Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM vs Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift CF
Both are Canon RF wide zoom lenses. Here is what actually differs.
Pick the Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM if
- You need ⅔ stop more light for low light or background blur (f/4.5 vs f/5.6)
- You need more reach: 30mm vs 24mm at the long end
- You shoot handheld in dim light or video: it has optical image stabilization and the Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift CF does not
- You shoot full frame: the Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift CF is made for APS-C
- Our notes say it suits: Travel landscapes, casual wide-angle shooting, video
Pick the Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift CF if
- You want a wider view: 12mm vs 15mm at the wide end
- You care about the shape of out-of-focus highlights: 9 aperture blades vs 7
Spec differences
14 differences| Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM | Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift CF | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand |
Canon
|
Laowa
|
| Format |
Full frame
|
APS-C
|
| Focal length |
15-30mm
|
12-24mm
|
| Max aperture |
f/4.5
⅔ stop faster
|
f/5.6
|
| Weight |
390 g
|
not listed
|
| Length |
88.4 mm
|
not listed
|
| Diameter |
76.6 mm
|
not listed
|
| Filter thread |
67 mm
|
not listed
|
| Max magnification |
not listed
|
0.4×
|
| Aperture blades |
7
|
9
more blades
|
| Optical design |
13 elements / 11 groups
|
15 elements / 11 groups
|
| Autofocus motor |
STM
|
not listed
|
| Image stabilization |
Yes
stabilized
|
No
|
| Released |
2022
|
not listed
|
2 identical specs hidden: mount, type. Show all
- Mount
- Canon RF both
- Type
- Wide Zoom both
Our notes
Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM
A wide-angle zoom for Canon RF full-frame bodies with stabilization and a stepping motor. Small and light.
Pros
- Compact and light (390 g)
- Image stabilization
- STM focusing
- 67mm filter thread
Cons
- Slow variable aperture
- Less sharp than the L zooms
- Relies on in-camera correction
Our notes
Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift CF
More comparisons
Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM vs Laowa 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 FE Zoom
more reach (30mm) vs wider (10mm)
Canon RF-S 10-18mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM vs Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift CF
⅔ stop faster vs more reach (24mm)
Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM vs Tamron 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 B061 RF
wider (15mm) vs ⅔ stop faster
Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM vs Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF
more reach (30mm) vs ⅔ stop faster
Tamron 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 B061 RF vs Laowa 12-24mm f/5.6 Zoom Shift CF
1⅓ stops faster vs wider (12mm)
Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM vs Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary
235 g lighter vs ⅔ stop faster