FitMyLensthe lens-by-mount reference

Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM vs Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM

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

Last verified 2026-06-21 · Canon RF mount · prices change — check the retailer

SpecCanon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STMCanon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM
Focal length18-45mm55-210mm
Max aperturef/4.5-6.3f/5-7.1
Typezoomzoom
CoverageAPS-CAPS-C
MountCanon RFCanon RF

Which should you buy?

Where to buy

Check the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM price on Amazon →

Check the Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM price on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate links never affect our specs or which lenses we compare.

FAQ

What's the difference between the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM and the Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM?
The Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 zoom, APS-C; 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-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM or the Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM?
The Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM — its f/4.5-6.3 maximum aperture lets in more light and gives more background blur than the f/5-7.1 of the other.

Do the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM 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).

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