Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM vs Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM opens to f/5 versus the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM's f/5.6 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 210mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Choose the Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 55mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You're on a budget — $329 vs $649 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓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-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM opens to f/5 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-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM is 55-210mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM is $329, $320 under the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM.
- ›Weight: the Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM is 270g (9.5 oz) vs 635g (1.40 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM or the Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM opens to f/5 versus the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM's f/5.6 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
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 210mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Who should choose the Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM?
Choose the Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM if you shoot wide — it starts at 55mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $329 vs $649 leaves more for other gear. 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-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM?
Aperture: the Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM opens to f/5 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 | 55-210mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 18 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/5.6 | f/5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 24° – 6° | 29° – 8° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 88-336mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Nano USM | STM |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 88 cm | 85 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.41x | 0.34x |
| 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 | $329 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 55mm |
| Diameter | 79mm | 73.6mm |
| Length | 147mm | 113.9mm |
| Weight | 635g (1.40 lb) | 270g (9.5 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
