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Canon RF 75–300mm F4–5.6 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 75–300mm F4–5.6CanonRF-S 18–45mm F4.5–6.3 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedMay 2025June 2022
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length75–300 mm18–45 mm
Maximum aperturef/4–5.6f/4.5–6.3
Minimum aperturef/32–45f/22–32
Optical constructionThirteen elements in nine groups; Canon states the optical design is adapted from the EF 75–300mm F4–5.6 IIISeven elements in seven groups
Special elements–Two plastic-moulded aspherical elements; Super Spectra coating; no fluorine coating
CoatingsSuper Spectra; no fluorine coating–
Aperture detailMaximum f/4 at 75 mm and f/5.6 at 300 mm; minimum f/32 and f/45 respectivelyMinimum 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
DiaphragmSeven bladesSeven blades
Angle of viewFull-frame diagonal 32°11′–8°15′; horizontal 27°–6°50′; vertical 18°11′–4°35′–
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon RFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityCanon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R cameras; 120–480 mm equivalent field of view on Canon APS-CCanon RF mount with APS-C image circle; full-frame EOS R bodies crop to APS-C; RF extenders and EF extension tubes not compatible
Teleconverter supportNot compatible with RF extenders (The-Digital-Picture)–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1.5 m0.15 m (manual focus)
Maximum magnification0.25×0.26× (manual focus)
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailDC motor autofocus; no full-time manual focus override (Digital Camera World)STM autofocus and electronic manual focusing
Focus distance detail1.5 m minimum focus; front element and focus ring rotate during focusing (Digital Camera World and The-Digital-Picture)Autofocus 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 detail0.06× at 75 mm and 0.25× at 300 mmAutofocus 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 lens optical stabilisationOptical 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
Video featuresSubstantial focus breathing in The-Digital-Picture's test–
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–No
Filter diameter58 mm49 mm
Maximum diameter71.2 mm69 mm
Length146.1 mm44.3 mm
Weight507 g130 g
ControlsManual focus and zoom rings, AF/MF switch; no custom control ring (The-Digital-Picture)Combined focus/control ring and zoom ring; AF/MF and IS controlled through camera settings
Zoom designExtending zoom barrel; further extension and front rotation during focusing (Digital Camera World)Retractable barrel; lens must be extended for shooting
Filter detail58 mm front thread rotates during focusing–
Weather resistanceCanon UK's table lists dust/moisture resistance, but Digital Camera World and The-Digital-Picture both report no weather sealingNo dust or moisture resistance
Dimensions detail71.2 mm maximum diameter × 146.1 mm retracted lengthApproximately 69 mm maximum diameter × 44.3 mm length, retracted
Weight detailApproximately 507 g lensApproximately 130 g lens
Lens hoodOptional ET-60 hood, not includedEW-53 hood and LP814 pouch, sold separately
In the boxLens, E-58 II lens cap, RF dust cap and user manualLens, E-49 front cap, RF lens dust cap and user manual
Release detailMay 2025 release confirmed retrospectively by Canon's February 2026 press release and Canon Camera MuseumJune 2022 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

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