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Canon RF 20mm F1.4 L VCM vs Canon RF 800mm F5.6L 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 800mm F5.6L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedApril 2025May 2022
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length20 mm800 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/5.6
Minimum aperturef/16f/64
Optical constructionFifteen elements in eleven groupsTwenty-six elements in eighteen 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, one Super UD and one UD element
Coatings–Super Spectra and ASC; fluorine coating on the front element
Aperture detail–Maximum f/5.6; minimum f/64
DiaphragmEleven blades with circular apertureNine circular blades
Angle of view–Full-frame diagonal 3°05′; horizontal 2°35′; vertical 1°40′
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–RF 1.4× gives 1120 mm f/8 with 0.49× magnification; RF 2× gives 1600 mm f/11 with 0.71×; AF and IS operate with either extender
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.2 m2.6 m
Maximum magnification0.19×0.34×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRear focusing system driven by a VCM motorRing-type USM; electronic full-time manual focus requires compatible body settings; original EOS R, RP and Ra are unsupported, and R5/R6 require firmware 1.3.0 or later
Focus distance detailMinimum focus 0.2 m2.6 m minimum focus; full range, 2.6–20 m and 20 m–infinity limiter settings; three manual-focus speeds and two stored focus presets
Magnification detailMaximum 0.19×0.34× maximum magnification; approximately 206 × 138 mm subject fills a full-frame image at minimum focus
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 UK and Japan rate optical IS at 4.5 stops with EOS R, R5 or R3 under CIPA yaw/pitch conditions; modes 1, 2 and 3
Video features–Aperture control in 1/8-stop increments; power-focus mode with two speeds selected by playback-ring rotation
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter67 mm52 mm
Maximum diameter76.5 mm163 mm
Length99.3 mm432 mm
Weight519 g3,140 g
ControlsElectronic manual-focus, customisable control and smooth-action iris rings; iris Auto-position lock; customisable lens function button; AF/MF switchFocus and playback rings, AF/PF/MF selector, focus-speed and preset switches, and four lens-function buttons
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 holder 52 (WIII), supplied with a clear Protect filter; compatible with optional drop-in polariser and gelatin holder
Weather resistanceDust and moisture resistant construction with mount rubber sealDust- and moisture-resistant construction with heat-reflective paint
Dimensions detailApproximately 76.5 mm maximum diameter × 99.3 mm length163 mm maximum diameter × 432 mm length
Weight detailApproximately 519 g lensApproximately 3,140 g lens
Tripod mount–Supplied tripod collar and support foot
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, drop-in screw-type filter holder 52 (WIII) with 52 mm Protect filter, E-180E cap, RF dust cap, ET-155 (WIII) hood, LS600 soft case, Lens Wide Strap B and user manual
Release detailApril 2025 marketed month in Canon Camera MuseumFirst sale in Japan on 26 May 2022, stated by Canon Japan support; the original announcement promised late May

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