Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) 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 Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) is a 100mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/2.8 vs f/3.5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 2x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 100mm prime over a zoom.
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 100mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 18mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 18-300mm zoom covers what the fixed 100mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) opens to f/2.8 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: Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) is 100mm, 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 Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Stabilisation: only the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Canon RF) has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) reaches 2x magnification vs 0.5x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Durability: the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Canon RF) is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) 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 Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) is a 100mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/2.8 vs f/3.5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF)?
Choose the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 2x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 100mm prime over a zoom.
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 100mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 18mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 18-300mm zoom covers what the fixed 100mm can't reframe. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
What is the main difference between the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) and the Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD (Canon RF)?
Aperture: the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) opens to f/2.8 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 | 100mm | 18-300mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 19 |
| Optical Groups | 10 | 15 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 24° | 76° – 5.2° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 29-480mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | No | Yes |
| Focus Motor | − | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 23 cm | 15 cm |
| Max Magnification | 2x | 0.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $599 | $629 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 77mm | 75.5mm |
| Length | 130mm | 123.6mm |
| Weight | 600g (1.32 lb) | 620g (1.37 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
