Canon
RF 50mm F1.8 STM
Canon RF Mount
The affordable nifty fifty for RF — compact, sharp, and perfect for beginners exploring prime lenses.
$199
Launch priceReleased Nov 2020
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 8 months newer.
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Wins
RF 50mm F1.8 STM
Wins
28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Weight (160 g vs 540 g)
- ARF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Length (41 mm vs 118 mm)
- B28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 has lower Min focus distance (18 cm vs 30 cm)
- ARF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.8 vs f/2.8)
- ARF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.8 vs f/2.8)
Key specs at a glance
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 50mm F1.8 STM
- ✓
Weight
160 g vs 540 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
41 mm vs 118 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Control ring
Only RF 50mm F1.8 STM 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
- ✓
Diameter
70 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 30 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.37 × vs 0.25 × — higher is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
RF 50mm F1.8 STM
Pros
- ✓Incredible value at under $200
- ✓Very compact and lightweight (only 160g)
- ✓Sharp enough for most everyday photography
- ✓Silent STM motor ideal for video
Cons
- –Plastic build feels basic
- –No weather sealing
- –Narrow maximum aperture vs L-series primes
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 50mm F1.8 STM and 28-75mm F2.8 Di III VXD G2 at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 50mm F1.8 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 May 2026.