Canon
RF 28mm F2.8 STM
Canon RF Mount
World's smallest RF lens — 120g pancake with STM AF and 0.23m close focus.
$299
Launch priceReleased May 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 28mm F2.8 STM is 1.8 years newer.
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Wins
RF 28mm F2.8 STM
Wins
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 28mm F2.8 STM has lower Length (24.7 mm vs 118 mm)
- ARF 28mm F2.8 STM has lower Weight (120 g vs 540 g)
- B28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has higher Max magnification (0.37 × vs 0.17 ×)
- B28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has lower Min focus distance (18 cm vs 23 cm)
- ARF 28mm F2.8 STM has lower Diameter (69.2 mm vs 76 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to shareRF 28mm F2.8 STM
⌀69 × 25 mm
120 g (0.26 lb / 4.23 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 28mm F2.8 STM is 93mm shorter and 7mm narrower than 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2.
RF 28mm F2.8 STM is 420 g lighter 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 28mm F2.8 STM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 PMo
- ✓
Length
24.7 mm vs 118 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
120 g vs 540 g — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
69.2 mm vs 76 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 LD, 2 GM
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 supports it
- ✓
Min focus distance
18 cm vs 23 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.37 × vs 0.17 × — higher is better
Shared specifications
Max aperture (Wide)
Both f/2.8
Max aperture (Tele)
Both f/2.8
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
RF 28mm F2.8 STM
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Lightweight design easy to carry all day
- ✓Native Canon RF mount compatibility
Cons
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
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 28mm F2.8 STM and 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM
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.