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
Sony
FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS
Sony E Mount
World's lightest 300mm F2.8 — 1470g with XD Linear AF, OSS, and G Master resolution.
$6,999
Launch priceReleased Jan 2024
FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS is 3.2 years newer.
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Wins
RF 50mm F1.8 STM
Wins
FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS
TL;DR — Key differences
- BFE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- ARF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Weight (160 g vs 1470 g)
- ARF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Min focus distance (30 cm vs 200 cm)
- ARF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Length (41 mm vs 265 mm)
- ARF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Diameter (70 mm vs 124 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
RF 50mm F1.8 STM
⌀70 × 41 mm
160 g (0.35 lb / 5.64 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS
⌀124 × 265 mm
1470 g (3.24 lb / 51.85 oz)
RF 50mm F1.8 STM is 224mm shorter and 54mm narrower than FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS.
RF 50mm F1.8 STM is 1310 g lighter than FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS.
Diameter (⌀) is the maximum barrel width; length is measured from the mount to the front of the lens.
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 50mm F1.8 STM
- ✓
Weight
160 g vs 1470 g — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
30 cm vs 200 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Length
41 mm vs 265 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
70 mm vs 124 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.8 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.8 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.16 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 Super ED, 1 ED
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS supports it
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS supports it
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 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
FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 50mm F1.8 STM and FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM
Sony FE 300mm F2.8 GM OSS
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.