Canon
RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM
Canon RF Mount
RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM — 135mm f/1.8 for Canon RF, a popular choice in the canon lineup.
$2,099
Launch priceReleased Aug 2023
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
RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM is 2.1 years newer.
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Wins
RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM
Wins
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5.5 stops vs 0 stops)
- B28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has lower Min focus distance (18 cm vs 70 cm)
- B28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has lower Weight (540 g vs 935 g)
- ARF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.8 vs f/2.8)
- ARF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.8 vs f/2.8)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to shareRF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM
⌀89 × 130 mm
935 g (2.06 lb / 32.98 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 135mm F1.8 L IS USM is 12mm longer and 13mm wider than 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2.
RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM is 395 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 135mm F1.8 L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 UD, 1 Aspherical
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5.5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Control ring
Only RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.8 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.8 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
Reasons to choose the 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 LD, 2 GM
- ✓
Min focus distance
18 cm vs 70 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
540 g vs 935 g — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
76 mm vs 89 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Length
118 mm vs 130.4 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.37 × vs 0.29 × — higher is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Custom function button
Both support custom function button
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
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 135mm F1.8 L IS USM and 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L 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 June 2026.