Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM vs Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM

Both are Canon RF mount zooms for telephoto and wildlife — here's how the specs differ and which to pick. Every spec is from the manufacturer's own catalog.

Last verified 2026-09-01 · Canon RF mount · prices change — check the retailer

Spec	Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM	Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM
Focal length	100-500mm	200-800mm
Max aperture	f/4.5-7.1	f/6.3-9
Type	zoom	zoom
Coverage	full-frame	full-frame
Mount	Canon RF	Canon RF

Which should you buy?

the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM opens wider (f/4.5-7.1) — brighter in low light and more background blur
the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM covers 100-500mm and the Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM covers 200-800mm — pick the range that matches what you shoot

Where to buy

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L is USM Super-Telephoto Lens

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USMSee price on Amazon

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Canon RF200-800mm F6.3-9 is USM Super-telephoto Zoom Lens, Mirrorless, Powerful Zoom Range, Comfortable Handheld Shootin

Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USMSee price on Amazon

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FAQ

What's the difference between the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM and the Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM?
The Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM is 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 zoom, full-frame; the Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM is 200-800mm f/6.3-9 zoom, full-frame. Both fit the Canon RF mount.

Which is better in low light, the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM or the Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM?
The Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM — its f/4.5-7.1 maximum aperture lets in more light and gives more background blur than the f/6.3-9 of the other.

Do the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM and Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM fit the same camera?
Yes — both are Canon RF mount lenses, so they fit Canon EOS R series (full-frame R5/R6/R8) and APS-C (R7/R10/R50).

Citing these specs? Go ahead — manufacturer data, last verified 2026-09-01. Copy a ready-made reference:

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Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USMAffiliate linkSee price on Amazon