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Canon RF 75–300mm F4–5.6 vs Canon RF-S 55–210mm F5–7.1 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 55–210mm F5–7.1 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedMay 2025March 2023
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length75–300 mm55–210 mm
Maximum aperturef/4–5.6f/5–7.1
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 IIIEleven elements in eight groups
Special elements–Two UD elements and one plastic-moulded aspherical element; 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 55 mm and f/32 at 210 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 m0.73 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.28×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailDC motor autofocus; no full-time manual focus override (Digital Camera World)Lead-screw 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)Minimum focus 1 m at 55 mm and 0.73 m at 210 mm
Magnification detail0.06× at 75 mm and 0.25× at 300 mmMaximum 0.05× at 55 mm and 0.28× at 210 mm
Stabilisation detailNo lens optical stabilisationOptical 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
Video featuresSubstantial focus breathing in The-Digital-Picture's test–
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–No
Filter diameter58 mm55 mm
Maximum diameter71.2 mm69 mm
Length146.1 mm92.9 mm
Weight507 g270 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)Extending zoom barrel
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 × 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 507 g lensApproximately 270 g lens
Lens hoodOptional ET-60 hood, not includedET-60B hood and LP1016 pouch, sold separately
In the boxLens, E-58 II lens cap, RF dust cap and user manualLens, E-55 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 MuseumMarch 2023 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

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