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Canon RF 20mm F1.4 L VCM vs Canon RF-S 55–210mm F5–7.1 IS STM

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

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CanonRF 20mm F1.4 L VCMCanonRF-S 55–210mm F5–7.1 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedApril 2025March 2023
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length20 mm55–210 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/5–7.1
Minimum aperturef/16f/22–32
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 coatingTwo UD elements and one plastic-moulded aspherical element; Super Spectra coating; no fluorine coating
Aperture detail–Minimum f/22 at 55 mm and f/32 at 210 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 m0.73 m
Maximum magnification0.19×0.28×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRear focusing system driven by a VCM motorLead-screw STM autofocus and electronic manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum focus 0.2 mMinimum focus 1 m at 55 mm and 0.73 m at 210 mm
Magnification detailMaximum 0.19×Maximum 0.05× at 55 mm and 0.28× at 210 mm
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 4.5 stops with EOS R10 at 210 mm under CIPA, yaw/pitch; coordinated IS rated seven stops with EOS R7 at 210 mm under CIPA, yaw/pitch
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesNo
Filter diameter67 mm55 mm
Maximum diameter76.5 mm69 mm
Length99.3 mm92.9 mm
Weight519 g270 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–Extending zoom barrel
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 × 92.9 mm length, per Canon Japan and Camera Museum; UK table labels 135 mm as retracted, while Digital Camera World identifies 135 mm as extended
Weight detailApproximately 519 g lensApproximately 270 g lens
Lens hoodEW-73H hood includedET-60B hood and LP1016 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-55 front cap, RF lens dust cap and user manual
Release detailApril 2025 marketed month in Canon Camera MuseumMarch 2023 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

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