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lightrules | profile | all galleries >> Lens Tests by LightRules >> Stabilized SuperZoom Test >> Bring Your "A" Game tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Bring Your "A" Game

Just a quick (100% crops) comparison against arguably Canon's sharpest lens, the 300 F2.8 L IS USM. Also included is the 70-200 F2.8 L IS USM mated to a Kenko Pro 1.4x TC. Unsurprisingly, the VC performs the worst, followed by the Canon zoom, then the tremendous Canon prime. You'll notice not only the 300 L's sharpness and contrast, but also its total lack of color fringing.
Tamron VC @ 270mm f6.3
Tamron VC @ 270mm f6.3		 70-200 f2.8 IS @ 280mm f6.3
70-200 f2.8 IS @ 280mm f6.3		 300 f2.8 IS @ 300mm f6.3
300 f2.8 IS @ 300mm f6.3		 300 f2.8 IS @ 300mm f2.8 Wide Open
300 f2.8 IS @ 300mm f2.8 Wide Open

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Sihodude 24-Apr-2011 18:59
Remember, there will be a huge difference between a Zoom lens and a fixed lens. And the greater zoom level, the more quality craps out on the extreme ends, but it really comes down to how the camera understands the lighting fro the lens.
lightrules 20-Nov-2009 05:06
ysap, don't ever (I mean ever) try out one of Canon's "super L's". You've been forewarned. ;-)
ysap 20-Nov-2009 00:56
For heaven's sake... I am about to buy the ef70-200mm f/2.8l any day now... and I find this! I know this lens is considered one of the best zooms out there, but comparing it to the 300mm prime, I start having second thoughts...
thedom 28-Oct-2009 00:34
I am like Nelson, I am surprised with the difference.
The Tamron looks horrible.
please let us know more details.
Thanks.
Nelson 08-Jun-2009 01:53
Iv'e been struggling over this decison for a few weeks now. Thank you so much of potsing this entire series.

I was about ready to go for the Tamron ... until I saw this. The difference here is huge. Forgeting about the prime lens, how is it that you can still get think so highly of the VC when the Canon 70-200 looks so much better? Is it the 100% crop and I'm only shooting for the web and DVDs, so it doesn't matter? But what if I wanted an 11x14 print?

Arrgh! Please let me know your thoughts.
lightrules 06-Feb-2009 16:20
They're actually from somewhere in between center and edge. Closer to the center though.
Guest 06-Feb-2009 13:06
Are these crops taken from the the centre or edge of the image please?
click on thumbnails for full image