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Canon RF 20mm F1.4 L VCM vs Canon RF-S 18–45mm F4.5–6.3 IS STM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonRF 20mm F1.4 L VCMCanonRF-S 18–45mm F4.5–6.3 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedApril 2025June 2022
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length20 mm18–45 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/4.5–6.3
Minimum aperturef/16f/22–32
Optical constructionFifteen elements in eleven groupsSeven elements in seven groups
Special elementsOne Super UD, two UD, one BR and two glass-moulded aspherical elements; ASC, SWC and Super Spectra coatings; front fluorine coatingTwo plastic-moulded aspherical elements; Super Spectra coating; no fluorine coating
Aperture detail–Minimum f/22 at 18 mm and f/32 at 45 mm, per UK and Japan specifications; Camera Museum table lists f/18 at 18 mm
DiaphragmEleven blades with circular apertureSeven blades
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon RFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
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 with APS-C image circle; full-frame EOS R bodies crop to APS-C; RF extenders and EF extension tubes not compatible
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.2 m0.15 m (manual focus)
Maximum magnification0.19×0.26× (manual focus)
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRear focusing system driven by a VCM motorSTM autofocus and electronic manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum focus 0.2 mAutofocus minimum 0.20 m at 18 mm, 0.30 m at 35 mm and 0.35 m at 45 mm; manual-focus minimum 0.15 m, 0.24 m and 0.25 m at those focal lengths
Magnification detailMaximum 0.19×Autofocus maximum 0.14× at 18 mm, 0.15× at 35 mm and 0.16× at 45 mm; manual-focus maximum 0.25×, 0.21× and 0.26× respectively
Stabilisation detailNo optical stabiliser; Canon rates EOS R1 in-body stabilisation at 8 stops centrally and 5 stops in the corners under CIPA-2024 testingOptical IS rated four stops with EOS R10 at 45 mm under CIPA, yaw/pitch; coordinated IS rated 6.5 stops with EOS R7 at 45 mm under CIPA, yaw/pitch
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesNo
Filter diameter67 mm49 mm
Maximum diameter76.5 mm69 mm
Length99.3 mm44.3 mm
Weight519 g130 g
ControlsElectronic manual-focus, customisable control and smooth-action iris rings; iris Auto-position lock; customisable lens function button; AF/MF switchCombined focus/control ring and zoom ring; AF/MF and IS controlled through camera settings
Zoom design–Retractable barrel; lens must be extended for 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
Dimensions detailApproximately 76.5 mm maximum diameter × 99.3 mm lengthApproximately 69 mm maximum diameter × 44.3 mm length, retracted
Weight detailApproximately 519 g lensApproximately 130 g lens
Lens hoodEW-73H hood includedEW-53 hood and LP814 pouch, sold separately
In the boxLens, E-67 II front cap, RF dust cap, EW-73H hood, LP1219 case, rear filter holder and user manualLens, E-49 front cap, RF lens dust cap and user manual
Release detailApril 2025 marketed month in Canon Camera MuseumJune 2022 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

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