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Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM vs Tamron SP AF 300mm f/2.8 LD [IF]

Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.

Verdict at a glance

  • Tamron SP AF 300mm f/2.8 LD [IF] is faster by 13.5 stops (f/2.8 vs f/300.0), letting in more light.
Specification comparison
Spec EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM SP AF 300mm f/2.8 LD [IF]
Brand Canon Tamron
Mount Canon EF Canon EF
Type Prime Telephoto
Focal length 300mm 300mm
Max aperture f/300.0 f/2.8 (faster)
Released 1999 n/a
Blades 8 9
Format full-frame n/a
Groups 13 7
Af motor USM n/a
Elements 17 10
Weight g 2550.0 n/a
Length mm 252.0 n/a
Stabilized Yes n/a
Diameter mm 128.0 n/a
Min focus m 2.5 2.5
Max magnification 0.13 0.14
Filter mm n/a 43

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

The 1999 first version of Canon's stabilized 300mm f/2.8 super-telephoto. It was succeeded by the II in 2010.

Pros

  • f/2.8 aperture with IS
  • Sharp optics
  • Fast ring USM
  • Takes extenders

Cons

  • About 2.5kg
  • Older IS generation than the II
  • Minimum focus of 2.5m

Tamron SP AF 300mm f/2.8 LD [IF]

A 300mm f/2.8 telephoto prime lens, the Tamron SP AF 300mm f/2.8 LD [IF] is designed for Canon EF mount bodies, from the Tamron SP series. It brings distant subjects closer for sports, wildlife and events.

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