
Cons
- Soft corners at wide apertures
- Heavier than smaller zooms
- Stiff zoom ring initially
- Manual focus issues
- Not ideal for low light
Versatility 25
Image quality 20
Image stabilization 8
Weight and size 10
Autofocus performance 9
Build quality 7
Scores
Budget
Portrait
Travel
Wildlife Sports
Macro
Landscape
Video Cinema
Professional
Street
Specifications
| Canon L RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM | Tamron Di III-A 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD 300mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 100 mm | 18 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 500 mm | 300 mm |
| Elements | 20 | 19 |
| Groups | 14 | 5 |
| Aspherical Elements | — | 3★ |
| ED Elements | 7★ | 4 |
| Coating | Fluorine coating | Fluorine Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/54 | f/3.5 |
| Min Aperture | 4.5-7.1 | 3.5-6.3 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9★ | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Canon RF | Sony E |
| Format | full-frame★ | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 1.36 kg | 0.62 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 77 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Dual Nano USM | VXD linear motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 900 mm | 150 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.33x | 1:2★ |
Pros & Cons
Canon L RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- Strong optical (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong versatility (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong af (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Below average aperture (2nd percentile)2nd %ile
- Below average bokeh (2nd percentile)2nd %ile
- Below average build (19th percentile)19th %ile
- Below average macro (31st percentile)
Tamron Di III-A 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD 300mm
- Strong versatility (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong optical (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong macro (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Canon L RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM0.001score per dollar
vs
Tamron Di III-A 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD 300mm0.009score per dollar
Tamron Di III-A 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD 300mm offers 9.0x better value for money
Verdict
Winner: Tamron Di III-A 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD 300mm
Scores 98 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.
