Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM vs Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM is 600mm, the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) is 17-70mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM for super-telephoto, the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) for standard zoom.
Choose the Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 600mm vs 70mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 600mm prime over a zoom.
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/11, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 600mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 17-70mm zoom covers what the fixed 600mm can't reframe.
- ✓You value portability — at 525g (1.16 lb) it's lighter than the 930g (2.05 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
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 600mm f/11 IS STM's f/11 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM is 600mm, Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) is 17-70mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) is a zoom (flexible framing), the Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Weight: the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) is 525g (1.16 lb) vs 930g (2.05 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 600mm f/11 IS STM or the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM is 600mm, the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) is 17-70mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM for super-telephoto, the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Canon RF) for standard zoom.
Who should choose the Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM?
Choose the Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM if you need more reach — it goes to 600mm vs 70mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 600mm prime over a zoom.
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/11, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 600mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 17-70mm zoom covers what the fixed 600mm can't reframe. Choose it if you value portability — at 525g (1.16 lb) it's lighter than the 930g (2.05 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM 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 600mm f/11 IS STM's f/11 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 600mm | 17-70mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 10 | 16 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/11 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/11 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | − |
| Rounded Aperture | No | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 4° | 79.9° – 22.7° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 27-112mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | STM | RXD |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 450 cm | 19 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.14x | − |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $799 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 82mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 102mm | 74.6mm |
| Length | 199.5mm | 119.3mm |
| Weight | 930g (2.05 lb) | 525g (1.16 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
