Introduction
Choosing the right interchangeable lens is a pivotal decision for photographers and videographers alike. This article compares five popular lenses that appear on Amazon: the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III (renewed), the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II, the Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM, the Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM, and the Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A. The comparison focuses on price, specifications, user feedback, performance, and ideal use cases, providing a balanced view for both enthusiasts and professionals.
Individual Product Overviews
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III (Renewed)
Price: $144.99 | Rating: 4.7/5 (1,054 reviews) | Availability: In Stock
This renewed telephoto zoom offers a lightweight design at 1.05 lb (16.8 oz) and a compact 2.8 × 4.8 in footprint. It features an EF mount, DC autofocus motor, and a minimum focusing distance of 4.9 ft. Optical image stabilization and Super Spectra coating help control flare. The lens is suitable for entry‑level shooters seeking long reach without a large investment.
Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Price: $2,448.00 | Rating: 4.7/5 (348 reviews) | Availability: In Stock
The second‑generation G Master standard zoom delivers a constant f/2.8 aperture, 84°‑34° angle of view, and a suite of advanced optics: two XA elements, two ED, two Super ED, and a floating focus system. It weighs 24.6 oz (695 g) and incorporates four XD Linear Motors for fast, quiet autofocus, making it a flagship option for professional stills and video.
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM
Price: $2,399.00 | Rating: 4.8/5 (673 reviews) | Availability: In Stock
Designed for Canon’s full‑frame mirrorless R system, this L‑series lens combines a bright f/2.8 aperture with up to 5 stops of optical image stabilization. Nano USM delivers smooth, silent AF, and the minimum focusing distance ranges from 0.69 ft (wide) to 1.25 ft (tele). Its weather‑sealed construction and fluorine coating make it a robust all‑purpose lens.
Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
Price: $499.00 | Rating: 4.8/5 (1,378 reviews) | Availability: In Stock
This compact prime provides a 1:2 macro capability with a 0.56 ft (0.17 m) minimum focusing distance and up to 5 stops of image stabilization. The STM motor ensures quiet video AF, while a control ring offers direct exposure adjustments. It is ideal for street, portrait, and macro work in a lightweight package.
Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A (Sony E)
Price: $699.00 | Rating: 4.8/5 (1,755 reviews) | Availability: In Stock
Targeted at APS‑C mirrorless cameras, this lens delivers a constant f/2.8 aperture across a 4.1× zoom range (17‑70 mm, equivalent to 25.5‑105 mm full‑frame). It incorporates Tamron VC vibration compensation, AI‑enhanced stabilization for video, and a moisture‑resistant build. At 525 g, it balances speed and portability.
Head‑to‑Head Comparison
Price and Value
- Canon EF 75-300mm: $144.99 – the most affordable, offering high‑magnification at entry level.
- Tamron 17-70mm: $699.00 – mid‑range price with a constant f/2.8 aperture and VC.
- Canon RF 35mm Macro: $499.00 – budget‑friendly prime with macro capability and IS.
- Sony FE 24-70mm GM II: $2,448.00 – premium price reflecting professional‑grade optics and speed.
- Canon RF 24-70mm L IS USM: $2,399.00 – comparable premium cost, adds in‑lens stabilization.
When value is measured by aperture speed versus cost, the Tamron and Canon RF 35mm provide the best aperture‑to‑price ratio, while the Sony and Canon RF 24‑70mm lenses justify their cost through superior build and autofocus performance.
Features and Specifications
| Canon EF 75-300mm | Sony FE 24-70mm GM II | Canon RF 24-70mm L IS | Canon RF 35mm Macro | Tamron 17-70mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length: 75‑300mm | Focal Length: 24‑70mm | Focal Length: 24‑70mm | Focal Length: 35mm (prime) | Focal Length: 17‑70mm |
| Aperture: f/4‑5.6 | Aperture: f/2.8 (constant) | Aperture: f/2.8 (constant) | Aperture: f/1.8 | Aperture: f/2.8 (constant) |
| Mount: Canon EF | Mount: Sony FE | Mount: Canon RF | Mount: Canon RF | Mount: Sony E (APS‑C) |
| Weight: 1.05 lb (16.8 oz) | Weight: 24.6 oz (695 g) | Weight: 24.6 oz (695 g) | Weight: 0.84 lb (approx.) | Weight: 1.16 lb (525 g) |
| Image Stabilization: Optical | Image Stabilization: None (requires in‑body) | Image Stabilization: Up to 5 stops | Image Stabilization: Up to 5 stops | Image Stabilization: VC (Tamron) |
| Autofocus Motor: DC (micro USM) | Autofocus Motor: 4× XD Linear | Autofocus Motor: Nano USM | Autofocus Motor: STM | Autofocus Motor: RXD |
| Minimum Focus: 4.9 ft (1.5 m) | Minimum Focus: 0.6 ft (0.18 m) approx. | Minimum Focus: 0.69 ft (0.21 m) wide / 1.25 ft (0.38 m) tele | Minimum Focus: 0.56 ft (0.17 m) | Minimum Focus: 0.19 m (7.5 in) at 17 mm |
| Filter Thread: 58 mm | Filter Thread: 82 mm | Filter Thread: 82 mm | Filter Thread: 52 mm | Filter Thread: 67 mm |
Customer Ratings and Feedback
The Canon EF 75-300mm enjoys a 4.7/5 rating from over a thousand reviewers, many of whom praise its lightweight build and affordability for wildlife photography. The Sony GM II and Canon RF 24‑70mm L both hold 4.7/5 and 4.8/5 respectively, with users highlighting superb sharpness, reliable autofocus, and professional feel. The Canon RF 35mm Macro and Tamron 17‑70mm each score 4.8/5, receiving commendations for macro performance and versatile everyday use. Across all lenses, the most common positive remarks concern image quality relative to price, while occasional criticisms focus on the lack of built‑in stabilization in the Sony GM II.
Performance and Reliability
In real‑world testing, the Sony GM II and Canon RF 24‑70mm L deliver consistent corner‑to‑corner sharpness even at f/2.8, aided by advanced aspherical and low‑dispersion elements. The Canon EF 75‑300mm, while softer at the longest focal lengths, remains reliable for casual telephoto work thanks to its optical stabilization. The RF 35mm Macro provides impressive 1:2 magnification with minimal distortion, and its STM motor excels in video scenarios. Tamron’s VC system effectively compensates for handheld shake, and its moisture‑resistant construction proves durable in varied environments.
Best Use Cases
- Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III: Budget wildlife, sports, and travel where reach outweighs absolute sharpness.
- Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II: Professional weddings, fashion, and high‑resolution video requiring fast, silent AF.
- Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM: Hybrid shooters needing both stills excellence and up to 5‑stop stabilization for handheld video.
- Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM: Street, portrait, and macro work where a bright prime and compact size are paramount.
- Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A: APS‑C creators seeking a versatile walk‑around lens with constant aperture and vibration compensation.
Pros & Cons
Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III
- Pros: Low price, lightweight, optical stabilization, long reach.
- Cons: Variable aperture, softer performance at 300mm, no weather sealing.
Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
- Pros: Exceptional sharpness, fast XD Linear Motors, robust build.
- Cons: High cost, no in‑lens stabilization, heavier than some rivals.
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM
- Pros: 5‑stop IS, Nano USM silent AF, weather‑sealed, bright aperture.
- Cons: Premium price, slightly larger than the Sony counterpart.
Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
- Pros: Macro capability, 5‑stop IS, compact, affordable for an RF prime.
- Cons: Limited zoom flexibility, macro ratio only 1:2.
Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A
- Pros: Constant f/2.8, VC with AI video boost, moisture‑resistant, versatile focal range.
- Cons: Designed for APS‑C only, slightly heavier than similar primes.
Recommendations
For photographers on a strict budget who need telephoto reach, the Canon EF 75-300mm offers the best cost‑to‑reach ratio. Professionals requiring a reliable workhorse for weddings or commercial shoots should consider the Sony FE 24-70mm GM II for its unrivaled sharpness and AF speed. Hybrid shooters who value handheld video stability will benefit most from the Canon RF 24-70mm L IS USM. Street and macro enthusiasts will find the Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro an excellent balance of speed, stabilization, and close‑focus ability. Finally, creators using Sony APS‑C bodies who desire a versatile, fast‑aperture zoom should select the Tamron 17-70mm Di III-A.
FAQ
- Do any of these lenses have built‑in image stabilization? The Canon EF 75-300mm, Canon RF 24-70mm L, Canon RF 35mm Macro, and Tamron 17-70mm all include optical stabilization. The Sony GM II relies on in‑body stabilization (IBIS) only.
- Are the Canon RF lenses compatible with Canon DSLR bodies? No. RF lenses are designed for Canon full‑frame mirrorless cameras and will not mount on EF DSLR bodies without an adapter, which may affect performance.
- Which lens offers the fastest maximum aperture? The Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro provides the widest aperture at f/1.8, followed by the two f/2.8 zooms.
- Is the Tamron 17-70mm suitable for full‑frame Sony cameras? It is optimized for APS‑C sensors; using it on a full‑frame body will result in vignetting.
- How does the autofocus speed compare among the zooms? The Sony GM II and Canon RF 24‑70mm L use high‑speed linear motors, delivering the quickest lock‑on. The Canon EF 75‑300mm uses a DC motor, which is slower but adequate for casual use.
- Can any of these lenses be used for macro photography? Yes. The Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro offers a 1:2 magnification ratio, while the Canon EF 75‑300mm can focus at 4.9 ft, suitable for larger subjects. The Tamron also provides close‑focus capability at 0.19 m at 17 mm.
- Which lens is the lightest? The Canon EF 75‑300mm is the lightest at 1.05 lb, followed closely by the Canon RF 35mm Macro.
Conclusion
Each lens examined serves a distinct niche. The budget‑friendly Canon EF 75‑300mm excels in reach for its price, while the Sony GM II and Canon RF 24‑70mm L dominate the professional segment with superior optics and build quality. The RF 35mm Macro stands out for its bright aperture and macro versatility, and the Tamron 17‑70mm offers a balanced, all‑round solution for APS‑C shooters. Ultimately, the best choice aligns with the photographer’s system, budget, and primary shooting scenarios.
Products Mentioned in This Review
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III and the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II?
The Canon EF 75-300mm is a telephoto zoom with a variable aperture, ideal for distant subjects and budget‑friendly, while the Sony FE 24-70mm offers a constant f/2.8 aperture, superior sharpness, and is designed for full‑frame mirrorless cameras.
Is the Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM suitable for macro photography?
Yes, its 1:2 maximum magnification and image stabilization make it effective for close‑up work, though true 1:1 macro lenses provide higher magnification.
How does the Tamron 17-70mm F2.8 Di III-A compare in price and performance to the Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM?
The Tamron is typically 30‑40% cheaper while delivering comparable sharpness and a constant f/2.8 aperture, but the Canon RF offers better build quality, faster autofocus, and weather sealing.
Which lens offers the best low‑light performance among the listed options?
Both the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II and the Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8 L IS USM provide the brightest constant f/2.8 aperture, making them the top low‑light choices.
Are renewed Canon EF 75-300mm lenses reliable for professional use?
Renewed lenses are refurbished to like‑new condition and can perform well, but professionals often prefer new lenses with full warranty and guaranteed optical consistency.