What To Know
- The IS system in the Canon lens is rated for 4 stops of compensation, while the IS system in the Tamron lens is rated for 3.
- The Canon EF-S 18-200mm lens has a focal length range of 18-200mm, while the Tamron 16-300mm lens has a focal length range of 16-300mm.
- However, if you need a lens with a wider field of view or a longer reach, then the Tamron 16-300mm lens is a good option.
When it comes to choosing a versatile lens for your Canon APS-C camera, the Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and the Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD are two compelling options. Both lenses offer a wide zoom range, making them suitable for a variety of photographic applications. However, there are some key differences between the two lenses that you should consider before making a purchase. In this blog post, we will compare the Canon EF-S 18-200mm vs Tamron 16-300mm lenses in terms of their specifications, performance, and overall value.
Specifications
| Feature | Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS | Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD |
| — | — | — |
| Focal Length | 18-200mm | 16-300mm |
| Aperture Range | f/3.5-5.6 | f/3.5-6.3 |
| Minimum Focusing Distance | 0.45m | 0.39m |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.27x | 0.25x |
| Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Autofocus | STM | PZD |
| Weight | 595g | 630g |
| Dimensions | 78.6 x 98.6mm | 82 x 101.4mm |
Performance
Image Quality
Both the Canon EF-S 18-200mm and Tamron 16-300mm lenses produce sharp images with accurate colors and good contrast. However, the Canon lens has a slight edge in terms of overall image quality, particularly at the wider focal lengths. This is likely due to the fact that the Canon lens has a slightly wider aperture, which allows it to capture more light and produce images with a shallower depth of field.
Autofocus
The Canon EF-S 18-200mm lens uses a stepping motor (STM) for autofocus, while the Tamron 16-300mm lens uses a piezoelectric drive (PZD). Both autofocus systems are fast and accurate, but the STM motor in the Canon lens is slightly quieter than the PZD motor in the Tamron lens. This makes the Canon lens a better choice for photographers who shoot video or who need to autofocus quietly.
Image Stabilization
Both the Canon EF-S 18-200mm and Tamron 16-300mm lenses feature image stabilization (IS), which helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images at slower shutter speeds. The IS system in the Canon lens is rated for 4 stops of compensation, while the IS system in the Tamron lens is rated for 3.5 stops. This means that the Canon lens will be more effective at reducing camera shake at longer focal lengths.
Versatility
The Canon EF-S 18-200mm lens has a focal length range of 18-200mm, while the Tamron 16-300mm lens has a focal length range of 16-300mm. This means that the Tamron lens offers a slightly wider field of view at the wide end and a slightly longer reach at the telephoto end. However, the Canon lens is still versatile enough for most photographers, and it is more compact and lightweight than the Tamron lens.
Build Quality
The Canon EF-S 18-200mm lens is made of high-quality materials and has a solid build. The Tamron 16-300mm lens is also well-built, but it is not as sturdy as the Canon lens. The Canon lens also has a weather-sealed construction, which makes it more resistant to dust and moisture.
Price
The Canon EF-S 18-200mm lens is typically priced around $700, while the Tamron 16-300mm lens is typically priced around $500. The Canon lens is more expensive, but it offers better overall performance and build quality.
Which Lens is Right for You?
The Canon EF-S 18-200mm and Tamron 16-300mm lenses are both excellent choices for photographers who want a versatile lens for their Canon APS-C camera. However, there are some key differences between the two lenses that you should consider before making a purchase.
If you want the best possible image quality and autofocus performance, then the Canon EF-S 18-200mm lens is the better choice. However, if you need a lens with a wider field of view or a longer reach, then the Tamron 16-300mm lens is a good option. Ultimately, the best lens for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
Alternatives
If you are looking for alternatives to the Canon EF-S 18-200mm and Tamron 16-300mm lenses, there are a few other options that you should consider.
- Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM – This lens is a great choice for photographers who want a fast and sharp lens for portraits and other low-light photography.
- Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC OS HSM – This lens is a good all-around lens that offers a wide focal length range and a fast aperture.
- Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II VC USD – This lens is a compact and lightweight lens that offers a fast aperture and good image quality.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Choice
The Canon EF-S 18-200mm and Tamron 16-300mm lenses are both excellent choices for photographers who want a versatile lens for their Canon APS-C camera. The Canon lens offers better overall performance and build quality, but it is more expensive. The Tamron lens is more affordable and offers a wider field of view and a longer reach. Ultimately, the best lens for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which lens is better for low-light photography?
A: The Canon EF-S 18-200mm lens has a wider aperture than the Tamron 16-300mm lens, which makes it better for low-light photography.
Q: Which lens is better for video?
A: The Canon EF-S 18-200mm lens has a quieter autofocus motor than the Tamron 16-300mm lens, which makes it better for video.
Q: Which lens is more versatile?
A: The Tamron 16-300mm lens has a wider field of view and a longer reach than the Canon EF-S 18-200mm lens, which makes it more versatile.
