When it comes to buying lenses, third-party makers have a whole host of options that are very cost-effective, compared to branded versions. Today we will be checking out the best Tamron lenses for Canon crop sensor cameras as the company provides very affordable and budget-friendly optics, which still provide heaps of quality for the price.
Just like many lens makers, Tamron offers versions specific to full-frame and crop sensor camera bodies, depending on your needs. But it’s generally the case that the full-frame versions also fit a Canon cropped camera and provide the best optical qualities.
This is why we are focusing on the versions which fit both camera mounts for the most versatility. This point is especially important when you eventually upgrade to a full-frame DSLR.
1. Tamron SP 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD
One of the most versatile zoom lenses around and our top pick of Tamron lenses for Canon crop sensor cameras is the Tamron SP 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD. It offers a 44.8-120mm viewpoint on cropped sensor cameras. In this range, the lens covers the standard of 50mm, with the longer end covering the short telephoto range, which also makes a reasonable portrait shooter.
Internally, the optics consist of an XR and LD element for improved image definition, wrapped around total arrangements of 16 elements in 14 groups. The f/2.8 aperture goes wide enough for low-light conditions while producing superior bokeh for the likes of portrait shooting.
It’s also reasonably lightweight at only 508g for this type of zoom lens, with the end image results being very sharp throughout the aperture range. Considering the reasonable price point of this lens, it’s a high-quality way to step into the standard zoom lens arena.
2. Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD
Generalizing, photographers needing Tamron lenses for Canon crop sensor cameras often want a high-quality zoom lens that can do a bit of everything. This is where the Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD comes into play, providing a far-reaching 44.8-480mm viewpoint which is ideal for anything from environmental portraits to wildlife shots.
The lens does feature a variable aperture, which means it needs a fair degree of light for its best performance. But the included image stabilization system goes a long way to keep things steady at low shutter speeds and at the longest focal lengths.
To maintain image quality throughout the long focal range, a hybrid aspherical, three molded glass, four low dispersion, and an extra refractive and an Ultra extra reflective element have been included. If you don’t want to pull out a dedicated macro lens, the Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD features a macro mode, with a ratio of 1:3.5. This isn’t exactly life-size, but it’s respectable enough for occasional use.
This particular zoom has its sharpness sweet spot between f/8 and f/11, with the wide to the middle of the focal lengths providing the best quality.
3. Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC LD Aspherical
For a more wide-angle zoom solution, the long-titled Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II VC LD Aspherical has a 26-78mm equivalent focal length on crop sensor cameras. It also benefis from an image stabilization system with four stops of compensation.
The f/2.8 aperture provides a great link-up with the wide-angle views for low-light shooting. The image stabilization system makes sure everything is as steady as can be for the most images. Generally speaking, this is a very worthwhile wide-angle lens for the price, with the sharpest images coming in from f/4 and above.
Though this sits squarely in the middle of our list of Tamron lenses for Canon crop sensor cameras, it’s a solid option nonetheless.
4. Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD
If you need the widest angle views, then the Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD provides a 16-38.4mm equivalent focal length, functioning as an ultra wide-angle lens or stretching up to the standard of 35mm. As this is the latest style of design, it features a highly-capable image stabilization system, with four stops of compensation along with aspherical and hybrid aspherical elements.
The autofocus system is also highly capable, being quite enough for video use, along with full-time manual override. The lens barrel has also been given moisture resistance, with a fluorine coating on the front element to protect against environmental conditions.
Considering the price point of this lens and its variable aperture, it’s respectably sharp throughout the focal range. The image stabilization system is also extremely effective in providing very slow shutter speeds.
5. Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC (Budget Winner)
This takes us to the last of our Tamron lenses for Canon crop sensor cameras. One of the most cost-effective all-around zoom lenses from Tamron is the 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC. The lens has a 28.8-320mm reach on crop sensor cameras, with additional benefits such as image stabilization and a moisture-resistant lens barrel.
The aperture is variable from f/3.5 to f/6.3, with a seven-blade, rounded diaphragm and also houses a hybrid aspherical and a low dispersion element to improve overall sharpness and clarity.
This is the type of zoom lens that is a great step up from your average kit variety and as it weighs only 400g, it makes for a good all-day shooter. At this price point, there really aren’t any complaints, especially when the lens features image stabilization.
To read more about this lens, have a look at our Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC review.
Why Look for Tamron Lenses for Canon Crop Sensor Cameras?
In the right hands, crop sensor cameras can provide excellent results, especially with good lenses strapped to the front of them. The Canon EOS 7D Mark II, for example, is still a heavyweight professional camera, despite its APS-C sensor.
All the Tamron lens options above will provide a nice amount of rounded features, covering the most-used focal lengths. Many of the options also feature image stabilization, which is becoming ever more the norm, with very usable aperture widths, such as found in the Tamron SP 28-75mm. This lens itself is a good option for covering the most-used focal lengths in a very affordable package.
On the other hand, if you want one of the most cost-effective zooms around which also provides good, quality imagery, you can’t go wrong with the Tamron 18-200mm for its rounded features and affordable price point.
