Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USMvsTamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
100-500mm / F4.5-7.1
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18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
18-300mm / F3.5-6.3
27-450mm equiv.
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Which to choose
When the RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM suits you better
No standout advantage in this comparison.
When the 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD suits you better
- Brightness0.7 stops brighter — better in low light and blurs the background more
- Weight745g lighter, so easier to carry
- Close focusFocuses as close as 15cm
- Zoom rangeCovers 18-300mm in a single lens
These points are derived mechanically from the numbers. How a lens actually renders does not show up in specifications, so look at samples before deciding.
Size compared
- RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM207.6mm long × 93.8mm diameter
- 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD123.6mm long × 75.5mm diameter
Specifications compared
| Specification | Canon RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM | Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focal length (wide) | 100mm | 18mm | +82mm |
| Focal length (tele) | 500mm | 300mm | +200mm |
| Max aperture (wide) | F4.5 | F3.5 | 0.7 stops darker |
| Max aperture (tele) | F7.1 | F6.3 | 0.3 stops darker |
| Min aperture | F32 | — | No data |
| Min focus distance | 90cm | 15cm | +0.75m |
| Max magnification | 0.33× | — | No data |
| Aperture blades | 9blades | — | No data |
| Weight | 1.37kg | 625g | +745g |
| Length | 207.6mm | 123.6mm | +84mm |
| Diameter | 93.8mm | 75.5mm | +18.3mm |
| Filter size | 77mm | 67mm | +10mm |
| Released | 2020 | 2025 | −5year |
| Stabilization | Yes | Yes | — |
| Weather sealing | Yes | Yes | — |
| Macro | No | No | — |
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes | — |
The difference column reads as RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM relative to 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD.The highlighted cell is the better side for that specification.
Check prices
RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
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18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
ADLinks to Amazon, B&H Photo, Adorama, KEH Camera, MPB, eBay are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.Links marked “Search results” go to that retailer’s search page for this lens name.Check price and availability on the retailer’s own site.
RF100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM in detail18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD in detailAll RF mount lenses