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Canon RF 15–30mm F4.5–6.3 IS STM vs Canon RF 20-50mm F4L IS USM PZ

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonRF 15–30mm F4.5–6.3 IS STMCanonRF 20-50mm F4L IS USM PZ
Overview
ReleasedAugust 2022June 2026
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length15–30 mm20–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/4.5–6.3f/4
Minimum aperturef/22–32f/22
Optical construction13 elements in 11 groups13 elements in 11 groups
Special elementsOne plastic-moulded aspherical and two UD elements; Super Spectra coating; no fluorine coatingTwo glass-moulded aspherical and three UD elements
Coatings–ASC and Super Spectra; fluorine coating on the front element
Aperture detailMinimum f/22 at 15 mm and f/32 at 30 mmConstant maximum f/4, minimum f/22 throughout the range
DiaphragmSeven bladesNine aperture blades
Angle of view–Horizontal 84°–40°, vertical 62°–27° and diagonal 94°–46° on full frame
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon RFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityFull-frame Canon RF mount; compatible with APS-C EOS R bodies; RF extenders and EF extension tubes not compatibleCanon EOS R cameras; full-frame image circle; power-zoom control from camera body or remote devices depends on compatible model and firmware
Teleconverter support–Canon RF extenders not compatible
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.128 m (manual focus)0.24 m
Maximum magnification0.52× (manual focus)0.33×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailSTM autofocus and electronic manual focusingNano USM autofocus; full-time manual focus; maker rear-focus design retains length during focusing
Focus distance detailAutofocus minimum 0.28 m across the zoom range; manual-focus minimum 0.128 m at 15 mm and 0.28 m at 20–30 mm–
Magnification detailAutofocus maximum 0.09× at 15 mm, 0.11× at 20 mm and 0.16× at 30 mm; manual-focus maximum 0.52× at 15 mm, 0.11× at 20 mm and 0.16× at 30 mmMaker maximum magnification 0.14× at 20 mm or 0.33× at 50 mm; no AF/MF mode specified in the table
Stabilisation detailOptical IS rated 5.5 stops with EOS R at 30 mm under CIPA, yaw/pitch; coordinated IS rated seven stops with EOS R5 at 30 mm under CIPA, yaw/pitchMaker six-stop optical IS or combined camera/lens eight stops at centre and corners under CIPA-2024, at maximum focal length with its specified camera; not guaranteed in every shooting setup
Video features–Internal multi-speed power zoom and optically suppressed focus breathing; zoom ring switches between powered and conventional manual operation
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNoYes
Filter diameter67 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter76.6 mm79.9 mm
Length88.4 mm98.4 mm
Weight390 g420 g
ControlsCombined focus/control ring with selector, zoom ring and IS on/off switchCustomisable control ring, focus ring and zoom ring; PZ/MZ selector, custom button, AF/MF and stabiliser switches (Digital Camera World; ePHOTOzine)
Zoom designBarrel extends towards the 15 mm settingInternal zoom/focus keeps barrel length fixed; ePHOTOzine describes conventional mechanical manual zoom, while Digital Camera World's prose calls it fly-by-wire; no silent choice between those reviewer descriptions
Filter detail–67 mm front screw-in filter thread
Weather resistanceNo dust or moisture resistanceDust and moisture resistant with mount gasket; maker warns camera attachment is required and protection cannot prevent all dust or water ingress; no waterproof/IP rating inferred
Dimensions detailApproximately 76.6 mm maximum diameter × 88.4 mm length, retractedApproximately 79.9 mm maximum diameter × 98.4 mm length
Weight detailApproximately 390 g lensApproximately 420 g lens
Lens hoodEW-73E hood and LP1116 pouch, sold separatelyES-73B; maker lists E-67 II cap, Lens Dust Cap RF and LP1219 pouch as accessories
In the boxLens, E-67 II front cap, RF lens dust cap and user manual–
Release detailAugust 2022 marketed month in Canon Camera MuseumCanon Japan's 11 June 2026 notice confirms first sale from 26 June 2026, resolving the earlier late-June launch wording

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