Canon RF 100–300mm F2.8L IS USM vs Canon RF 20mm F1.4 L VCM

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

RF 100–300mm F2.8L IS USM compared with RF 20mm F1.4 L VCM
CanonRF 100–300mm F2.8L IS USMCanonRF 20mm F1.4 L VCM
Overview
ReleasedMay 2023April 2025
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length100–300 mm20 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/22f/16
Optical constructionTwenty-three elements in eighteen groupsFifteen elements in eleven groups
Special elementsOne fluorite, four UD and one glass-moulded aspherical elementOne Super UD, two UD, one BR and two glass-moulded aspherical elements; ASC, SWC and Super Spectra coatings; front fluorine coating
CoatingsSuper Spectra, ASC and fluorine coatings–
Aperture detailConstant maximum f/2.8; minimum f/22–
DiaphragmNine bladesEleven blades with circular aperture
Angle of viewFull-frame diagonal 24°–8°15′; horizontal 20°–6°50′; vertical 14°–4°35′–
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon RFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R camerasCanon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R cameras; RF extenders not compatible. Iris ring provides movie aperture control; Canon lists EOS R, RP, Ra, R3, R5, R6, R6 Mark II, R7, R8, R10, R50, R100 and R5 C as unable to set still-photo aperture with this ring even with their latest firmware
Teleconverter supportRF 1.4× gives 140–420 mm f/4; RF 2× gives 200–600 mm f/5.6–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1.8 m0.2 m
Maximum magnification0.16×0.19×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailTwo Nano USM motors independently drive the electronic floating-focus groups; full-time electronic manual focusRear focusing system driven by a VCM motor
Focus distance detail1.8 m minimum focus throughout the zoom range; limiter selects full range or 6 m–infinityMinimum focus 0.2 m
Magnification detail0.06× at 100 mm and 0.16× at 300 mmMaximum 0.19×
Stabilisation detailCanon rates lens optical IS at 5.5 stops under CIPA conditions, and coordinated IS at up to 6 stops with EOS R5 and compatible bodiesNo optical stabiliser; Canon rates EOS R1 in-body stabilisation at 8 stops centrally and 5 stops in the corners under CIPA-2024 testing
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter112 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter128 mm76.5 mm
Length323.4 mm99.3 mm
Weight2,590 g519 g (better)
ControlsSeparate focus, zoom and clicking control rings; front lens-function buttons and focus-preset controlsElectronic manual-focus, customisable control and smooth-action iris rings; iris Auto-position lock; customisable lens function button; AF/MF switch
Zoom designInternal zoom maintains barrel length–
Filter detail112 mm front screw-in thread; no rear drop-in filter67 mm front thread and rear filter holder; Canon specifies a single rear filter no thicker than 0.2 mm and recommends removing the holder when unused to avoid possible ghosting
Weather resistanceDust- and moisture-resistant construction with heat-blocking white paintDust and moisture resistant construction with mount rubber seal
Dimensions detail128 mm maximum diameter × 323.4 mm lengthApproximately 76.5 mm maximum diameter × 99.3 mm length
Weight detailApproximately 2,590 g, as listed by Canon UK, Canon Japan and Canon Camera MuseumApproximately 519 g lens
Tripod mountRotating tripod collar with support foot–
Lens hoodET-124 includedEW-73H hood included
In the boxLens, E-112 front cap, RF dust cap, ET-124 hood, LS100-300 soft case and user manualLens, E-67 II front cap, RF dust cap, EW-73H hood, LP1219 case, rear filter holder and user manual
Release detailMay 2023 first release confirmed by Canon's June 2023 retrospective announcement and Camera MuseumApril 2025 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

More comparisons