Canon EF 75- vs Canon RF 24-

Overview

The Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens and the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM Lens are two distinct lenses designed for different types of photography. The former is primarily a telephoto zoom lens, while the latter serves as a versatile standard zoom lens. This fundamental difference impacts their usability, target audience, and price points, with the 75-300mm lens priced at $199.99 and the 24-105mm lens retailing for $476.95.

Design and Build Quality

In terms of design, the Canon EF 75-300mm lens is a traditional telephoto lens measuring 2.8 inches in diameter and 4.8 inches long. Weighing 16.8 ounces, it is relatively lightweight for its class. On the other hand, the Canon RF 24-105mm lens is compact and lightweight, designed for full-frame mirrorless cameras. While both lenses are portable, the RF 24-105mm offers the added convenience of a more modern design tailored for everyday use, making it a better choice for travel and casual photography.

Focal Length Range

The focal length range is a significant differentiating factor. The Canon EF 75-300mm features a long zoom range of 75-300mm, making it ideal for capturing distant subjects such as wildlife or sports. In contrast, the Canon RF 24-105mm lens covers a more versatile range of 24-105mm, allowing for wide-angle shots as well as short telephoto options. This flexibility makes the 24-105mm lens suitable for diverse photography styles, from landscapes to portraits, whereas the 75-300mm is more specialized.

Aperture and Imaging Performance

When comparing the maximum aperture, the Canon EF 75-300mm lens offers a maximum aperture range of f/4-5.6, while the Canon RF 24-105mm lens has a slightly wider aperture range of f/4-7.1. The RF lens includes Optical Image Stabilization, providing up to five stops of correction, which enhances shooting in low-light conditions. This feature is absent in the 75-300mm lens, making the RF 24-105mm more capable of delivering sharp images in challenging lighting situations.

Autofocus and Usability

The autofocus systems of these lenses cater to different needs. The Canon EF 75-300mm uses a DC motor for autofocus, which is reliable but not the fastest. In contrast, the Canon RF 24-105mm employs a smooth and quiet STM stepping motor, making it ideal for both photography and video recording. The RF lens also features full-time manual focus override, providing photographers with greater control over focus adjustments, which is particularly beneficial for vloggers and content creators.

Special Features

Both lenses come with unique features that serve different photography needs. The Canon RF 24-105mm lens includes a Center Macro Focus position, enabling close-up shooting with a maximum magnification of 1:2, which is perfect for capturing intricate details. It also has a configurable Control Ring for quick adjustments to settings like aperture and ISO. Conversely, the Canon EF 75-300mm lens lacks such specialized features but is designed to capture distant subjects effectively, making it a solid choice for wildlife and sports photography.

Price Comparison

The price difference between the two lenses is significant. The Canon EF 75-300mm is priced at $199.99, making it about 58% cheaper than the Canon RF 24-105mm, which retails for $476.95. This substantial price gap reflects the different target markets; the 75-300mm lens aims at budget-conscious photographers, while the 24-105mm lens is positioned for those seeking a versatile, high-performance option for everyday use.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Canon EF 75-300mm and the Canon RF 24-105mm largely depends on your specific photography needs and budget. If you require a specialized lens for distant subjects like wildlife or sports, the 75-300mm is a cost-effective choice. However, for versatility, optical stabilization, and superior usability, the RF 24-105mm lens is well worth the investment. In summary, if you're looking for an all-around lens for various photography styles, the Canon RF 24-105mm is the better option, while the 75-300mm serves as a great entry-level telephoto lens for those on a budget.