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

Spec	Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM	Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM
Focal length	18-45mm	55-210mm
Max aperture	f/4.5-6.3	f/5-7.1
Type	zoom	zoom
Coverage	APS-C	APS-C
Mount	Canon RF	Canon RF

Which should you buy?

the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM opens wider (f/4.5-6.3) — brighter in low light and more background blur
the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM covers 18-45mm and the Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM covers 55-210mm — pick the range that matches what you shoot

Where to buy

Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Camera with RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 is STM & RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 is STM Lenses, 24.2 Megapixel CMO

Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STMSee price on Amazon

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Canon RF-S55-210mm F5-7.1 is STM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon APS-C Mirrorless RF Mount Cameras, Compact, Lightweight,

Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STMSee price on Amazon

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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).

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

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Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STMAffiliate linkSee price on Amazon