Canon
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Canon RF Mount
Canon's first RF macro with 1.4x magnification and spherical aberration control for stunning close-up detail.
$1,399
Launch priceReleased Apr 2021
Tamron
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
Sony E Mount
An incredibly popular third-party zoom updated with vastly improved sharpness and autofocus.
$899
Launch priceReleased Aug 2021
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 is 4 months newer.
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Wins
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Wins
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- ARF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM has higher Max magnification (1.4 × vs 0.37 ×)
- B28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has lower Min focus distance (18 cm vs 26 cm)
- B28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has lower Weight (540 g vs 730 g)
- B28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has lower Length (118 mm vs 148 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
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RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
⌀82 × 148 mm
730 g (1.61 lb / 25.75 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
⌀76 × 118 mm
540 g (1.19 lb / 19.05 oz)
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is 30mm longer and 6mm wider than 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2.
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is 190 g heavier than 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2.
Diameter (⌀) is the maximum barrel width; length is measured from the mount to the front of the lens.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 UD
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Max magnification
1.4 × vs 0.37 × — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM supports it
- ✓
Control ring
Only RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM supports it
Reasons to choose the 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 LD, 2 GM
- ✓
Custom function button
Only 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 supports it
- ✓
Min focus distance
18 cm vs 26 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
540 g vs 730 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
118 mm vs 148 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
76 mm vs 82 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Max aperture (Wide)
Both f/2.8
Max aperture (Tele)
Both f/2.8
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Pros
- ✓1.4x maximum magnification (industry-leading for macro)
- ✓Spherical Aberration Control for adjustable bokeh
- ✓5-stop Hybrid IS for handheld macro
- ✓Doubles as a sharp 100mm portrait lens
Cons
- –Complex SA control ring adds learning curve
- –Heavy for macro work (730g)
- –Premium macro pricing
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
Pros
- ✓Superb value for money compared to first-party options
- ✓Excellent sharpness throughout the range, even at f/2.8
- ✓Very lightweight and compact (only 540g)
- ✓Fast VXD linear motor focus drive
- ✓Customizable lens functions via Tamron Lens Utility software
Cons
- –Starts at 28mm instead of the wider 24mm standard
- –Slightly weaker corner sharpness at 75mm wide open
- –Weather sealing is basic compared to Sony GM lenses
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM and 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Tamron 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.