Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM vs Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM
Both are Canon RF mount zooms for telephoto and sports & action — here's how the specs differ and which to pick. Every spec is from the manufacturer's own catalog.
| Spec | Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM | Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 100-500mm | 55-210mm |
| Max aperture | f/4.5-7.1 | f/5-7.1 |
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Coverage | full-frame | APS-C |
| 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-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM covers 55-210mm — pick the range that matches what you shoot
- the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM covers full-frame (also works on APS-C bodies); the Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM is APS-C-only — it won't fill a full-frame sensor
Where to buy
Check the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM price on Amazon →
Check the Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM price on Amazon →
FAQ
What's the difference between the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM and the Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM?
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-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM is 55-210mm f/5-7.1 zoom, APS-C. 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-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM?
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/5-7.1 of the other.
Do the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM and Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM 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). Note the Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM is APS-C-only and won't fill a full-frame sensor.
More Canon RF comparisons: Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM vs Canon RF 50mm f/1.4 L VCM · Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM vs Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM · Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM vs Canon RF 85mm f/1.2 L USM · Canon RF 50mm f/1.2 L USM vs Canon RF 135mm f/1.8 L IS USM · all Canon RF lenses · all comparisons