Canon RF100- vs Viltrox

Overview of the Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM and Viltrox 35mm F1.7 E

The Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM and Viltrox 35mm F1.7 E are two distinct lenses designed for different photography needs. The Canon lens is a versatile telephoto zoom lens, while the Viltrox is a prime lens ideal for portrait and street photography. With prices of $699.00 and $179.00, respectively, the Viltrox offers significant savings—about 74% cheaper than the Canon lens. Understanding their features will help you decide which one fits your photography style.

Design and Build Quality

The Canon RF100-400mm is compact and lightweight, making it highly portable for a telephoto lens. It offers a versatile zoom range that allows for detailed wildlife and sports photography. In contrast, the Viltrox 35mm F1.7 E weighs only 170g, emphasizing its suitability for travel and everyday use. The lightweight design of the Viltrox makes it an appealing option for photographers who prioritize mobility. While both lenses are well-designed, the Canon lens appeals to users needing a robust telephoto capability, while the Viltrox is perfect for those who favor a lighter setup.

Focal Length and Aperture

The Canon RF100-400mm boasts a focal length range of 100-400mm, making it suitable for capturing distant subjects with clarity. Its variable aperture of f/5.6-8 is decent for general use but may struggle in low-light conditions. Conversely, the Viltrox 35mm offers a fixed aperture of f/1.7, excelling in low-light environments and providing greater control over depth of field. The difference in focal length means that the Canon is better for long-range shots, whereas the Viltrox is perfect for portraits, street photography, and landscapes. This fundamental difference highlights the specific use cases for each lens.

Autofocus Performance

The Canon RF100-400mm features Canon’s Nano USM technology, allowing for high-speed, smooth, and quiet autofocus. This is particularly beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as in sports photography. The Viltrox 35mm also supports autofocus, which is designed to work seamlessly with Sony E-mount cameras, ensuring near-silent operation. While both lenses have reliable autofocus systems, the Canon lens may have an edge in scenarios demanding rapid focus adjustments. However, the Viltrox's autofocus is sufficient for most portrait and landscape needs.

Image Stabilization

When it comes to image stabilization, the Canon RF100-400mm stands out with its Optical Image Stabilizer, providing up to 5.5 stops of shake correction. This feature is further enhanced to 6 stops when used with compatible EOS R series cameras that have in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This makes it particularly effective for handheld shooting in challenging conditions. The Viltrox does not specify any image stabilization features, which may affect its performance in low-light situations or when shooting at slower shutter speeds. For photographers who frequently shoot without a tripod, the Canon lens offers a significant advantage.

Use Cases and Versatility

The Canon RF100-400mm is tailored for wildlife, sports, and travel photography, offering a zoom range that brings distant subjects closer. Its ability to accept tele extenders further enhances its versatility, allowing for focal lengths of up to 800mm. On the other hand, the Viltrox 35mm is designed for portrait, street, and landscape photography, making it a more specialized lens. While the Canon lens excels in capturing distant action, the Viltrox is perfect for everyday scenarios where a prime lens is preferred. The choice between them largely depends on the photographer's primary focus area.

Price Comparison

With a price tag of $699.00, the Canon RF100-400mm is positioned as a premium option in the telephoto lens market. In contrast, the Viltrox 35mm is offered at a much more accessible price of $179.00, making it about 74% cheaper. This substantial price difference makes the Viltrox an attractive choice for beginners or those on a budget. However, the Canon lens provides features and performance that justify its higher price for serious photographers who require a telephoto option. The decision ultimately hinges on budget and intended use.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 IS USM and Viltrox 35mm F1.7 E depends on your specific photography needs. If you require a versatile telephoto lens for wildlife and sports, the Canon lens is the better option despite its higher price. Its superior focal length, image stabilization, and autofocus capabilities make it an excellent choice for serious photographers. However, if you are looking for a budget-friendly, lightweight lens for portraits and street photography, the Viltrox is an exceptional value. Ultimately, your choice will reflect your shooting style and budget considerations.