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Canon RF-S 55-210 mm F5-7.1 IS STM vs Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM

Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.

Verdict at a glance

  • Canon RF-S 55-210 mm F5-7.1 IS STM is faster by 0.3 stops (f/5.0 vs f/5.6), letting in more light.
  • Canon RF-S 55-210 mm F5-7.1 IS STM is lighter by 365g.
  • Canon RF-S 55-210 mm F5-7.1 IS STM goes wider (55mm vs 100mm).
  • Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM reaches further (400mm vs 210mm).
  • Canon RF-S 55-210 mm F5-7.1 IS STM is the newer design (2023 vs 2021).
Specification comparison
Spec RF-S 55-210 mm F5-7.1 IS STM RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM
Brand Canon Canon
Mount Canon RF Canon RF
Type Zoom Telephoto Zoom
Focal length 55-210mm (wider) 100-400mm
Max aperture f/5.0 (faster) f/5.6
Released 2023 2021
Blades 7 9
Format aps-c full-frame
Groups 8 9
Af motor STM USM
Elements 11 12
Weight g 270.0 (lighter) 635.0
Filter mm 55 67
Length mm 92.9 164.7
Stabilized Yes Yes
Diameter mm 69.0 79.5
Max magnification 0.28 0.41
Min focus m n/a 0.88

Canon RF-S 55-210 mm F5-7.1 IS STM

A compact telephoto zoom for Canon APS-C RF cameras with stabilization and a stepping motor, a light companion to the 18-45mm kit lens.

Pros

  • Light and compact (270 g)
  • Image stabilization
  • Useful reach on APS-C

Cons

  • Slow aperture
  • Needs good light

Canon RF 100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM

A telephoto zoom for Canon RF full-frame cameras with image stabilization and a light build for its range.

Pros

  • Light (635 g)
  • Image stabilization
  • Long range
  • Compact

Cons

  • Slow aperture
  • Not an L-series build
  • Less sharp than L lenses

More comparisons for Canon RF-S 55-210 mm F5-7.1 IS STM

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