Canon RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM vs Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5.0-7.1 IS STM
Canon RF
Both are APS-C zooms for Canon's RF-S cameras, but they complement each other more than they compete. The RF-S 18-150 (June 2022) is a travel zoom with an 8.3x range from 18 to 150 mm (about 29-240 mm equivalent). The RF-S 55-210 (March 2023) starts where a kit zoom ends and reaches 210 mm (about 336 mm equivalent). Both have in-lens image stabilization of 4.5 stops, STM autofocus and no weather sealing, and at 310 g and 270 g they weigh about the same.
The question is: one lens for everything, or a tele as a second lens?
Which one suits whom?
- RF-S 18-150: You want to get by with one lens from wide angle to tele and not change.
- RF-S 55-210: You already own a standard zoom and want targeted extra reach for wildlife, sports or details.
Key differences
- Focal length: 18-150 mm on the Canon RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM, 55-210 mm on the Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5.0-7.1 IS STM.
- The Canon RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM is faster: f/3.5 instead of f/5, about 1 stops more light.
- The Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5.0-7.1 IS STM is 40 g lighter (270 g vs 310 g).
- The Canon RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM is 10 mm shorter.
- The Canon RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM focuses closer: from 17 cm instead of 70 cm.
Specs side by side
The key specs of both lenses side by side.
| Lens | Canon RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM | Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5.0-7.1 IS STM |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 18-150 mm | 55-210 mm |
| Max. aperture | f/3.5-6.3 | f/5-7.1 |
| Weight | 310 g | 270 g |
| Filter diameter | 55 mm | 55 mm |
| Min. focus distance | 17 cm | 70 cm |
| Length | 84.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Autofocus | yes | yes |
| Image stabilization | yes | yes |
Size comparison
- Canon RF-S 18-150mm F3.5-6.3 IS STM: 84.5 × 69 mm
- Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5.0-7.1 IS STM: 94 × 69 mm
Side view to the same scale, length × diameter (without lens hood).