Canon 70-200L II vs Tamron 70-200 G2 | Which One?

[@0229Kevin]

You really answered a lot conflicting statement by different reviewer such as focus breathing problem. They make judgement too quickly based on maybe one-day shooting while it looks like you are the one who truly took you time on every review and conclusion you did. I think you are the most professional and best reviewer online. Thank you so much for your work!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's kind, thank you.

[@rafograph854]

That's true

[@carly9355]

I am itching to save up for a Tamron. I would love the Canon, but where I am a hobbyist, I think the Tamron will suit my needs perfectly. Thank you for being thorough with your reviews.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure, Carly.

[@FlorianCortese]

Thanks Dustin for this series of reviews between these two lenses. I have owned the Canon version for several years now. I was curious when Tamron came out with the G2 version and was seriously tempted to switch...newer, better, etc. However, after these series of reviews and baseupon my usage of this lens, I'm sticking with the older Canon workhorse of a lens. However, if I didn't own a 70-200, the Tamron would be the way to go. They are close enough and the price difference would be the winning factor for me. Your reviews area always helpful in the decision making process.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks for the feedback. I think you are making the right call.

[@danielthomas7747]

I wanted to buy the Canon. But I bought today the Tamron, I am impressed by the build quality and the pics result. Again you do such great review that from my perspective are objective and really professional. Congratulations! and Thank you.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks for the nice feedback. Enjoy!

[@user-hq9gj1cm2m]

i bought the Tamron after watching your in depth reviews of it, the lens is great im very happy with the image quality im getting on it with the 5d mk3

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm glad to hear that!

[@KirtiRanjan]

Can you please share a few images or probably some test RAW files?

[@idahomountainlover754]

Kirti Ranjan Nayak why in the hell would you ever ask someone for a raw file of their image? Go take your own fucking photos

[@Soul_Visuals_Photography]

@@idahomountainlover754 so they can decide if they like rage image quality. Jared does this all the time. Relax.

[@MegaTruck20]

I'd love to buy a Tamron G2 but the large number of "bad copies" being reported have me worried. I'm going to wait for now. I hope Tamron gets their quality control issues figured out soon. keep up the good work Dustin. love your reviews.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's always a little challenging to separate fact from fiction in the early stages. I saw one review where someone faulted image sharpness while simultaneously mentioning that they hadn't calibrated focus. I've used two copies of the lens that performed fairly similarly, and Roger at LensRentals has an article where he compared 10-20 copies.

[@fixitrod4969]

Mine is amazing. I don't seem to have the focus pause he talked about either. Mine pops into focus very fast. I bought the tap in console but didn't adjust a thing on it. I did adjust my 24-70 g2 some but not this one. I've used them both for about 6 months now.

[@MarkAKathurima]

It also comes with 6x the warranty period of the Canon, so you can return any duds all day, no? (Assuming you're in N. America that is!)

[@JoeJacksonJr]

I know you tested multiple copies of the G2. But my copy is equally great at both ends. This has been my favorite 3rd party lens ever..

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's interesting, and makes me want to test a third (I've requested one from the second wave/batch from Tamron.

[@cactustweeter2890]

Dustin another great lens review series. I now understand better what the differences are between the lenses and trade-offs with each lens. Thank you for sharing once again.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure. It was my hope to just simply spell those things out.

[@Vaptomwen]

Price will certainly be the most decisive factor for many. I'm not sure how old the Canon lens is now,but I suspect the Mark 3 version could be more , a lot more expensive. Like images from the Sigma 135 Art v Canon 135 the newer Tamron appears to have better light transmission than the older Canon designs. However like in this video the Canon despite being older seems to hold its own impressively. Hopefully the rumours of a Canon 85mm f/1.4 to respond to Sigmas impressive optics & price(usually )turns out to be more than just a rumour !

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I think the 85mm f/1.4 IS is coming, for sure.

[@hcvincenzo]

Since the MkII was I think around $2200 when it came out I would imagine the MkIII will be even higher.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm afraid that will be true!

[@Smoothblue90]

Thank you. Your reviews, and Matt Granger's reviews, of the Tamron lenses are fantastic. Very helpful to me in deciding to go with Tamron lenses for my Nikon D750. Subscribed. Liked. Commented.

[@momchilyordanov8190]

Down to personal preference, but I like the looks of the G2 lens better. It may sound irrelevant, but if I'm buying an expensive lens, to be used for years, I would consider the appearance too :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Fair enough.

[@sigmaoctantis_nz]

I love my Canon 70-200L II, it might be a bit soft in the edges wide open but it's serving me well.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

If you primarily compose in the middle, that's probably not a big deal.

[@Batteristafoto]

Hi Dustin! I been watching your reviews for some time now! Thanks again for your insight and testing. Much Appreciated!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Glad to help out.

[@kb8729]

Ive seen a lot of silly comments (seemingly from canon users) about the tamron being worth buying due to price only. If you shoot nikon this tamron is amazing and after you print on quality glossy paper you wont see much difference, the difference will come down to the quality of the shot and the editing. If i could use the canon on my nikon, would i? Yes i would. However i cant and I've accidentally stumbled on a very good lens. Another thing worth noting is the progression of sigma and tamron - nikon and canon lenses are not better than the ones they made many years ago. Tamron have made giant leaps recently which is good for everyone as it increases competition. LAST BUT NOT LEAST ITS THE SKILL BEHIND THE LENS THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Your last point is a very valid one.

[@ghlocal1]

Canon deserves a check for resale value and durability!!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're right. Those are both valid points!

[@mephotography9829]

Jason B These lenses are aimed at professionals and I don't know about you, but my lenses get used and abused and carry little value (third or first party) when I'm done with them. Durability of Tamron long term can't be commented on, but I'm pretty sure 2 Tamrons used in succession would outlast the Canon - given that you could nearly buy two of them for the same price.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Interesting perspective. I used both of Tamron's previous f/2.8 lenses professionally in multiple countries and trips and they were still in great shape when I sold them to make room for new G2 versions.

[@MarkAKathurima]

Great review. Very balanced and objective. Not easy to do. This focal length was never in my plans (still isn't) but if it were, I'd pick the Tammy all day. 90% of the performance at 60% of the price...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

A lot of people have made a similar choice.

[@bobdunlap8412]

I know this is an older post, but absolutely fantastic analysis. In addition to the answers I was seeking, it addressed many considerations I hadn't contemplated (I've been shooting for years, but hadn't heard of focus breathing). Well done. Thanks for the insight.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I’m glad it was helpful

[@Princeton_James]

Excellent. 1 of the only legit reviewers I trust

[@EssexCountyPhoto]

Happy New Year! 🥳 It's now 2023, and I am looking at the prices of decent used lenses here in the UK, and there are some good deals on both models... Of course second-hand Canon L lenses are still worth (a lot!) more, but sometimes not by much... Thank you again for all your hard work. 👍🏻

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure.

[@Fiyawerx]

One of the biggest differences this seems to come down to (for myself included) - is the price. At full retail the Tamron like you said is a clear winner. Where I start to struggle is looking at the canon refurbs, which tend to have a great reputation - right now Canon has the 70-200 IS II for $1,511.28 refurbished. That's really, really tempting, and a lot closer to the Tamron price. As a non-professional gadget freak with 2 young kids in a number of indoor/outdoor sports (that don't seem to be slowing down at all), I'm having a really hard time deciding which is the best route to go. (Canon 80D body)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It is a hard decision, Lee. I completely agree.

[@Fiyawerx]

Thanks Dustin. I bit the bullet on the Canon. Honestly - not being a "pro", part of it will be that we know the Canon's are built like tanks and DO hold up, and also tend to hold their resale pretty nicely as well, so in the future if it turns out I really don't need/want it any longer, the TCO will most likely be less in the long run than the Tamron (at least judging on todays standards,) even with the 10-15% or so higher purchase price. Can't wait!

[@Fiyawerx]

In a way it's like going from an old tube TV and trying to decide between two top of the line 4k models these days, when you start comparing things at the store on display, it's like "well this one does x better than the one next to it, etc.. " but then EITHER one you buy and take home to compare to what's sitting in your living room, and it's 10,000% better.

[@myfavoritecrew7920]

@@Fiyawerx enjoying your selection?

[@Fiyawerx]

@@myfavoritecrew7920 wow, been a while. Since I wasn't THAT invested overall, I ended up dropping my Canon kit and diving into Sony mirrorless (A7iii) - never regretted it at all. Still love my third party lenses.

[@onetorino]

Nice! A grand finale. Watching now.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy!

[@generation4523]

Great video! Keep up the good work. I'm a Nikon shooter but a Canon perspective is often very helpful

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I feel the same way.

[@nunobras8510]

Hi Dustin Just subscribed to your channel. Your reviews are really professional and accurate. Im just starting in photography world and your help has been great. Thank you and good job.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Welcome aboard!

[@DennisMoncla]

Thanks for another thoughtful video Dustin! After your final review where you compared the two I was surprised to see this video. I like it though. I'd love to know what you opinion would be for someone like me that owns the Mark 1 of the Canon? Do you think the image quality and features of the Tamron warrant an upgrade when I scrounge together more upgrade money? I'm not a portrait photographer. I use the 70-200 mainly for my daughters dance performances and plays along with other miscellaneous shooting. I'm usually using my new long range 150-600 Sigma C for wildlife or my EFS 10-18 IS STM for creative shots. In case you care to know the body I use the 7D mk2.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm sure it is an upgrade over the Mark 1, but are you unhappy with your lens? If not, don't worry about it.

[@DennisMoncla]

True! I guess I sometimes just get caught up in constantly looking at what I don't have. Although it has always been my plan to keep slowly upgrading. It is how I have what I have now. I'm reaching the point of diminishing returns though lol.

[@lukasf5256]

Thanks, this video was a great help!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My pleasure.

[@dunnymonster]

I'm eagerly awaiting a G2 version of Tamrons 24 - 70 f2.8 based on the results of their 70 - 200. 😃

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

True enough

[@MrHaodoudo]

it s actually pretty simple, if you got the money go with ur native lens, on the other hand, tamron is a good choice also.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Perhaps, but these days its more complicated than that. The first party lens is not automatically the better one.

[@RWAXA]

laughed at "even steven", nice review!

[@johnwayne9702]

Dustin, Do you have a opinion on Canon 300mm f2.8 mk1 vs. Canon 300mm f2.8 mk2 ? Is mk1 still a viable lens for the money.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The 300L II is considered pretty close to a perfect lens, but it was building on the already excellent MK1. It's definitely still viable. I would suggest your biggest challenge may be at some point Canon may stop servicing the older lens.

[@EstiloInAction]

Hey Dustin, Would you suggest the G2 over the non IS version?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I definitely would

[@EstiloInAction]

Dustin Abbott thank u for the quick reply my man! Cheers

[@VistasNatureWildlifeFilms]

Does the Tamron have a locking hood? That feature actually was actually one of the big things that caused me to upgrade the 100-400 and 70-200. As a wildlife photographer I have found myself climbing through some rough terrain and have had quite a few hoods fall off (sometimes causing me to sometimes backtrack a couple miles in the woods).

[@jussiahola9548]

Ed Caspersen it does not have a button to lock the hood in place. The hood makes a firm clicking sound when you have fully twisted it on the lens, and in my opinion it is decently secure that way. I have done some walks in the woods with the tamron and had zero problems with the hood :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Jussi has it right. I actually prefer this to the Canon lock, myself. It would be one thing if it were on all Canon lenses, but the fact that it is only on a couple of mine makes it more of an annoyance than anything.

[@VistasNatureWildlifeFilms]

Having it "right" is more of an opinion than an absolute right. I don't go on "walks" in the woods. "Walks" don't result in broken bones and wounds resulting in stitches. No its not on all the Canon lenses but it is on the ones I carry when negotiating rough and hazardous terrain. Have enough issues to worry about and I don't need to get to the top of another cliff after a miserable 30 minute climb only to look down and see a my effin hood way at the bottom.

[@salicaza7129]

Good evening. I have the original canon 70-200 and I am seriously considering trading it in for the Tamron 70-200 g2. Question for you, at some point I am going Canon mirrorless full frame, how’s the compatibility of the Tamron 70-200 g2 using the canon EF to R adapter with Canon’s current EOS R? And do you think future Canon full frame mirrorless cameras will continue to be compatible with Tamron’s g2 lenses? Thank you, sir.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It seemed to work pretty well via the adapter when I tested it. The Tap In Console helps keep Tamron lenses compatible.

[@jackreckitt5162]

I wonder if you can get a arka Swiss ring for the canon?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I don't know the answer to that.

[@gile2004]

Hi, i just found this video and review is excellent. I have a little bit of dillema so I wanted to ask something. I already own Canon 100-400 version 1 lense and Canon 1.4 TC. Now, I have oportunity to buy either this Tamron lense or Canon 70-200 f2.8 version I. What do you think which should I take?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would definitely take the Tamron over the Canon MK 1 lens.

[@gile2004]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you very much for answer. I was thinking the same but I always like to hear the experts... :-)

[@ApertureApex]

Thanks for another video Dustin :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

You're welcome!

[@alexandergomes3317]

+Dustin Abbott i think in trying to meet demand Dustin, Tamron is beginning to struggle with QC!!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's hard to say. Tamron states that they are the largest lens manufacturer in the world.

[@spatulace]

Enjoying your videos Dustin! I ended up getting the Tamron's G2. It's on its way to my home door. I also need to give a big shoutout to Tamron since they were able to give me some financial help (e.g. discount) which was included in a deal we made. I'm curious if the bad-copy -problem is real with this lens, is it? If it is, how do I notice it and how can I check if my copy is good? I'm also thinking of TC's which one to get (if any). Do you have any recommendations? Does the picture quality get worse while using them? Are we still be able to achieve a nice bokeh with them etc.? Cheers!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+nudix009 I saw very little image quality hit when using the 1.4x extender in any way. Just use the lens for a bit. Maybe shoot at scene where both sides of the frame are in focus and make sure both sides are reasonably similar in sharpness.

[@mustafaawwad2035]

thanks Dustin. I already bought the tamron and it's working great. do you highly recommend the teleconverter as auto focus speed.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

If you buy the Tamron TC it works great!

[@mustafaawwad2035]

Thanks :)

[@lim7630]

I be think which type of lens to buy prime 50mm or 55-250?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+Lim WC Those are two completely different kinds of lenses. I couldn't make a recommendation without knowing what you need the lens for.

[@archaeologytomtex]

Dustin, this is a very useful review. As price is an important factor, is it possible to compare Canon 70-200mm F4L IS with Tamron 70-200 G2? thanks!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm afraid that I've moved on from this - I spent a long time on all those comparisons already!

[@sreeraghari9217]

Hai sir, i have an offer for the native canon is ii lens for the same price as the tamron from a shop. Which should I buy?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Go for the Canon. It's a tried and true performer, and will hold its value better.

[@DelvesPhotos]

Hi Dustin Did you do a review on the sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM os? Looking at either that or the 100-400mm from sigma. I've seen your review on the 100-400 but couldn't see one for the 70-200?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

No, the Sigma 70-200 OS is an older lens that is, frankly, outclassed by all the other options. It's due an update.

[@DelvesPhotos]

ok thanks :)

[@tablitavander]

Thanks! so clear.

[@eviem70]

I was literally screaming for you to move the tripod 😖 great video btw. This is my issue ... when I purchase things, every accessory that goes with it has to be the same. Not sure why I am having such a difficult time with this. I want the Canon because it’s a Canon, but that Tamron sure is pretty 😩

[@DAWID866]

hi Dustin , great video, any idea is this tamron will work with canon 1,4 ex iii?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It does, though not without a few quirks in reporting and aperture.

[@DAWID866]

Dustin Abbott ,thanks Dustin ,i think to get one of them ,already got canon 1,4 exiii ,and i believe choosing canon will be wiser,don’t want to end up with another tamron extender,what do You think?thanks

[@manish4777]

can u compare these lenses with sigma 70-200 i like sigma's focus ring. it zooms exactly as canon ones

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+Manish Arora The Sigma lens isn't even close to these in optical performance.

[@manish4777]

+Dustin Abbott that's good to know and it narrows down my options in 70-200. but only thing i hate in tamron for canon lens that zoom ring rotates in opposite direction

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I understand, but you may find it less of an issue than you think. I rarely even think about it.

[@manish4777]

Dustin Abbott actually has a habit of using canon lenses these rotate in a particular direction buying tamron 70-200 will b opposite.i think either i have to mske up my mind and stop thinking. Or sigma should introduce 70-200 ART. May b i will go to tamron exhibition on 17th in my city and try my hands on

[@PunjabiGymBeats]

Hi Dustin, can you please compare both lenses to Nikon new 70-200 ED FL please..?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm afraid not. I'm not a Nikon shooter.

[@PunjabiGymBeats]

i didn't mean to say you afraid, just wanted to see comparisons.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

What I was saying is that I don't shoot Nikon, so no, I won't be able to do that comparison.

[@PunjabiGymBeats]

thanks Dustin got ya..:-)

[@alexverbeke2228]

There are some comparisons in others reviews, concluding that the G2 is very close to the FL (but with focus breahing and no AF buttons on the lens).

[@aditiadoni2909]

overall canon 70-200L better one , but economic & buget consideration against quality image "Tamron still good option for prosumer"

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes and no. I actually bought the Tamron myself, and I'm pretty far from being an amateur photographer by every definition at this point.

[@Abuahmad5502]

I have two questions Which is better for you 1 - Tamron 70-200 G2 2 - Canon 70-200L II Which Tripod do you use for this video? Thank you, regards. . . kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZazeamZnMR3pqc

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

The tripod is a travel one that I reviewed here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYDTnnuHmt-IoJY. As for which lens is better - that's really what this whole video is about. I'm not going to be able to give you better information than what is in the video.

[@Princeton_James]

All this is true but considering resale value I've always found 1st party to resell much better.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That is true. That may change in time as the reputation of these third party lenses continues to grow, but first party lenses definitely sell easier and for more.

[@howardkahn717]

TOP (THE BEST) KZbin CAMERA INSTRUCTORS, MY CHOICE…..ORDER IS RAMDOM…. DUSTIN ABBOTT, STEVE PERRY, GARY FRIEDMAN

[@TheBijojose]

Hi Dustin how about pairing a 70-200 2.8 L is III for canon 80 D?? Or would you prefer Tamron 70-200 G2?? Thanks Bibin

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

If you are going for cost savings, go for the L II lens. It's an excellent lens still and the L III has brought the price down a bit.

[@TheBijojose]

Dustin Abbott That wascmy plan but. L2 is out of stock everywhere... no luck. Thanks Dustin.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Watch the Canon eStore for refurbished units. They often offer really great value.

[@michaelraes3394]

The reviews are detailed , the settings are clean , the vid-quality is very good. Only one thing is ruining these vids and I don't think that it can be fixed . What is it : the countless , and really countless use of 2 words in the vids being : 'overall ' and ' and so' . First year I really didn't notice , then it became obvious , then it became for me annoying. For me it is an issue , for most others, don't think so ....and honestly ...nobody can be perfect.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

So you are saying the only problem is me :)

[@Semeyaza]

You should have said: And so you are saying that, overall, the only problem is me. ;) Nice comparison, good information and excellent review in general. Kudos. Cheers

[@xyxytx]

Canon is working on new 70-200 now. It is just a rumor.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

We'll see. I don't expect that lens (if it is coming) for at least a year or two.

[@XtianApi]

Canon for me

[@muscleheadzzzz]

My wallet prefers the G2 and for the value, I agree.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Enjoy the lens.

[@muscleheadzzzz]

Thanks. Got mine today!

[@meraakifilms]

how about that tripod out of the way for slightly better composition

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+third G I'm not sure if you know how video works ;). It's a little hard to move it now

[@marcusmichel84]

Was soll das Stativ da ?

[@DaKlassiker]

Damit hat er die arca Swiss kompabilität des tamrons gezeigt

[@tablitavander]

Thanks! so clear.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

+Manuel Vanderhorst Rosario Glad to help out.