Canon RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM vs Canon RF-S 14–30mm F4–6.3 IS STM PZ

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM compared with RF-S 14–30mm F4–6.3 IS STM PZ
CanonRF 400mm F2.8L IS USMCanonRF-S 14–30mm F4–6.3 IS STM PZ
Overview
ReleasedJuly 2021April 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length400 mm14–30 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4–6.3
Minimum aperturef/32f/22–38
Optical constructionSeventeen elements in thirteen groups10 elements in nine groups
Special elementsTwo fluorite elements and one Super UD element–
CoatingsSuper Spectra and ASC; fluorine coatings on front and rear elementsSuper Spectra coating
Aperture detailMaximum f/2.8; minimum f/32Maker minimum aperture f/22 at14mm and f/38 at30mm using half-stop display; Ken Rockwell reports f/36 at30mm, while Digital Camera World lists f/32. Main values retain the maker’s explicitly stated display convention
DiaphragmNine bladesSeven blades
Angle of viewFull-frame diagonal 6°10′–
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon RFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R camerasCanon RF mount, APS-C image circle; UK maker lists compatible full-frame EOS R bodies with crop restrictions
Image circle detail–Physical14–30mm focal length;22.4–48mm equivalent angle of view on Canon APS-C, distinct from any additional movie crop
Teleconverter supportCompatible with RF 1.4× and RF 2× extenders–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance2.5 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification0.17×0.38×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM with Power Doubled Focus Drive on compatible cameras; full-time manual overrideSTM autofocus; combined electronic focus/control ring. No dedicated AF/MF switch
Focus distance detail2.5 m minimum focus; two stored focus presets and variable-speed manual focusingMaker minimum focus0.15m throughout the zoom range; no AF/MF distinction published in the specification table
Magnification detail0.17× maximum magnification0.17× at14mm and0.38× at30mm
Stabilisation detailCanon rates optical IS at 5.5 stops with EOS R or EOS R5 under CIPA yaw/pitch conditions; modes 1, 2 and 3Lens optical IS rated five stops at30mm with EOS R10, yaw/pitch under CIPA2024. Coordinated EOS R7 body/lens IS rated7.5 central and5.5 peripheral stops at30mm, yaw/pitch/roll. Ken Rockwell measured about2.5–2.7 stops on EOS R50 V held at arm’s length, a different test condition
Video featuresAperture control in 1/8-stop increments; power-focus mode for controlled focus transitionsInternal power zoom controlled by lens ring, compatible camera controls or remote smartphone/Bluetooth control; UK maker describes two-step variable speed and15 adjustable levels. Movie Digital IS is camera processing with additional crop, distinct from lens optical IS
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesNo
Filter diameter52 mm58 mm
Maximum diameter163 mm69.6 mm
Length367 mm62 mm
Weight2,890 g181 g (better)
ControlsFocus ring, playback ring, focus-preset controls and customisable lens-function buttons; no custom control ring (Cameralabs)Combined focus/control ring and power zoom ring; no dedicated stabilisation switch
Zoom design–Non-extending internal motorised zoom maintains the lens’s62mm length
Filter detail52 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 heat-reflective white paintMaker FAQ explicitly states no dust or drip resistant construction
Dimensions detail163 mm maximum diameter × 367 mm lengthApproximately69.6mm maximum diameter ×62mm length
Weight detailApproximately 2,890 g lensApproximately181g lens, per maker; Ken Rockwell measured179.1g
Tripod mountRotating built-in foot with 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch threads; no Arca-Swiss dovetail (Cameralabs)–
Lens hoodET-155 (WIII) included; shorter ET-155B optionalEW-63C, sold separately
In the boxLens, 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 manualUK maker store lists lens, E-58 II front cap, Lens Dust Cap RF and user manual
Release detailJuly 2021 Japanese first release, confirmed retrospectively by Canon's March 2022 announcement and Camera MuseumCanon USA scheduled the EOS R50 V kit containing this lens for April2025; Canon Indonesia’s22April2025 launch lists both kit and standalone lens for sale. Japan FAQ’s lateJuly2025 planned standalone release is a later regional date, not the earliest availability. No exact worldwide first-sale day inferred

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