Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM vs Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM
Canon RF
The RF 100-500 is an L-series telephoto zoom, while the RF 200-800 is a consumer-line super-telephoto from Canon. Both are built for full frame, dust and water resistant, stabilized and compatible with the RF 1.4x and 2x extenders. What separates them is reach and size: the 200-800 gets you to 800 mm, the 100-500 stops at 500 mm. In return the 100-500 weighs about 1.4 kg, while the 200-800 with its attached tripod collar comes to around 2 kg.
So the question is whether the extra 300 mm is worth the weight. The 100-500 starts at 100 mm, which suits closer subjects and changing situations better, but accepts extenders only at 300-500 mm.
Which one suits whom?
- RF 100-500: You want a telephoto you can carry all day without a tripod and that stays flexible for nearby wildlife or sports.
- RF 200-800: You shoot shy birds, aircraft or distant subjects and accept the extra weight.
Key differences
- Focal length: 100-500 mm on the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM, 200-800 mm on the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM.
- The Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM is faster: f/4.5 instead of f/6.3, about 1 stops more light.
- The Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM is 685 g lighter (1,365 g vs 2,050 g).
- The Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM is 106 mm shorter.
- The Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM focuses closer: from 80 cm instead of 90 cm.
- Filter thread: 77 mm on the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM, 95 mm on the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM.
Specs side by side
The key specs of both lenses side by side.
| Lens | Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM | Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 100-500 mm | 200-800 mm |
| Max. aperture | f/4.5-7.1 | f/6.3-9 |
| Weight | 1,365 g | 2,050 g |
| Filter diameter | 77 mm | 95 mm |
| Min. focus distance | 90 cm | 80 cm |
| Length | 208 mm | 314 mm |
| Autofocus | yes | yes |
| Image stabilization | yes | yes |
Size comparison
- Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM: 208 × 94 mm
- Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM: 314 × 102 mm
Side view to the same scale, length × diameter (without lens hood).