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Canon RF 600mm F11 IS STM vs Canon RF 600mm F4L IS USM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonRF 600mm F11 IS STMCanonRF 600mm F4L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedJuly 2020July 2021
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length600 mm600 mm
Maximum aperturef/11f/4
Minimum aperturef/11f/32
Optical constructionTen elements in seven groupsSeventeen elements in thirteen groups
Special elementsGapless dual-layer diffractive optical elementTwo fluorite elements and one Super UD element
Coatings–Super Spectra and ASC; fluorine coatings on front and rear elements
Aperture detailFixed f/11 aperture; cannot be stopped downMaximum f/4; minimum f/32
DiaphragmNo aperture bladesNine blades
Angle of view–Full-frame diagonal 4°10′
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon RFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R camerasCanon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R cameras; 960 mm equivalent field of view on Canon APS-C
Teleconverter supportCompatible with RF extenders; 840 mm at f/16 with RF 1.4× or 1200 mm at f/22 with RF 2× (Cameralabs and Dustin Abbott). Autofocus performance depends on camera and light levelsCompatible with RF 1.4× and RF 2× extenders
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance4.5 m4.2 m
Maximum magnification0.14×0.15×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailLead-screw STM autofocus; Canon Camera Museum states a focus area of 40% horizontal × 60% vertical for the original supported EOS R bodiesRing-type USM with Power Doubled Focus Drive on compatible cameras; full-time manual override
Focus distance detailMinimum focus 4.5 m; full-range or 12 m–infinity focus limiter (Cameralabs and Dustin Abbott)4.2 m minimum focus; two stored focus presets and variable-speed manual focusing
Magnification detailMaximum 0.14×0.15× maximum magnification
Stabilisation detailUp to five stops optical stabilisation under CIPA testing with EOS RCanon rates optical IS at 5.5 stops with EOS R or EOS R5 under CIPA yaw/pitch conditions; modes 1, 2 and 3
Video features–Aperture control in 1/8-stop increments; power-focus mode for controlled focus transitions
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNoYes
Filter diameter82 mm52 mm
Maximum diameter93 mm168 mm
Length199.5 mm472 mm
Weight930 g3,090 g
ControlsSeparate manual focus and customisable control rings; focus limiter, AF/MF and stabiliser switchesFocus ring, playback ring, focus-preset controls and lens-function buttons; no custom control ring (Cameralabs)
Filter detail–52 mm drop-in screw-type filter holder 52 (WIII), supplied with a clear Protect filter; optional circular polariser and gelatin holder
Zoom designPrime lens with a retracting storage barrel; extend and lock the barrel before shooting–
Weather resistanceNo dust or moisture sealing, including no rubber mount seal (Cameralabs)Dust- and moisture-resistant construction with heat-reflective white paint
Dimensions detail93 mm maximum diameter; 199.5 mm retracted length or 269.5 mm when extended for shooting168 mm maximum diameter × 472 mm length
Weight detailApproximately 930 g lensApproximately 3,090 g lens
Tripod mountBuilt-in tripod mounting thread; no rotating collar (Cameralabs)Rotating built-in foot with 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch threads; no Arca-Swiss dovetail (Cameralabs)
Lens hoodET-88B hood sold separately (Dustin Abbott)ET-160 (WIII) included; shorter ET-160B optional
In the boxLens, E-82II cap, RF dust cap and user manual kitLens, RF dust cap, drop-in screw-type filter holder 52 (WIII) with 52 mm Protect filter, E-185C soft cap, ET-160 (WIII) hood, LS600 soft case, Lens Wide Strap B and user manual
Release detailJuly 2020 marketed month in Canon Camera MuseumJuly 2021 Japanese first release confirmed retrospectively by Canon's March 2022 announcement and Camera Museum

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