Canon
RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM
Canon RF Mount
Canon's versatile super-telephoto zoom reaching 500mm — ideal for wildlife, sports, and safari without changing lenses.
$2,699
Launch priceReleased Jul 2020
Canon
RF 50mm F1.8 STM
Canon RF Mount
The affordable nifty fifty for RF — compact, sharp, and perfect for beginners exploring prime lenses.
$199
Launch priceReleased Nov 2020
RF 50mm F1.8 STM is 5 months newer.
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Wins
RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM
Wins
RF 50mm F1.8 STM
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5.5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BRF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Weight (160 g vs 1370 g)
- BRF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Length (41 mm vs 208 mm)
- BRF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.8 vs f/7.1)
- BRF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Min focus distance (30 cm vs 90 cm)
Key specs at a glance
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Super UD, 3 UD, 3 Aspherical
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5.5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Max magnification
0.33 × vs 0.25 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the RF 50mm F1.8 STM
- ✓
Weight
160 g vs 1370 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
41 mm vs 208 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.8 vs f/7.1 — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
30 cm vs 90 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.8 vs f/4.5 — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
70 mm vs 93 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Control ring
Both support control ring
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM
Pros
- ✓Incredible 100-500mm reach in a single lens
- ✓5.5-stop optical image stabilization
- ✓Compatible with RF 1.4x and 2x extenders
- ✓Relatively compact for a 500mm-capable zoom
Cons
- –Variable f/4.5-7.1 aperture gets slow at tele end
- –Heavy at full extension (1370g)
- –Expensive for a variable-aperture zoom
RF 50mm F1.8 STM
Pros
- ✓Incredible value at under $200
- ✓Very compact and lightweight (only 160g)
- ✓Sharp enough for most everyday photography
- ✓Silent STM motor ideal for video
Cons
- –Plastic build feels basic
- –No weather sealing
- –Narrow maximum aperture vs L-series primes
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM and RF 50mm F1.8 STM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM
Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.