Maik723

Considering 70-200 f2.8............... Canon or Tamron???? What You say??

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Your first "Big White"? Whatever made you hesitate? There are many reasons why Canon outsells the rest and most of those reasons are other Canon lenses. Both lenses are good. The Canon is an investment. Enjoy whichever you get.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

It all depends upon your budget. They both are good lenses. Google Ken Rockwell on both lenses.http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/70-200mm-f28.htmHe says The Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L is a top professional lens, with optics and mechanics designed for a lifetime of heavy service while delivering top optical performance. He has not reviewed the Tamron.

Donkas1946 Loc: Southern NH

I have had both and it really is difficult to tell the difference in the quality of the photo sooc. I would say if the majority do use is indoors and in an arena where you don't kneed fast focusing then the tamron will be fine and you will save a lot of $$$. On the other hand if you need indoors fast focus such as hockey, basketball etc or outdoor sports or wildlife where the lens will be subject to abuse then you need to spend the extra money on the canon. You can probably pickup a used and in good shape canon for the same price as a new tamron. Hope this helps.

Hacksaw Loc: Pacific Northwest

I don't have either of these lenses but if it were me, I'd choose the Tameron because of the type of pics I shoot, If it were matter of just $150-$200, I'd choose the Canon but the $700 difference is too great to ignore for what I would do with the lens.

346pak Loc: Texas

I think I just saw an add that said a $100 rebate on the Canon lens. Does that make you jump? (Or fall....) :D

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

I've never used a Tamron lens of any type so I can't tell you anything about them. I do have the EF 70-200 f/2.8 IS L II. The quality of the lens is obvious the first time you see it. Auto focus is instantaneous and silent. Image quality is exceptional. It integrates flawlessly with my Canons, as you would expect. I believe that in the long term it will outlive the Tamron based on it's build quality.
One thing I might mention: I also have the EF 100-400 L II. I find that I use it more then the 70-200 in outdoor, daylight situations. Same all around quality build, focus speed and image quality. Not a big difference in weight and bulk. Focuses closer then the 70-200. A bit more pricey, but depending on what and how you shoot, you may want to take a look at it.

MarkD Loc: NYC

They are both excellent lenses as is the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 OS HSM. Only you can tell if the difference in cost is worth it.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

Being a Canon guy and having had problems with Tamron I always recommend Canon lenses for Canon cameras.

Mrsmoses Loc: Oregon

I have both the Tamron and Sigma lens..much prefer the Sigma. Dropped the first one and just bought another Sigma and I wouldn't be without it.

CraigFair Loc: Santa Maria, CA.

Their Reviews are equal and the Tamron is less expensive so I got the Tamron 70-200 f2.8.
Craig

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Last review I read was that Tamron was thought to be as sharp as the Canon. I remember some discussion that the actual focal length was less than 200mm compared to the Canon. I think Tony Northrup did the review.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

With any third party lens, there is no guarantee it will work on future cameras... With Canon L series, there is (part of Canon's definition of an L is full compatibility with past, present and future Canon cameras).

I bought my 70-200/2.8L IS in 2001 and have used it on film cameras (EOS-3, Elan 7, 1V) and on several generations of DSLRs (mostly 10D, 30D, 50D, 5DII, 7D... but a few others on occasion). It's worked pefectly on all of them.

Had I instead bought one, there simply is no guarantee that a Tamron lens bought in 2001 would have worked on all those. In fact I have an older Sigma 24-70 that works fine on the film cameras and 10D digital, but causes any later camera model to lock up with ERR 30.

The reason for this is that the third party lens manufacturers do not license the AF, IS and other technology from Canon. Instead they have to "reverse engineer" their own tech without stepping on any patents. This is usually fine with current camera models, but any changes to future cameras (such as the 19-point AF introduced in the 7D and now used in a slightly simpler form in 70D and T6i/T6s... or the 65-point AF that's unique to the 7D Mark II) may not be compatible with whatever the 3rd party manufacturer has designed and built. Canon has a deep, vested interest in making sure their cameras and OEM lenses are fully compatible... but no responsibility to do so for 3rd party lens manufacturers.

All that said, Tamron makes some really good stuff. I've used a variety of their SP lenses, in particular, over the past 30 years and currently have their SP 60mm f2.0 Macro that I use on my two 7D and 50Ds.

If wanting to shoot sports or other active, moving subjects with the Tamron, I'd definitely look for a lens with their "USD" focus drive. I don't know how well it compares Canon's USM performance (which is really fast and good on their 70-200s), but I'm certain USD would be better at action shooting than a cheaper micro motor AF lens. My Tammy 60mm has micro motor AF drive... and it's fine for macro, portraiture and other more sedentary subjects... but it's certainly not usable for any sort of action shooting. It just doesn't acquire focus quickly enough or manage tracking well enough to keep up with a faster moving subject.

All the 70-200/2.8s are relatively large and heavy, no matter the manufacturer. If you've never used or handled one, try to check out some in a store to be sure you are okay with it. I've lent my Canon 70-200/2.8 IS USM to folks several times to help them make up their minds... and some of them decided to buy one of the 70-200 f4 models instead, which are about 2/3 the size and weight of the f2.8 lenses. In fact, a couple years ago I bought a lightly used 70-200/4L IS USM as a backup to my f2.8 lens... The f4 lens actually might see even more use than the f2.8 these days.

Maik723

Excellent advice. I thought about that 100-400. Was planning that for future purchase. Will reconsider........... Thanks a lot.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

The Tamron has focus breathing - the Canon - not. This means that at 200mm and closer than 10 feet, the Tamron shrinks it's focal length.

Also, if you have any intentions of ever getting to 400mm with a 2X, I would definitely get the Canon. If focus speed is important - the Canon.