This is a test I have been looking forward to doing for a long time. When Canon first introduced the new Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 mark II, I was disappointed at the lack of image stabilization in a world full of Canon video DSLR shooters. I thought for sure this would be the lens of choice for everyone and would shortly become Canon’s most sought after lens. However, with the lack of image stabilization and the outrageous price increase, this lens was no longer the upgrade I had hoped for even with the great sharpness results. When Tamron introduced the 24-70mm f/2.8 VC, I quickly became excited once again. Though Tamron (and most 3rd party manufacturers) have been hit and miss so frequently before, just the fact that the Tamron offered something that Canon refused to offer made it a worthy contender and worth a test. Now Canon has put out a new 24-70 IS, this time with an f/4 aperture. To me, this further solidifies the fact that we will not be seeing a 24-70 f/2.8 IS for a long time if ever. Either way, it is what it is and now we have the $1,500 Canon 24-70mm f/4 IS against the $1,300 Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 VC. The one stop increase in light for $200 less will make many photographers and videographers drool, however, is the Tamron sharp enough, fast enough, and built well enough to go toe to toe with Canon L glass? Let’s find out.