Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM vs Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Canon RF)
The bottom line
The Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Canon RF) is a zoom (18-300mm) and the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is a 24mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.8 vs f/3.5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 24mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 270g (9.5 oz) it's lighter than the 620g (1.37 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Canon RF) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 24mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 18-300mm zoom covers what the fixed 24mm can't reframe.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM opens to f/1.8 vs the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Canon RF)'s f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is 24mm, Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Canon RF) is 18-300mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Canon RF) is a zoom (flexible framing), the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Weight: the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is 270g (9.5 oz) vs 620g (1.37 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM or the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Canon RF) better?
The Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Canon RF) is a zoom (18-300mm) and the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is a 24mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.8 vs f/3.5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM?
Choose the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 24mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 270g (9.5 oz) it's lighter than the 620g (1.37 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Canon RF)?
Choose the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Canon RF) if you need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 24mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 18-300mm zoom covers what the fixed 24mm can't reframe.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM and the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Canon RF)?
Aperture: the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM opens to f/1.8 vs the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Canon RF)'s f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 24mm | 18-300mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 19 |
| Optical Groups | 10 | 15 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/3.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 84° | 76° – 5.2° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 29-480mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 14 cm | 15 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.5x | 0.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $699 | $629 |
| Filter Size | 52mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 74.4mm | 75.5mm |
| Length | 62.8mm | 123.6mm |
| Weight | 270g (9.5 oz) | 620g (1.37 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
