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Canon RF 20mm F1.4 L VCM vs Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonRF 20mm F1.4 L VCMCanonRF 400mm F2.8L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedApril 2025July 2021
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length20 mm400 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/32
Optical constructionFifteen elements in eleven groupsSeventeen elements in thirteen groups
Special elementsOne Super UD, two UD, one BR and two glass-moulded aspherical elements; ASC, SWC and Super Spectra coatings; front fluorine coatingTwo fluorite elements and one Super UD element
Coatings–Super Spectra and ASC; fluorine coatings on front and rear elements
Aperture detail–Maximum f/2.8; minimum f/32
DiaphragmEleven blades with circular apertureNine blades
Angle of view–Full-frame diagonal 6°10′
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon RFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon 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 firmwareCanon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R cameras
Teleconverter support–Compatible with RF 1.4× and RF 2× extenders
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.2 m2.5 m
Maximum magnification0.19×0.17×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRear focusing system driven by a VCM motorRing-type USM with Power Doubled Focus Drive on compatible cameras; full-time manual override
Focus distance detailMinimum focus 0.2 m2.5 m minimum focus; two stored focus presets and variable-speed manual focusing
Magnification detailMaximum 0.19×0.17× maximum magnification
Stabilisation detailNo optical stabiliser; Canon rates EOS R1 in-body stabilisation at 8 stops centrally and 5 stops in the corners under CIPA-2024 testingCanon rates optical IS at 5.5 stops with EOS R or EOS R5 under CIPA yaw/pitch conditions; modes 1, 2 and 3
Video features–Aperture control in 1/8-stop increments; power-focus mode for controlled focus transitions
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter67 mm52 mm
Maximum diameter76.5 mm163 mm
Length99.3 mm367 mm
Weight519 g2,890 g
ControlsElectronic manual-focus, customisable control and smooth-action iris rings; iris Auto-position lock; customisable lens function button; AF/MF switchFocus ring, playback ring, focus-preset controls and customisable lens-function buttons; no custom control ring (Cameralabs)
Filter detail67 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 ghosting52 mm drop-in screw-type filter holder 52 (WIII), supplied with a clear Protect filter; optional circular polariser and gelatin holder
Weather resistanceDust and moisture resistant construction with mount rubber sealDust- and moisture-resistant construction with heat-reflective white paint
Dimensions detailApproximately 76.5 mm maximum diameter × 99.3 mm length163 mm maximum diameter × 367 mm length
Weight detailApproximately 519 g lensApproximately 2,890 g lens
Tripod mount–Rotating built-in foot with 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch threads; no Arca-Swiss dovetail (Cameralabs)
Lens hoodEW-73H hood includedET-155 (WIII) included; shorter ET-155B optional
In the boxLens, E-67 II front cap, RF dust cap, EW-73H hood, LP1219 case, rear filter holder and user manualLens, RF dust cap, drop-in screw-type filter holder 52 (WIII) with 52 mm Protect filter, E-180E soft cap, ET-155 (WIII) hood, LS400 soft case, Lens Wide Strap B and user manual
Release detailApril 2025 marketed month in Canon Camera MuseumJuly 2021 Japanese first release, confirmed retrospectively by Canon's March 2022 announcement and Camera Museum

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