Canon
RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
Canon RF Mount
The ultimate walk-around RF zoom — covers wide to portrait with 5-stop IS in a single versatile package.
$1,099
Launch priceReleased Oct 2018
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 2.1 years newer.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Wins
RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
Wins
RF 50mm F1.8 STM
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 24-105mm F4L IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BRF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Weight (160 g vs 700 g)
- BRF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Length (41 mm vs 107 mm)
- BRF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.8 vs f/4)
- BRF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.8 vs f/4)
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 24-105mm F4L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 UD, 1 Aspherical
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM supports it
Reasons to choose the RF 50mm F1.8 STM
- ✓
Weight
160 g vs 700 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
41 mm vs 107 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.8 vs f/4 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.8 vs f/4 — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
30 cm vs 45 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
70 mm vs 84 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.24 × — higher 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 24-105mm F4L IS USM
Pros
- ✓Extremely versatile 24-105mm range for travel and events
- ✓5-stop optical image stabilization
- ✓Constant f/4 aperture throughout zoom
- ✓Nano USM delivers fast, quiet autofocus
Cons
- –f/4 maximum aperture limits low-light capability
- –Heavier than f/2.8 alternatives (700g)
- –Corner sharpness softens at 105mm wide open
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 24-105mm F4L IS USM and RF 50mm F1.8 STM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.