Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM vs Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom 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 more reach: 30mm vs 16mm at the long end
- You shoot handheld in dim light or video: it has optical image stabilization and the Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF does not
- You shoot full frame: the Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF is made for APS-C
- You care about the shape of out-of-focus highlights: 7 aperture blades vs 5
- Our notes say it suits: Travel landscapes, casual wide-angle shooting, video
Pick the Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF if
- You need ⅔ stop more light for low light or background blur (f/3.5 vs f/4.5)
- You want a wider view: 8mm vs 15mm at the wide end
Spec differences
15 differences| Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM | Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand |
Canon
|
Laowa
|
| Format |
Full frame
|
APS-C
|
| Focal length |
15-30mm
|
8-16mm
|
| Max aperture |
f/4.5
|
f/3.5
⅔ stop faster
|
| Weight |
390 g
|
not listed
|
| Length |
88.4 mm
|
not listed
|
| Diameter |
76.6 mm
|
not listed
|
| Filter thread |
67 mm
|
86 mm
|
| Min focus distance |
not listed
|
0.2 m
|
| Max magnification |
not listed
|
0.13×
|
| Aperture blades |
7
more blades
|
5
|
| Optical design |
13 elements / 11 groups
|
16 elements / 12 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 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF
More comparisons
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Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM vs Tamron 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 B061 RF
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Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM vs Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF
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Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF vs Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary
wider (8mm) vs more reach (300mm)
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