Canon EF vs Canon RF100-
Updated July 2026 — Canon EF wins on price and aperture, Canon RF100- wins on stabilization and weight.
The Canon RF100-400mm offers superior versatility and advanced features, making it the better choice for dynamic photography, while the Canon EF 50mm is an excellent budget option for portraits.
Why Canon EF is better
Price
The EF 50mm is significantly cheaper at $155.99.
Portability
The EF 50mm is lighter and more compact.
Ideal for portraits
The EF 50mm excels in portrait photography.
Why Canon RF100- is better
Versatility
The RF100-400mm covers a zoom range of 100-400mm.
Image Stabilization
The RF100-400mm features advanced optical image stabilization.
Autofocus Speed
The RF100-400mm has faster autofocus with Nano USM technology.
Overall score
Specifications
| Spec | Canon EF | Canon RF100- |
|---|---|---|
| Max Aperture | f/1.8 | f/5.6-8 |
| Min Focus Dist. | 1.15 ft | 2.89 ft |
| Zoom Range | Fixed | 100-400mm |
| Image Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Autofocus Type | STM | Nano USM |
Dimension comparison
Overview of the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is a compact and versatile prime lens ideal for everyday photography. Priced at $155.99, it offers a bright f/1.8 maximum aperture, making it perfect for low-light conditions and creative depth of field control. This lens excels in portrait, action, and nighttime photography, with a minimum focusing distance of just 1.15 feet. The lens features a stepping motor for near-silent autofocus, ensuring smooth operation while shooting videos or stills.
Overview of the Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM
The Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM is a robust telephoto lens priced at $699.00, designed for wildlife, sports, and travel photography. This lens offers a versatile zoom range of 100-400mm, allowing photographers to capture distant subjects with ease. With a minimum focusing distance of 2.89 feet and advanced optical image stabilization, it provides up to 5.5 stops of shake correction. The RF100-400mm also features fast and quiet autofocus thanks to Canon’s Nano USM technology, enhancing the shooting experience.
Image Quality Comparison
When it comes to image quality, the Canon RF100-400mm excels with its advanced optical design, including Ultra Low Dispersion lens elements that correct chromatic aberration. This results in crisp, colorful images even at maximum zoom. In contrast, while the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens also delivers impressive image quality, especially in low-light conditions, it does not offer the same level of versatility and reach as the RF100-400mm. The 50mm lens is ideal for portraits and everyday shots, whereas the 100-400mm lens suits a broader range of photography styles.
Focusing Performance
The autofocus performance of the Canon RF100-400mm is superior, featuring Canon's Nano USM technology that delivers high-speed, smooth, and quiet focusing. This makes it particularly effective for capturing fast-moving subjects in wildlife or sports photography. The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens, while equipped with a stepping motor for silent autofocus, may not match the speed and accuracy of the RF100-400mm. The 50mm lens is better for controlled environments, such as portraits, but the telephoto lens shines in dynamic settings.
Portability and Weight
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around for casual shooting. Weighing significantly less than the RF100-400mm, it is an excellent choice for photographers who prioritize portability. On the other hand, the RF100-400mm, although designed to be compact for a telephoto lens, is heavier and bulkier, which can be a consideration for travel or long shooting sessions. While the 50mm lens is ideal for on-the-go photography, the RF100-400mm requires more effort to handle due to its size.
Price and Value
With the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens retailing at $155.99, it is about 77% cheaper than the Canon RF100-400mm, which is priced at $699.00. For budget-conscious photographers or those just starting out, the 50mm lens provides excellent value without sacrificing image quality. Conversely, the RF100-400mm is a significant investment, but it offers advanced features and versatility that justify the higher price. Photographers should consider their budget and specific needs before deciding which lens represents the best value.
Suitability for Different Photography Styles
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens is particularly suited for portrait photography, offering a flattering focal length and beautiful bokeh due to its wide aperture. It’s ideal for capturing emotions and details in a subject. In comparison, the Canon RF100-400mm is tailored for wildlife and sports photography, where distance and reach are essential. The ability to zoom in on distant subjects with clarity makes it the preferred choice for capturing fast action or detailed shots of animals in their natural habitats.
Which should you buy?
Ultimately, the choice between the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens and the Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM boils down to your specific photography needs. If you are looking for an affordable, lightweight lens for portraits and everyday photography, the 50mm is an excellent choice. However, if your photography involves wildlife, sports, or travel, and you require the versatility of a telephoto lens, the RF100-400mm offers features that can enhance your shooting experience. Consider your budget, style, and the types of subjects you frequently photograph to make the best decision.