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Compare the Canon RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 with the RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM and the RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM
Kamera Express
Canon’s range of RF lenses continues to grow, including by modernising popular EF lenses that have been favourites among photographers for years. With the RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6, Canon puts a new spin on the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III from 1999. So, if you are a beginner photographer looking for your first telephoto zoom lens, the RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 is a very good choice. It is a reliable and affordable RF zoom lens with a huge range. On a camera with an APS-C sensor, the image even corresponds to a 120-480mm focal length. With the RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6, you can bring distant subjects closer. Whether you are heading out into nature or standing on the sidelines of a sports field, this lens lets you zoom in on the action.
With the RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6, Canon adds something unique to the RF line-up. Two lenses that come fairly close are the RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM and the RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM. However, the first is specially developed for cameras with an APS-C sensor and is therefore less interesting for photographers with a full-frame camera. The RF 100-400mm performs better optically than the RF 75-300mm, but it is also a little longer, heavier and more expensive.
Every lens naturally has advantages and disadvantages, and we are happy to help you choose the best zoom lens. We have compared the three RF lenses and show you below how they differ from each other, making the choice easier for you.
Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM
The Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM is a zoom lens specially developed for APS-C cameras. At 270 grams, it is very lightweight and therefore easy to take with you on the go. Thanks to the built-in 4.5-stop image stabilisation, which can increase to up to 7 stops with in-body stabilisation, you can shoot stable, sharp images at every focal length. The lens also features special optics, such as 2 UD (ultra-low-dispersion) glass elements and one PMo aspherical element. This means beautiful, colourful images without image distortion in every situation. Thanks to the versatile zoom range, you can use this lens to shoot both portraits and subjects that are farther away.
Canon RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6
The RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 is a telephoto zoom lens for both APS-C cameras and full-frame users. With a zoom range of up to 300mm (480mm on an APS-C camera), this lens brings you very close to the action and lets you capture close-ups of subjects you cannot physically get close to. The Canon RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 weighs 507 grams, making it one of the lightest lenses in its class. The large range of the telephoto lens combined with the maximum aperture of f/4 provides a very shallow depth of field. This means a clear separation between your subject and the background for a professional look. Thanks to the 7 aperture blades, the Canon RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 creates beautiful round bokeh in a silky-smooth background.
Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM
The Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is the perfect zoom lens for wildlife and sports photography. It features 5.5-stop image stabilisation (up to 6 stops with in-body stabilisation), and the special lens elements and Super Spectra Coating ensure beautiful, colourful images. The Nano USM focusing motor is smooth, quiet and fast. Essential when you want to photograph wildlife in silence, but also perfect for fast action on the sidelines of the sports field. The lens has a maximum focal length of 400mm (640mm on an APS-C camera) and is compatible with the 1.4x and 2x Canon Extenders. This allows you to create a focal length of up to 800mm on a full-frame camera. The large zoom range gives very beautiful depth of field with almost perfectly round bokeh thanks to the 9 aperture blades.
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Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM |
New Canon RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 |
Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 55-210mm | 75-300mm | 100-400mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/5-f/7.1 | f/4-f/5.6 | f5.6-f/8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22-f/32 | f/32-f/45 | f/32-f/45 |
| Number of aperture blades | 7 | 7 | 9 |
| Image stabilizer | 4.5 stops | - | 5.5 stops |
| Image stabilizer with in-body stabilisation | 7 stops | - | 6 stops |
| Minimum focusing distance | 73 cm | 150 cm | 88 cm |
| Lens Control Ring | No | No | Yes |
| AF/MF switch | No | No | Yes |
| Type of focusing motor | STM | DC | Nano USM |
| Compatible with Canon Extenders | No | No | Yes |
| Filter size | 55mm | 58mm | 67mm |
| Special optics | 2x UD, 1x PMo aspherical | - | 1x UD, 1x PMo aspherical |
| Coating | Super Spectra | Super Spectra | Super Spectra |
| Dust- and moisture-resistant | No | No | No |
| Length | 135 mm | 146.1 mm | 164.7 mm |
| Weight | 270 grams | 507 grams | 635 grams |
| Introduction year | February 2023 | April 2025 | September 2021 |
Why should I choose the Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM lens?
The Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM is a versatile zoom lens specially designed for APS-C cameras. It is the lightest, most compact lens of the three. Perfect to take with you on the go. With this lens, you can bring distant subjects closer, while also capturing slightly wider shots. The lens offers 4.5 stops of built-in image stabilisation and contains various special glass elements for beautiful image quality.
Why should I choose the Canon RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 lens?
Are you looking for a good telephoto zoom lens, but do you not have a large budget? Then the Canon RF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 is the lens for you. It is suitable for both full-frame cameras and APS-C models and brings your subject truly close with a maximum focal length of 300mm. With this lens, you can shoot both portraits and wildlife and action photos.
Why should I choose the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM lens?
The Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is perfect for wildlife and action photos. It has the best specifications of the three. For example, it has 5.5 stops of built-in image stabilisation, a real must-have with this zoom range. The special glass elements ensure stunning images with rich colours. Do you add a Canon Extender? Then this lens offers an equivalent focal length of up to 800mm.
