Canon
RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM
Canon RF Mount
RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM — 55–210mm f/5-7.1 for Canon RF, a popular choice in the canon lineup.
$299
Launch priceReleased May 2022
Sony
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Sony E Mount
Exquisite resolution and dreamy bokeh combine in a masterful f/1.2 prime.
$1,999
Launch priceReleased Mar 2021
RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM is 1.2 years newer.
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Wins
RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM
Wins
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM has higher OIS effectiveness (4.5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/7.1)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/5)
- ARF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM has lower Weight (270 g vs 778 g)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Min focus distance (40 cm vs 70 cm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
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RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM
⌀69 × 94 mm
270 g (0.60 lb / 9.52 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
⌀87 × 108 mm
778 g (1.72 lb / 27.44 oz)
RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM is 14mm shorter and 18mm narrower than FE 50mm F1.2 GM.
RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM is 508 g lighter than FE 50mm F1.2 GM.
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-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 UD
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
4.5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Weight
270 g vs 778 g — lower is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM supports it
- ✓
Diameter
69 mm vs 87 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Length
94 mm vs 108 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.28 × vs 0.17 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the FE 50mm F1.2 GM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 XA (extreme aspherical)
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/7.1 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/5 — lower is better
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only FE 50mm F1.2 GM supports it
- ✓
Control ring
Only FE 50mm F1.2 GM supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 50mm F1.2 GM supports it
- ✓
Min focus distance
40 cm vs 70 cm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Lightweight design easy to carry all day
Cons
- –Slower maximum aperture limits low-light performance
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Pros
- ✓Outstanding sharpness wide open at f/1.2
- ✓Stunningly smooth, circular bokeh with 11 aperture blades
- ✓Extremely quiet and fast autofocus tracking
- ✓Manageable size and weight for an f/1.2 lens
Cons
- –Expensive investment for a single focal length
- –Heavy compared to standard f/1.8 options
- –Some visible vignetting wide open
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM and FE 50mm F1.2 GM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5-7.1 IS STM
Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.