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Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM — Prime/zoom
Canon

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM

Prime/zoom

90
/ 100
From $2,199
VS
Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD wins by 2
Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD — Prime/Zoom
Tamron

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD

Prime/Zoom

92
/ 100
From $1,899
Specdex verdict

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lands at 90 and Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD at 92. That puts Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM if…

  • ✓Proven optical formula
  • ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • ✓Strong resale

Pick Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD if…

  • ✓Fast autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed
  • ✓Premium optics
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Build

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD

Compared on the build sub-score

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD leads on build (94 vs 90).

Sharpness

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD leads on sharpness (92 vs 90).

Autofocus

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD leads on af (91 vs 86).

Value for money

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD more score per dollar ($1,899 vs $2,199).

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM 90
vs
92 Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD

Score breakdown

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
90
sharpness 90
af 86
build 90
value 86
Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD
92
sharpness 92
af 91
build 94
value 84

Specs side-by-side

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM versus Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD — full spec comparison
Spec Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM

Pros
  • +Proven optical formula
  • +Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • +Strong resale
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Older AF motor on some
  • −Heavier than modern counterparts

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD

Pros
  • +Fast autofocus
  • +Weather-sealed
  • +Premium optics
Cons
  • −Heavy
  • −Expensive
  • −Focus breathing varies

FAQ: Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD

Which is better, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM or Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD? +

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM worth the price? +

At $2,199, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sharpness.

Is Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD worth the price? +

At $1,899, Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in build.

Does Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM or Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for build, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM or Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD? +

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD — leads on build (94 vs 90). Compared on the build sub-score.

Which is better for sharpness, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM or Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD? +

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD — leads on sharpness (92 vs 90). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.