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Canon RF 20mm F1.4 L VCM vs Canon RF 800mm F11 IS STM

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

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CanonRF 20mm F1.4 L VCMCanonRF 800mm F11 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedApril 2025July 2020
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length20 mm800 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/11
Minimum aperturef/16f/11
Optical constructionFifteen elements in eleven groupsEleven elements in eight groups
Special elementsOne Super UD, two UD, one BR and two glass-moulded aspherical elements; ASC, SWC and Super Spectra coatings; front fluorine coatingGapless dual-layer diffractive optical element
Aperture detail–Fixed f/11 aperture; cannot be stopped down
DiaphragmEleven blades with circular apertureNo aperture blades
Angle of view–2°35′ horizontal, 1°40′ vertical and 3°05′ diagonal on full frame
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; EOS R, Ra and RP require compatible firmware
Teleconverter support–RF 1.4× gives 1120 mm at f/16 and 0.19× maximum magnification; RF 2× gives 1600 mm at f/22 and 0.28×. Canon lists autofocus and stabilisation as supported with both; performance depends on camera and light levels
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.2 m6 m
Maximum magnification0.19×0.14×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRear focusing system driven by a VCM motorLead-screw STM autofocus; Canon states approximately 40% horizontal × 60% vertical AF coverage in its original EOS R compatibility notes
Focus distance detailMinimum focus 0.2 mMinimum focus 6 m; full-range or 20 m–infinity focus limiter (Cameralabs)
Magnification detailMaximum 0.19×Maximum 0.14× without an extender
Stabilisation detailNo optical stabiliser; Canon rates EOS R1 in-body stabilisation at 8 stops centrally and 5 stops in the corners under CIPA-2024 testingUp to four stops optical stabilisation under CIPA testing with EOS R
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesNo
Filter diameter67 mm95 mm
Maximum diameter76.5 mm101.6 mm
Length99.3 mm281.8 mm
Weight519 g1,260 g
ControlsElectronic manual-focus, customisable control and smooth-action iris rings; iris Auto-position lock; customisable lens function button; AF/MF switchSeparate manual focus and customisable control rings; focus limiter, AF/MF and stabiliser switches
Zoom design–Prime lens with a retracting storage barrel; extend and lock the barrel before shooting
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 ghosting–
Weather resistanceDust and moisture resistant construction with mount rubber sealNo dust or moisture resistance; no rubber mount seal (Cameralabs)
Dimensions detailApproximately 76.5 mm maximum diameter × 99.3 mm length101.6 mm maximum diameter; 281.8 mm retracted length or 351.8 mm when extended for shooting
Weight detailApproximately 519 g lensApproximately 1260 g lens
Tripod mount–Built-in tripod mounting thread; no rotating collar (Cameralabs)
Lens hoodEW-73H hood includedOptional ET-101 hood; not included
In the boxLens, E-67 II front cap, RF dust cap, EW-73H hood, LP1219 case, rear filter holder and user manualLens, E-95 cap, RF dust cap and user manual kit
Release detailApril 2025 marketed month in Canon Camera MuseumJuly 2020 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

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