Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM vs Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is 100-400mm, the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is 24mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM for super-telephoto, the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM for standard.
Choose the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 24mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 100-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 24mm can't reframe.
Choose the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/5.6, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 24mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 270g (9.5 oz) it's lighter than the 635g (1.40 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM opens to f/1.8 vs the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM's f/5.6 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is 100-400mm, Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is 24mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is a zoom (flexible framing), the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Weight: the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is 270g (9.5 oz) vs 635g (1.40 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM or the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is 100-400mm, the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM is 24mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM for super-telephoto, the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM for standard.
Who should choose the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM?
Choose the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM if you need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 24mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 100-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 24mm can't reframe.
Who should choose the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM?
Choose the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/5.6, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 24mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 270g (9.5 oz) it's lighter than the 635g (1.40 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM and the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM?
Aperture: the Canon RF 24mm f/1.8 Macro IS STM opens to f/1.8 vs the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM's f/5.6 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 100-400mm | 24mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 18 | 12 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/5.6 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 24° – 6° | 84° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Nano USM | STM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 88 cm | 14 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.41x | 0.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $649 | $699 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 52mm |
| Diameter | 79mm | 74.4mm |
| Length | 147mm | 62.8mm |
| Weight | 635g (1.40 lb) | 270g (9.5 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
