Canon · RF

RF-S 55–210mm F5–7.1 IS STM

Released March 2023

An APS-C telephoto zoom for EOS R cameras, with optical stabilisation, STM autofocus and a 270 g lens weight.

Mount
Canon RF
Focal length
55–210 mm
Max aperture
f/5–7.1
Stabilisation
Yes
Weight
270 g

What reviewers say

Both reviews praise its compact reach, responsive autofocus and effective stabilisation, while noting the slow aperture and weaker long-end edges. ePHOTOzine finds the handling pleasing and close-up results attractive. Digital Camera World is more critical of basic controls requiring camera menus, but considers it a practical telephoto companion. Both find it good value despite the separately sold hood.

From ephotozine.com and digitalcameraworld.com

Optics

Lens type
Zoom
Focal length
55–210 mm
Maximum aperture
f/5–7.1
Minimum aperture
f/22–32
Optical construction
Eleven elements in eight groups
Special elements
Two 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
Diaphragm
Seven blades

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Canon RF
Image circle
APS-C
Compatibility
Canon 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

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.73 m
Maximum magnification
0.28×
Optical stabilisation
Yes
Autofocus detail
Lead-screw STM autofocus and electronic manual focusing
Focus distance detail
Minimum focus 1 m at 55 mm and 0.73 m at 210 mm
Magnification detail
Maximum 0.05× at 55 mm and 0.28× at 210 mm
Stabilisation detail
Optical 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 resistant
No
Filter diameter
55 mm
Maximum diameter
69 mm
Length
92.9 mm
Weight
270 g
Controls
Combined focus/control ring and zoom ring; AF/MF and IS controlled through camera settings
Zoom design
Extending zoom barrel
Weather resistance
No dust or moisture resistance
Dimensions detail
Approximately 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 detail
Approximately 270 g lens
Lens hood
ET-60B hood and LP1016 pouch, sold separately
In the box
Lens, E-55 front cap, RF lens dust cap and user manual
Release detail
March 2023 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

Pros and cons

Pros

  • 270 g lens weight
  • Optical image stabilisation
  • 0.28× maximum magnification

Cons

  • f/7.1 maximum aperture at 210 mm
  • No dust or moisture resistance
  • Lens hood sold separately

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Canon RF18–150 mmf/3.5–6.3Yes310 gJun 2022
Canon RF70–200 mmf/4Yes695 gMar 2021
Canon RF75–300 mmf/4–5.6No507 gMay 2025

Sources

  1. canon.co.uk/lenses/rf-s-55-210mm-f5-7-1-is-stm/specifications
  2. canon.co.uk/store/canon-rf-s-55-210mm-f5-7-1-is-stm-lens/5824C005
  3. personal.canon.jp/product/camera/rf/rf-s55-210-f5-71/spec
  4. global.canon/en/c-museum/product/rf522.html
  5. ephotozine.com/article/canon-rf-s-55-210mm-review-36535
  6. digitalcameraworld.com/reviews/canon-rf-s-55-210mm-f5-71-is-stm-review

Photo: Canon Asia Photo Library; official press archive member RF-S55-210mm f5-7.1 IS STM.jpg; complete supplied canvas and white background retained.

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