Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM vs Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF)
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) opens to f/2.8 versus the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 240mm vs 70mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Choose the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You value portability — at 525g (1.16 lb) it's lighter than the 750g (1.65 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) opens to f/2.8 vs the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM is 24-240mm, Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) is 17-70mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) is $799, $150 under the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM.
- ›Weight: the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) is 525g (1.16 lb) vs 750g (1.65 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM or the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) opens to f/2.8 versus the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM?
Choose the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM if you need more reach — it goes to 240mm vs 70mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Who should choose the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF)?
Choose the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you value portability — at 525g (1.16 lb) it's lighter than the 750g (1.65 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM and the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF)?
Aperture: the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) opens to f/2.8 vs the Canon RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3 IS USM's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 24-240mm | 17-70mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 18 | 16 |
| Optical Groups | 13 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/40 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | − |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 84° – 10° | 79.9° – 22.7° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 27-112mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Nano USM | RXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 50 cm | 19 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.26x | − |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $949 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 72mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 80.4mm | 74.6mm |
| Length | 122.5mm | 119.3mm |
| Weight | 750g (1.65 lb) | 525g (1.16 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
