Canon Ef-m 18-150 Vs Tamron 18-200: Which Superzoom Lens Reigns Supreme?

Photographers seeking a versatile lens for their Canon EF-M mount cameras have two compelling options: the Canon EF-M 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM and the Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di III VC. Both lenses offer a wide focal length range, making them suitable for various shooting scenarios, from wide-angle landscapes to telephoto portraits. While they share several similarities, there are also some key differences to consider. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each lens to help you make an informed decision.

Focal Length Range

The Canon EF-M 18-150mm lens offers a focal length range of 18mm to 150mm, providing a versatile zoom range for everyday shooting. This range covers a wide variety of subjects, from landscapes and architecture to portraits and wildlife. The Tamron 18-200mm lens, on the other hand, extends its reach to 200mm, making it a more versatile option for telephoto photography. This additional focal length allows you to capture distant subjects, such as wildlife or sports events, with greater detail.

Aperture Range

Both the Canon EF-M 18-150mm and Tamron 18-200mm lenses have a variable aperture range of f/3.5-6.3. This means that the maximum aperture changes as you zoom through the focal length range. At the widest focal length (18mm), both lenses offer a maximum aperture of f/3.5, which allows for good light-gathering capabilities in low-light conditions. However, as you zoom in, the maximum aperture gradually narrows to f/6.3 at the longest focal length (150mm for the Canon lens and 200mm for the Tamron lens). This narrower aperture can limit your ability to shoot in low-light situations or achieve shallow depth of field effects.

Image Quality

In terms of image quality, both the Canon EF-M 18-150mm and Tamron 18-200mm lenses deliver sharp and detailed images throughout the focal length range. However, there are some subtle differences to note. The Canon lens is generally regarded as having slightly better image quality at the wider focal lengths (18-50mm), with excellent sharpness and minimal distortion. The Tamron lens, on the other hand, performs admirably at the telephoto end (100-200mm), producing images with good sharpness and contrast.

Autofocus Performance

The Canon EF-M 18-150mm lens features a stepper motor (STM) for autofocus, which is known for its smooth and quiet operation. This makes it an excellent choice for videography, as it minimizes distracting autofocus noise during recording. The Tamron 18-200mm lens, on the other hand, employs a traditional autofocus motor, which can be slightly louder and less refined than the STM motor. However, it still performs reasonably well in terms of autofocus speed and accuracy.

Stabilization

Both the Canon EF-M 18-150mm and Tamron 18-200mm lenses incorporate image stabilization (IS or VC, respectively) to help minimize camera shake and produce sharper images, especially in low-light conditions or when shooting at slower shutter speeds. The Canon lens features a 4-stop image stabilizer, while the Tamron lens offers a 3.5-stop image stabilizer. While the Canon lens has a slight advantage in terms of stabilization effectiveness, both lenses provide noticeable improvements in image sharpness when shooting handheld.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

The Canon EF-M 18-150mm lens is constructed with a combination of plastic and metal components, giving it a solid and durable feel. It also features a retractable design, making it more compact when not in use. The Tamron 18-200mm lens, on the other hand, is made primarily of plastic, but it still feels well-built and sturdy. It does not have a retractable design, so it is slightly larger and heavier than the Canon lens. Neither lens is weather-sealed, so it’s best to avoid using them in harsh weather conditions.

Price and Availability

The Canon EF-M 18-150mm lens is typically priced around $500, while the Tamron 18-200mm lens can be found for around $400. Both lenses are widely available from various retailers, both online and in-store.

Summary: Canon EF-M 18-150mm vs Tamron 18-200mm

Ultimately, the choice between the Canon EF-M 18-150mm and Tamron 18-200mm lenses depends on your specific needs and preferences.